Five Types of Used Crossovers Experts Say You Should Avoid Buying

Shopping for a used crossover? A Russian auto expert has some cautionary advice. Roman Titov, deputy general director for used cars at the Avilon group, recently shared five categories of vehicles that come with hidden risks on the secondary market. He stressed he wasn't naming specific problematic models, but rather outlining patterns that often lead to buyer regret.

First on the list: rare Chinese crossovers from brands that never built a stable presence, sales network, or service infrastructure in Russia. Next come aging American models from automakers that have exited the passenger car segment entirely. The third category includes cars from companies that no longer have an official representative office in the country.

Fourth are technically complex premium SUVs older than seven or eight years. Their tempting low purchase price quickly gives way to expensive maintenance. Finally, any crossover with a murky history—multiple owners, unverified mileage, or unclear paperwork—should raise red flags.

Titov singled out specific examples: older rare Chinese models like certain Zotye and Lifan vehicles, aging Ford Kuga and EcoSport units, some Hondas with opaque histories, and older British premium crossovers where ownership costs often shock new owners after the sale.

The expert noted that problems usually stem from a combination of parts availability, prior service quality, electronic system complexity, resale value, and long-term ownership costs. "Buyers often look at the purchase price but forget to calculate the total cost of ownership," he said. "And that's a mistake."