‘Plastic parts’: Auto expert slams this ‘money pit’ vehicle. But the internet can’t decide if he’s right

An auto repair expert has ignited a heated online debate after calling Land Rovers and Range Rovers some of the biggest “instant money pits” on the road, blaming extensive use of plastic components and costly low-mileage repairs for their reputation.

The comments, shared in a viral TikTok clip from @Accurateautoinc, have gained thousands of reactions from drivers who either swear by the luxury SUVs or swear off them forever.

Plastic parts and faulty control arm bushings

Asked to name vehicles that drain owners’ wallets, the mechanic didn’t hesitate. “Land Rover and Range Rovers for sure,” he said, before zeroing in on what he views as a design flaw. According to the expert, key systems in Range Rovers—including the intake, fuel, and cooling systems—are “all made of plastic,” which can crack and fail when exposed to heat. “So when things get too hot, they start cracking and having issues,” he explained.

He also pointed to suspension wear that seems disproportionate to the vehicle’s size and price tag. Despite being “strong and heavy,” he said he’s seen control arm bushings “completely wiped out on Range Rovers at early as 40,000 miles.” Combined with aggressive driving and the vehicles’ high-performance nature, he argued, the repair bills can add up fast.

The expert didn’t stop there. He went on to label Cadillac CTS and ATS models as “ginormous money pits,” citing recurring transmission problems and oil valve control issues that can throw off timing and “destroy engines as early as 60, 70,000 miles.” Air suspension systems, he added, are “crazy expensive” to fix when they fail.

Rounding out his list were BMWs, particularly the X-series SUVs. “Really any of them,” he said, likening their issues to those seen in Range Rovers and Cadillacs. “They’re all made of plastic, and they’re all very costly,” he said, repeating the well-worn joke: “BMW stands for break my wallet for a reason.”

“The most reliable vehicle I’ve ever had”

The internet, however, is far from unified. Some owners pushed back hard in the comments. “I’m on my 2nd Range Rover and knock on wood no problems – not sure why people always say this,” one user wrote. Another chimed in, “Me sitting here laughing with my vintage 2006 Land Rover that has been the most reliable vehicle I’ve ever had in my entire life 🙄.”

Others echoed the mechanic’s warning. “I’ll never understand the allure of a land/ Range Rover. They aren’t that great looking and everyone says they’re lemons. I’ll stick with my XC90,” one commenter said. Another shared a painful firsthand experience: “We got rid of our Range Rover super sport after it ate 10k in repairs 😅 my bmw eats my money too 😩😩😩😩.”

Whether Land Rovers, Range Rovers, and their luxury counterparts are truly “money pits” may depend less on internet consensus and more on mileage, maintenance, and a bit of luck. Still, the mechanic stressed he wasn’t trying to “throw shade or hate” at any brand, only to highlight that these vehicles often require expensive repairs at relatively low mileage. In his view, driving these vehicles to 100,000 miles can take “serious investments,” he said.