5 Used SUVs You Should Never Buy (Video)

Catrina C
Mar 6, 2021

When you’re looking for a vehicle, one thing you should do is some research. Knowing the five used SUVs you should never buy is one way to avoid a bad purchase.

What are the 5 used SUVs you should never buy?

The good news is that Scotty Kilmer, a professional auto mechanic for decades, is sharing his knowledge about SUVs on YouTube. He points out the five SUVs you shouldn’t buy are the:

  • BMW X5
  • Cadillac Escalade
  • Jeep Renegade
  • Chevy Traverse
  • Pontiac Aztec

While SUVs are popular due to their sizes, he suggests not making the mistake of buying these SUVs used because of their poor construction.

BMW X5

The BMW X5 has some issues that he draws attention to, such as engine oil leaks, water leaking into the vehicle, and major transmission issues. The stability control system, which prevents the vehicle from flipping, also malfunctions.

Another concern is that the gyro sensor often goes bad, and the repair is around $1,500 to $1,800. The vehicle is completely unreliable, and if a repair does have to be made, it’s expensive. For instance, a transmission repair is up to $5,000.

Cadillac Escalade

While a Cadillac Escalade may look impressive, there are some major issues. For one thing, you only get 11 mpg in actual driving fuel economy. Another thing to remember is that the model is made with a lot of plastic, which cracks easily and breaks down over time.

This SUV is known for heating and AC problems because the computer malfunctions. Unfortunately, since the vehicle is computerized in a lot of ways, an otherwise simple repair may cost up to $2,500.

These vehicles often have early transmission failures and all-wheel-drive versions come with their own differential issues.

Essentially, this weighty vehicle doesn’t stand up to the test of time.

Jeep Renegade

TheJeep Renegade was made after Fiat and Chrysler merged. The Renegade is underpowered and small. Scotty states that trying to take it off-road is a bad idea because they aren’t up to the task.

Out of all the Renegades out there, avoid the 2015 most of all, because it is, according to Scotty, the worst one that was ever built.

What are the issues? Transmission problems and electronic and engine failures. It also has a higher likelihood of blowing a head gasket.

Chevy Traverse

While many people like the Chevy Traverse, it’s not a vehicle to buy used. The engines have been known to seize up at 40,000 miles. The AWD can cost thousands to fix.

Though this vehicle doesn’t have a supercruise system, some customers have stated that their vehicle was throwing alerts up saying that there were issues with it.

The combination of engine and transmission problems tell you to stay far away from buying this vehicle.

Pontiac Aztek

This became famous in Breaking Bad, but the vehicle itself isn’t great. One customer had the vehicle’s engine seize at only 55,000 miles after a head gasket blew. The Aztecs were GM’s version of a Toyota Matrix.

The Azteks have many issues, such as engine failures, transmission problems, and intake manifolds that go bad. Taking the engine apart costs around $1,500, and that could be necessary within the first few years of ownership.

