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Cars Like Jeep Renegade, Chevrolet Captiva, and Fiat Marea Are Pointed Out by Specialized Sites as Champions in Chronic Problems and Expensive Maintenance in the Used Market
Buying a used car may seem like a smart choice to save money, but some models hide chronic problems that can turn the dream into a headache. Specialized sites like Vrum and UOL Carros have recently released lists of vehicles that accumulate a history of mechanical, electrical, and structural failures, making them poor choices for those seeking reliability and low maintenance costs.
Below, we list seven used cars you should avoid according to these publications:
Jeep Renegade and Compass (Until 2019)
The Jeep models manufactured until 2019, particularly with the 1.8 flex and 2.0 engines, face problems with the Aisin AT6 automatic transmission. According to Vrum, issues include harsh engagement, overheating, and even mixing of transmission oil with the coolant. The problem was mitigated in the versions with the 1.3 turbo engine launched in 2022.
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The 7-seater Toyota that seems too cheap to exist in Brazil: Rush has a 1.5 engine, manual or automatic option, and a converted price close to R$ 81,000, while here families need to aim for much more expensive SUVs.
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The 2012 Mitsubishi Pajero Dakar diesel shows 314,000 km and still draws attention for its reputation for durability; the seven-seater 4×4 SUV handles trails, but signs of severe use may conceal losses for used car buyers.
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Peugeot publicly acknowledged the errors of the PureTech engine, which caused serious failures in hundreds of thousands of cars, and introduced the new Turbo 100 as a definitive solution, a 1.2 turbo tested for over 3 million kilometers that replaces the faulty belt with a more durable chain.
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Automatic cars become ‘cheap’ in Brazil, and models from Toyota, Hyundai, Nissan, and Honda appear for R$ 65,000 with up to 120 hp, CVT transmission, 482 liters of trunk space, keyless entry, and six airbags to tackle traffic without a clutch.
Chevrolet Captiva (2008 to 2017)
Despite its robust appearance and attractive price, the Chevrolet SUV hides serious flaws, especially in the versions with the V6 3.6 engine. As shown by the Vrum portal, the automatic transmission suffers from inaccurate engagement and failures in the planetary system. The power steering also tends to present defects due to the accumulation of impurities in the fluid.
Ford Fiesta, Focus, and EcoSport (2013 to 2017)
These three Ford models used the infamous Powershift transmission, a dual-clutch system with a bad reputation. According to UOL Carros, the failures involve shaking, leaks, overheating, and loss of power. The problems were so severe that they prompted the manufacturer to halt transmission production in Brazil.
Peugeot 206 (1998 to 2012)
The compact hatch from Peugeot was a sales success but lacks reliability. As highlighted by Vrum, the suspension is fragile for the Brazilian terrain, and the 1.4 engine shows recurring issues with the head gasket. The Citroën C3 from the same era, which shares a platform, also suffers from the same flaws.
Volkswagen Gol, Fox, and Polo with EA111 Engine
Volkswagen models with the EA111 engine have a history of oil leaks, mainly due to seal failures. Although not a serious failure, the issue can lead to losses over time. This observation is made by experts from Vrum and also Quatro Rodas.
Fiat Stilo with Sky Window Roof
The Stilo equipped with the Sky Window sunroof is negatively remembered by many mechanics. The complex mechanism often fails, and repair costs are high. According to a survey by UOL Carros, the defect compromises the watertightness and functionality of the roof, leading to leaks.
Fiat Marea
A classic example of a car with delicate maintenance, the Fiat Marea is feared by mechanics due to its propensity to produce oil sludge. The information, widely reported by sites like Wikipedia and Vrum, reinforces the importance of rigorous preventive maintenance for this model, which is rarely undertaken by owners.
Avoiding cars with chronic issues is essential to not compromise the savings achieved by buying a used car. Doing thorough research and consulting historical records of recurring defects can save time, money, and many headaches in the future.
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