‘It burns oil like crazy’ – Mechanic’s unusual used car advice can save drivers thousands
One of YouTube's most recognised motoring personalities has shared an unconventional tip that could see used car buyers save thousands and avoid hassle.
The well-known online mechanic Scotty Kilmer has offered some unusual advice that can help drivers buy a used car that will last for years without serious issues.
Scotty began working on cars more than 55 years ago and now runs one of YouTube’s most popular automotive channels, with over six million subscribers watching to learn advice that can lower the cost of running a car and hearing his views on a wide range of models.
In a recent video, Scotty suggested that drivers planning on buying a used car should sacrifice good looks, stating that ugly models typically last longer.
He advised: “Cars that look really good but inside they’re made not so hot. Now, take an old school car that I like, a 2007 [Toyota] Matrix, maybe not the greatest looking car in the world, but hey, I have a customer with one that has over a million miles and it’s still going strong.
“But the trend today is towards cars that look good, it’s just plastic stuff. But underneath they’re not all that well made or designed. Check under the hood [bonnet], it’s got a four-cylinder turbocharged engine, and it burns oil like crazy.”
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In the video, Scotty advised used car buyers not to be tempted by good looks alone and instead check if the model is reliable.
To prove his point, he compared his 2007 Toyota to a sporty Golf GTI, noting that the Toyota has an engine that lasts longer and consumes less oil.
The mechanic noted that many automotive salespeople can tempt unwitting buyers into paying more for good looking cars with higher maintenance mechanicals.
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To avoid these pitfalls, used car buyers should check the number plate of any model they are interested in using a car tax checker.
Many of these sites provide information for free and can show the car’s MOT history, including any failures or advisories.
In addition, these sites can also state if the vehicle has previously been stolen or written off, to help drivers avoid scams on the used car market.
With more than 35,000 views and 3,000 likes, many viewers agreed with Scotty’s advice and shared their own vehicles that were reliable if not the best looking.
One viewer wrote: “Ever see a turbo? Walk away. Get you a little four or six-cylinder regular. My [Toyota] Rav4 has 200,000 [miles] from 1998 and runs smooth. No burning oil.”
Another added: “It reminds me of the Jaguar XJ I had. Beautiful car but it was the biggest pile of junk ever made. It spent more time in the shop than on the road just before I got rid of it.”
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