Buying used cars can be a great experience if you know what you’re getting into and have done your homework.
Everyone knows there is an element of risk when purchasing pre-owned vehicles of any kind. And unless you’re buying a car from a dealership, which still has some type of warranty and your car qualifies under the Lemon Law, you’re on your own if something goes wrong.
But forewarned is forearmed, as the saying goes. There is a mountain of information regarding buying used online and each person who is contemplating purchasing a vehicle from any source, be it a dealership or private seller, needs to study up. But to help you out a bit, it’s always good to know what not to buy. So here’s a list of just some of the cars that should be crossed off your list.
Chevrolet Cruze
This four-door compact sedan was introduced in 2008 and hasn’t had a good history. In 2011 many vehicles were recalled because the steering wheel started breaking away from the steering column while the car was in motion! There is also a multitude of mechanical problems that users have reported, that keep them going back to the shop every month for repairs. So, it’s best to stay clear of this model.
Mini Cooper
The much-adored Mini -who could dare slam this pint-sized cutie? First of all, they’re expensive. It does come with a three-year warranty and runs pretty well when it’s new. And it’s also fun to drive. However, the party’s over when the warranty ends. Repairs are very expensive as are replacement parts, and it requires premium fuel. There have also been a series of complaints and several recalls in 2015. It’s a nice-looking collector’s car for sure, but if you want to get from A to B hassle-free, it’s best to look elsewhere.
Nissan Pathfinder
This is not a good choice to buy secondhand. There were 9 recalls of the 2013 model, including safety issues like brake problems and airbag failure. There have also been problems with the car starting. The 2014 model also made it on many least-reliable car lists.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
It used to be considered a highly reliable and popular car, until 2000. Users complained of frequent and costly repairs. According to Consumer Reports, the worst offending model years are 2007 and between 2011 and 2014. 2016 was also below par.
Volkswagen Jetta
This has been quite a successful car and popular in the past. But it’s suffered from many reliability issues since 2010. Breaking problems are common, and there have been reports of clutch failure, a problematic climate system, and many other complaints. So stay away.
Chevrolet PT Cruiser
The Chevrolet PT Cruiser has a bad reputation for all kinds of mechanical defects and problems, like one incident where the car reportedly shuts off, even when driving 75 mph. It’s unreliable and has earned itself some nicknames online, such as “abuser,” “loser” and even a “bruiser.” Many also dislike the design!
Ford Fiesta
The 2011 to 2014 Ford Fiesta models have a lot of issues reported, including transmission, body integrity, and the audio system.
BMW X5
We’ll close out with a luxury vehicle, which after the warranty ends, loses much of its upscale appeal. Apparently, according to users, these cars had nothing but problems, and dealers are ill-equipped to find the underlying problems. Complaints include defective fuel systems, faulty climate control, and issue with engine parts. Repairs are also expensive.
These are just some of the cars experts and car enthusiasts have listed on their sites. So it’s best to look up the worst culprits before you dole out any cash for any of the used cars. It could be quite a costly affair otherwise. You have been warned!
