Think Twice
Buying a used car is beneficial for many reasons. Not only do you get to save money, but you get plenty of insight into the car you’re getting. However, there are some models you should certainly avoid if you’re buying used. From catching on fire to reliability risks, don’t be eager to shake hands on these cars.
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1. Chevrolet Malibu
A used Malibu might not be the best option to buy if you are looking for a reliable car. This model has been criticized by many for issues such as brake system problems, vacuum pump failure, and pre-ignition. Unless carefully inspected and maintained, it might be better to pass on a used one.
2. Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
Some Pacifica Hybrids have been reported to have huge issues with the battery pack. With other reports such as glitchy software, the trunk not closing, and the AC not working, it seems like a lot of problems for a used vehicle. There was even a mass recall of these cars in 2024 due to the battery having a risk of catching on fire, even when parked.
3. Dodge Grand Caravan
The most common complaints with the Dodge Grand Caravan are a big safety hazard, that being the brakes wearing out quickly. Many others have reported issues such as engine stalling and the AC not working. With that many issues, especially safety ones, it might be best to steer clear of this one.
4. Ford F-150 Hybrid
With many consumer complaints, the Ford F-150 Hybrid reached a record-breaking lowest reliability score in 2022. From poor battery conditions to overall reliability and maintenance issues, this car is risky to buy used.
5. Hyundai Sonata
When buying a used Hyundai Sonata, there are a lot of things to be wary of. The main one, of course, being the mileage. However, with high oil usage, engine issues, and the potential need for an engine replacement after a certain time, the Sonata might not be worth the while.
6. Jeep Wrangler
The Wrangler can be a really fun vehicle to own. It does come with some downsides when buying used, though. With very high gas mileage, expensive repairs, and a need for regular maintenance, it can be a gamble when buying a used one.
7. Kia Niro
The Kia Niro can be a good town car for short-distance driving. When buying a used one, however, there are many things to be wary of. From regular oil leaks, fuel leaks, and even fuel pump failures, this one might not be the best-used option.
8. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
A luxurious sedan, the C-Class is definitely a good-looking car. If not properly maintained, a used one could have very costly issues. With a history of the fuel delivery module becoming loose enough to spark a fire and overheating, to airbags not deploying and sending the wrong location in an emergency, this might be a car to avoid buying used.
9. Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper is many people’s favorite town car. When buying a used one, though, you might want to consider its continuous issues. From transmission failures, clutch failures, water pump leaks, to excessive oil consumption, this used car might make you reconsider the purchase.
10. Nissan Rogue
Many people like this car for its adventurous and outdoorsy look, and cozy interior. However, it has been reported by many that the quality and dependability of the car fall off very fast after as little as 25K miles. This being a major issue for a used car, it might be best to avoid buying it.
11. Tesla Model S
Tesla is definitely at the top of the list as many people's favorite car. A used Model S, however, is a gamble when purchasing. Over time the battery’s capacity diminishes, leading to a reduced range of driving, as well as higher repair or replacement costs, which might just be a dealbreaker for many.
12. Volkswagen Jetta
The Volkswagen Jetta is an iconic German sedan. This car, however, has many potential issues when buying used. With issues such as coil pack spark plug failures, water pump failures, electric window regulator failures, overheating, and more, this car is probably better left on the bench.
13. Volvo S60
A long-lasting model of the Volvo vehicles, the S60 is one of the most praised cars on the road. When buying a used one, however, you might want to think twice. After a certain mileage, you can expect excessive oil consumption, transmission failure, and electrical problems, which can lead to very expensive repairs.
14. Audi Q3
A luxurious car and staple of automobiles, the Q3 does have its looks going for it. The most common issues with buying a used one, though, are big ones, such as engine problems, electrical glitches, and failure of emission components. These can be very costly in the long run and make the Q3 a very unreliable candidate for a used purchase.
15. Buick Encore
When considering a Buick Encore, you should be aware of quite a number of things. Excessive oil consumption, premature engine failures, leaks, electrical issues, and transmission problems are plenty of reasons lots of people steer clear of a used Encore.
16. Chevrolet Tahoe
While some love their Tahoe for its durability and longevity, others have reported many issues when buying a used one. Problems that may happen when purchasing a pre-owned Tahoe are electrical issues, brake pedal wear, excessive oil consumption, and failed gauge clusters. With all those things, this car might not be the best option.
17. GMC Yukon
The Yukon is a powerful car with plenty of interior space to spare. When considering buying a used one, there are a few things to be aware of. With reported issues of transmission failure, suspension and steering problems, and engine stalling, a used Yukon can be quite problematic.
18. Hyundai Sonata
A classic mid-size sedan, the Hyundai Sonata is many people’s favorite new car. A used one, however, is a different story. With issues such as engine failure, rough idling, electronic stability control failure, and accelerator pedal position sensor issues, it might be better to look at a different candidate for your used car.
19. Mazda CX-9
The CX-9 is Mazda’s largest vehicle so far. When looking at a used one, you should be aware of a few key things. With an incredibly frequent need for oil changes, high repair costs, and a class-action lawsuit for defective engines, this Mazda should probably be skipped.
20. Ram 2500
Built to work hard and look good doing it, the Ram 2500 is a powerhouse of pickup trucks. A used one is definitely something to be careful about when considering replacing your car, or even buying your first one. With easily worn-out suspension components, engine failures, transmission issues, and parts getting loose over time, it might not be the best-used car to invest in.
