You can find many cheap but reliable ones SUV to the used car market On the other hand, there are also many cheap SUVs that you should run away from. Some of these worst SUVs are not only cheap, but have some of the highest repair costs. Repair costs like replacing an engine could eat a serious hole in your pocket. Over time, these repair costs soon become far greater than the cost of the actual car.
Some of these cheap SUVs have a problem. For example, the 2012 Nissan Rogue received numerous complaints about its transmission. On the other hand, some of these cheap SUVs have several problems. For example, complaints about the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan include problems with the engine and cooling system. These cheap SUVs will bankrupt you with maintenance and repair bills. Let’s take a look at some of the cheap SUVs that everyone regrets buying.
10 2008 Jeep Patriot: $9,000
Jeep really let its customers down with the Patriot. The 2008 Jeep Patriot is an example of this. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine powers this SUV, providing 172 horsepower and 165 lb-ft of torque. It offered independent suspension. Cargo capacity of 54.2 cubic feet is available with the rear seats folded. However, maximum cargo space is 62.7 cubic feet with everything folded.
The 2008 Jeep Patriot received many complaints from owners. Car complaints identify a leaking sunroof, transmission failure and water leaks as the worst problems. Only a memory was made. However, NHTSA recorded 442 complaints for the 2008 Jeep Patriot. 87 of these complaints related to the fuel system, while 88 related to the structure. Consumer Reports gives a score of 2/5 for acceleration, fuel economy and emergency handling, 3/5 for braking, but 5/5 for the transmission. You may want to consider some of the best Jeeps that combine performance with reliability.
9 2005 Nissan Pathfinder: $5,000
The 2005 Nissan Pathfinder is a five-door, seven-seat SUV powered by a 270-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine. However, owners seemed to voice numerous complaints. NHTSA recorded 1,046 complaints about the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. 584 of those complaints related to the powertrain.
Car Complaints cites a significant number of transmission complaints. Transmission coolant leaks, transmission failure, and the transmission causing the vehicle to shake are considered the worst problems in the 2005 Nissan Pathfinder. It’s estimated that the shake will only cost about $6,380 to fix, according to Car Complaints.
8 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan: $9,000
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The 2009 model year is one of those Volkswagen Tiguans you should avoid buying used. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 200 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque powers this SUV. However, this Tiguan’s engine is the reason many owners complain about this model year.
Car Complaints showed that the number of complaints about this Tiguan’s engine outnumbered other complaints. The worst issues included timing chain tensioner issues, water pump failure, and plastic intake manifold failure. The average cost to fix the timing chain tensioner is about $3,240, according to Car Complaints. NHTSA recorded 164 complaints about the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan. 79 of those complaints were related to the engine.
7 2003 Saturn Vue: $3,000
There are some cheap Saturns you can get for next to nothing, while others are simply not worth it. The 2003 Saturn Vue is one such car. The 2003 Saturn Vue was powered by numerous engine options, including the 143-horsepower 2.2-liter four-cylinder and the 181-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. This five-seater caused numerous complaints from owners.
Car Complaints cites a significant number of complaints about this Saturn Vue’s transmission, not to mention its engine issues. This website suggests that the worst problems with this SUV are transmission failure, engine stalling while driving, and wheel bearing failure. NHTSA recorded 627 complaints. 318 of those complaints were about the powertrain.
6 2004 Ford Explorer: $5,000
The 2004 Ford Explorer is powered by a 210-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine. Otherwise, there’s the V8 option. However, the 2004 Ford Explorer seems to be a polarizing vehicle. Some may love the 2004 Ford Explorer. On the other hand, many owners have complained about this same SUV.
Car Complaints reports numerous issues with the bodywork and paint job, particularly a cracked panel. The website cites numerous transmission problems including transmission slippage, transmission failure, no reverse and vibration while driving. NHTSA recorded 1,404 complaints about the 2004 Ford Explorer. 477 of those complaints were about the power train.
5 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee: $10,000
This Jeep offers a 290 horsepower 3.6 liter V6 engine. Otherwise, there’s the 5.7-liter V8 option. However, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of those money pits to avoid when choosing a used Jeep.
Car Complaints records numerous complaints about electrical problems and engine problems with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. This website cites TIPM problems and engine stalling among the worst problems. Repairing the stalled engine could cost $1,710, while fixing TIPM problems can cost $1,170, according to Car Complaints. NHTSA recorded 1,573 complaints. 747 of these complaints concern the electrical system, while 323 concern the engine. Six withdrawals were made. Four of those related to the electrical system.
4 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara: $3,500
The 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara is a four-door compact SUV with a 185-horsepower 2.7-liter V6 engine. However, this Grand Vitara is not the most popular SUV among Suzuki owners.
NHTSA recorded 160 complaints. Six withdrawals were made. Car Complaints cites problematic front seats, grinding brakes and lack of control among the worst issues. Consumer Reports suggests that the average retail price for a 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara starts at $3,425.
3 2012 Nissan Rogue: $12,000
When you check out the Nissan Rogue One Star Wars Limited Edition Package, you might just fall in love. However, the same cannot be said for the 2012 Nissan Rogue. This five-seat SUV is powered by a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. However, one problem overshadowed this vehicle.
Consumer Reports gives the 2012 Nissan Rogue a 1/5 reliability rating, along with a 1/5 for its transmission. In fact, Car Complaints cites transmission problems as the top complaint. This website suggests that loss of acceleration, transmission failure, and CVT overheating are the worst problems with this vehicle. Over time, the cost of maintaining and repairing these problems can cost more than the car itself. For example, Car Complaints suggests that the cost to fix the loss of acceleration problem is around $4,750. Another SUV option might be worth considering.
2 2013 Nissan Juke: $12,000
You might not want to overlook the Nissan Juke Nismo RS. However, many people still don’t like the Nissan Duke. The 2013 Nissan Juke may not be doing this model any favors. This five-door SUV is powered by a 188-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. However, the problem with its engine is a source of angst for many owners.
Car Complaints cites engine problems as the main area of complaint. According to this website, the worst problems are the transmission failure, the turbocharger not working, and the dealer suggesting that a new engine was needed, costing about $8,170 to repair. NHTSA recorded 87 complaints. 35 of them were for the engine.
1 2001 Land Rover Discovery 2 – $5,000
The 2001 Land Rover Discovery 2 was powered by a 182-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 engine. Some of the problems associated with the Land Rover Discovery 2 include head gasket problems, cracked block and oil pump failure. Specifically, the 2001 Land Rover Discovery 2 was recalled six times. Problems included the possibility of the pump joint fluid igniting. NHTSA recorded 31 complaints about the 2001 Land Rover Discovery 2.
Not all cheap SUVs are created equal. Some cheap SUVs have very reliable engines. On the other hand, there are some cheap SUVs that we should stay away from. Maintenance and repair costs could break the bank.
