A MECHANIC has warned drivers against buying a popular SUV model despite it topping a recent “best list”.
Judges described the model as “one of the most well-rounded” available, but one expert didn’t feel it was suited to all occasions.
Mechanic Sherwood Cooke Jr ran the rule over a recent ranking of SUVs[/caption]
Car whizzes from automotive sales platform Edmunds recently created a list ranking the best SUVs on the market for 2024.
Models were broken down into size categories and rated based on price, amenities and safety.
The VW Taos claimed the crown in the extra small SUV division with an “Edmunds rating” of 8.1/10.
The experts praised its modern setup and easy driving style for a very reasonable $25,420 retail price.
In their review, the experts said: “Volkswagen’s smallest SUV is a big deal.
“The Taos packs plenty of modern tech and safety features into a tidy package. It also has excellent passenger and cargo space.
“Overall it’s one of the most well-rounded and family-friendly offerings in the class.”
However, Sherwood Cooke Jr of Royalty Auto Service in Georgia was less convinced.
In a TikTok video reviewing the list, which has amassed more than 4,000 likes, he explained which of Edmunds’ picks he would buy himself.
Asked about the Taos, he suggested it wouldn’t be in his garage any time soon.
He said: “I’m going to say maybe.
“Just depends on the situation.
“How are they ranking these?
“How much you have to spend in the first 30 minutes of ownership?”
Sherwood also wasn’t a fan of the second-place Chevrolet Trailblazer despite its 8/10 rating.
What makes a car a lemon?
Each law has different parameters on what defines a lemon, but generally, a car is lemon when it’s in the shop for longer than it’s on the road.
Progressive Auto Insurance describes a lemon as a car with “a significant defect or malfunction that makes it unsafe to drive,” though exact parameters vary by state. All 50 states have lemon laws covering new vehicles, but only seven have lemon laws to protect used car buyers.
Federally, however, consumers are protected under U.S. Code Chapter 50 covering consumer product warranties. In layman’s terms, the law dictates that consumers be compensated by the manufacturer when “multiple attempts to repair a vehicle under warranty fail.”
What to do if you think you bought a lemon:
- Research your state’s lemon laws and their exact parameters.
- Contact the dealership, especially if it’s still under factory warranty.
- If the dealership refuses to repair the issue, contact the Automotive Consumer Action Program or the National Automobile Dealers Association.
- Send a certified letter to the manufacturer with an explanation of the issue, with documentation and proof that you’ve contacted a dealership.
- Depending on the outcome, you can report the dealership to the DMV for selling a car that needs immediate repairs.
- Consider small claims court.
- Consult an attorney specializing in lemon law through the National Association of Consumer Advocates.
Source: Progressive Auto Insurance
Instead, the technician had his eye on the Mazda CX-30, which came a narrow third with a score of 7.9.
And social media commenters appeared to agree with his assessment.
One joked: “You sure this list isn’t reversed?”
Another added: “Crazy rankings.”
