A popular used car personality has taken to YouTube to share his expert opinion on three seven-seat models that drivers should steer clear of when shopping for used vehicles. Adam Morris, a host on the Australian motoring channel ReDriven, regularly provides advice to help viewers find the right used car for their needs. In a recent video, Adam delves into the worst seven-seat MPVs and SUVs on the used car market, urging motorists to avoid the Chevrolet Captiva, marketed in Australia as a Holden.
Adam claims that while there might be some Captivas out there that haven’t succumbed to common issues, the overwhelming consensus is that they are underwhelming and unreliable. With a plethora of better seven-seater options readily available, he questions why anyone would even consider purchasing a Captiva. He elaborates on the Captiva’s reputation, stating: “The Captiva has a shocking reputation, and for a fair reason. Engine and transmission issues, excessive oil leaks and consumption problems, terrible build quality. These were manufactured on the tightest of budgets at the time and should be avoided.”
Manufactured by GM Korea, formerly known as Daewoo, from 2006 to 2018, the Chevrolet Captiva was positioned as an affordable alternative to popular models like the Kia Sorento and Citroen C4 Grand Picasso. While the 2.2-litre diesel engine received praise at the time, many owners found the Captiva to be an uninspiring driving experience and relatively expensive to run. Today, used Chevrolet Captivas range in price from approximately £2,000 to £6,000, depending on age and condition. However, for a similar price, numerous superior models are available.
Moving on to another seven-seat model that Adam advises against purchasing used is the Peugeot 5008. He cites its less-than-desirable reliability track record and high depreciation as major concerns. Adam acknowledges the Peugeot 5008’s attractive design and features, stating: “Inside and out, this is a stunning vehicle, plus the driving experience more than matches the looks. Even the amount of tech and features you receive for the asking price is well above average.” However, he warns that the high asking prices and the reality of frequent issues can lead to significant financial burdens. He adds: “The issue, however, revolves around those asking prices, plus the reality is that it will hit you very hard if, or should I say when, issues arise. Excluding the odd special model here and there, French cars generally suffer ridiculous levels of depreciation and that doesn’t seem to slow down, even on the used market.”
Finally, Adam advises potential used car buyers to think twice before purchasing a Volkswagen Tiguan. While the Tiguan can be a reliable model, Adam stresses the importance of proper maintenance, highlighting the need for meticulous servicing to prevent potential issues. He explains: “To be at their best for the long term, they require a perfect service history. In fact, they need to be serviced ahead of schedule to mitigate any potential issues.” The problem, according to Adam, lies in the fact that many Tiguans on the used market were previously leased, with owners who weren’t planning to keep the car long-term and therefore often neglecting or delaying critical maintenance. This can create major reliability challenges for future owners.
Adam Morris’s warning serves as a valuable reminder for used car buyers to conduct thorough research, consider long-term costs, and carefully evaluate the potential risks associated with each vehicle before making a purchase. While the three models mentioned may have appealing features, their drawbacks in terms of reliability, depreciation, and maintenance costs make them less desirable choices in the used car market.