Check Out Better SUVs at Vehicle History

You can get better SUVs than these. Compare models that you may want to buy here at Vehicle History. A little research goes a long way.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Dallas V on August 21, 2021
2003 BMW X5 3.0i made with the driver in mind.
My x5 has a few problems I cannot do down the window of the driver side. Cannot unlock the door from the outside and have to always leave the car unlocked. When it rains water leaks into the car. Sometimes the car overheats if air conditioner is left on for a long period of time while driving. Pros is that it has a large trunk. Nice sunroof. When you reverse the passenger side mirror goes down so you can park better and it is very helpful.
accountCircle SusanMarie E on April 21, 2021
2010 Chevrolet Traverse LS tragedies.
I purchased this vehicle in 2017. A week after I bought it the air conditioning went out. In the few years that I have had this vehicle I have replaced the rotors, brake pads, timing chain system, and the head gasket. Currently it needs a new muffler. The remote start does not work since the engine light is always on. I am having some transmission problems too. I wish I would have read the reviews on the 2010 model before I purchased it.
accountCircle Jonathan C on April 2, 2021
2011 Chevrolet Traverse headlights.
The biggest headache is trying to conduct basic maintenance is difficult on this vehicle. Changing the headlights is a massive undertaking. You have to remove mudguards from the wheel well. It makes it easier to change the headlights if you completely remove the wheels. This of course is not easy for the average consumer.
accountCircle Keith D on April 29, 2021
2004 BMW X5 - Parts and labor are very expensive on these vehicles.
Regarding the interior, the leather is cracking as has for a long time. The seats do not lay down easily. This was a feature I was looking for in a car. The oil leaks very badly. My mechanic has told me all BMW's leak oil. I do like how solid my car is. I feel safe and feel like the metal around us is quality.
accountCircle Jean M on August 20, 2021
Engine and electrical problems. 2009 was a bad year for Chevy traverse.
I have had many problems with this car, the most recent had to put new engine in it last winter. The driver’s side window controls do not work for three of the windows. Now my air conditioner does not work! Electrical problems too. I have probably spent over $9000 on this car. Should have sold it long ago.
accountCircle Laine F on June 19, 2021
2016 Jeep Renegade eye appealing but not appealing to drive
I have had many transmission type problems and every time I take it into the dealership they tell me that nothing is wrong. When started it will rev the engine without touching the gas, when trying to accelerate it makes noise then goes almost nowhere, at times it will actually slow down for a minute.
accountCircle Melissa F on July 16, 2021
I will never again buy a used 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
I have had my car for 3 years and it has been in the shop 6 times, each time costing me between $200-$2000. Constant engine troubles. The engine is a gdi engine which means the gas does not clean your intake valves causing the engine to lose power and cost you an arm and a leg to get it cleaned.
accountCircle Tj W on August 4, 2021
2004 BMW X5 3.0i has too many minor faults.
Many minor issues with broken window mechanisms. Radio digital display burned out, door handle mechanism broken and remote lock has had to be replaced multiple times. Overall a reliable vehicle that has many features I like, but too many internal mechanisms that do not hold up to long-term use.
accountCircle Lisa A on August 4, 2021
2009 Chevrolet Traverse would not buy again.
Since owning this vehicle I have had a front fender replaced for rusting out, electrical issues, windows stopped working, door locks wont work with remote anymore, disgusted and wont buy a Chevy again. Have replaced wheel bearings, brakes and had to have underneath under coated for rust issues.
accountCircle Liz M on May 21, 2021
2016 Jeep Renegade Latitude is not my thing!
I love the gas mileage, I love how it handles in snow. I do not like how it drives and I do not like that there is not a lot of trunk space. I probably would not buy this vehicle again but it is affordable. But to me, it drives too much like a jeep. I prefer a more traditional SUV.
accountCircle Courtney O on May 4, 2021
I am not a fan of my 2011 Chevrolet Traverse LS
It uses a lot of gas, the sliding seats are a nightmare they do not slide good and hard to clean. The seats stain with just a drop of water, the radio is horrible paint peeling from it and it has cut in and out along with speakers since I had vehicles and many more issues.
accountCircle Jess B on May 12, 2021
2016 Jeep Renegade Limited: Electrical mess! Not worth it!
It always is in the shop for electrical issues! It spends more time in the shop then I do driving it! My jeep has all the safety features which is very helpful but sometimes I question if they are really worth it since something always is not working properly.
accountCircle Becky B on August 11, 2021
My 2011 Chevrolet Traverse is a lemon.
My car is a lemon. I have had to replace the headlights every 3 months, have had countless repairs on it. My driver side heated seat is no longer working. My windshield washer pump went out. These are in addition to the numerous mechanical repairs I have made.
accountCircle Damien T on May 7, 2021
2011 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ don't waste the money.
It seems they have transmission problems, along with power steering problems, and the parts for the car are costly. And every person I know with one the speakers have went out on them. I would not recommend this car to anyone. 2015 model and up are good.
accountCircle Johanna B on September 9, 2021
2009 Chevrolet Traverse has cost me a lot in repairs
I like the size of the vehicle and the fold-down seats in the back, but five years and I had to replace the entire transmission and steering system and have had multiple other issues with the car ever cents. I will never buy a traverse again.
accountCircle Brenda M on May 25, 2021
2002 Cadillac Escalade - No matter how old the vehicle is it rides the same smooth like when it was new.
I really like that it drives very smooth even though its an older car, steering wheel is so easy to maneuver and I really enjoy the heated leather seats in the winter time. I dislike that is a v8 and takes a lot of gas.
accountCircle Kim J on August 23, 2021
2015 Jeep Renegade 4 wheel drive
I have had the car 3 times at the dealership for repairs. The cooling fan seized up. It seems to have some electrical problems, locked while engine is running. I would like me to see a bigger gas tank.
accountCircle nick d on April 4, 2021
2011 Chevy Traverse I would not recommend.
StabiliTrak issues and power steering pump. The car sways way too much, and it seems like it makes a horrible grinding noise from the front shock area.
accountCircle Crystal R on March 20, 2021
2005 BMW X5 - love the way it drives, hate the price of repairs.
Burns oil, have invested $1,000s to get it back up to par. Got it for a great deal, but now it seems that everything is going wrong with it.
accountCircle Courtney K on June 16, 2021
2006 BMW X5 takes mid grade gas or higher.
It is reliable, but eats a lot of gas and oil. It is fully loaded and has a cold weather package. And all leather seats.
accountCircle Cheryl B on May 9, 2021
2005 Cadillac Escalade: When it works, it works very well.
Very powerful engine and great suspension. However, nearly every sensor has failed and needed to be replaced.
avatar Catrina C
Catrina C. is a former auto auction block clerk and current freelance automotive industry writer. She enjoys writing, taking long trips in her Ford and providing solid automotive advice.
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