Buying a used car is a great way to save some money. At the same time, it can also be a little risky. There’s nothing worse than spending a bunch of money on a vehicle that spends more time in a shop than it does on the road.
These are 24 used cars that you’ll want to avoid if you’re looking for something reliable.
2019 Toyota RAV4
Surprisingly, the 2019 Toyota RAV4 makes the list of cars to steer clear from when buying used. It’s a bit of a puzzle because Toyota usually knocks it out of the park with reliability. But here’s the deal: the transmission in this model has been a thorn in owners’ sides. With the car being relatively new, it’s expected that more issues and complaints will pop up over time. Consumer Reports gives it a disappointing 2 out of 5 in reliability. So, even though it’s tempting to go for a RAV4, especially one from 2019, thinking twice might save you some headaches down the road.
2020 Nissan Frontier
The 2020 Nissan Frontier comes with a shiny new 310-horsepower V6 engine, giving you a decent push on the accelerator and a smoother ride on bumpy roads. But don’t let that fool you. The truck’s interior feels like it’s stuck in the past, filled with noise from the road and wind. It’s also missing a bunch of useful driver-assistance tech, offering just a basic rearview camera and optional rear parking sensors. Its ability to tow and haul lags behind the competition too, with a towing capacity of 6,720 lbs.
2015 Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta, particularly the 2015 model, is a classic example of cutting corners to keep the price tag low. It aimed for simplicity but ended up sacrificing much-needed cabin and passenger space. Beyond its lackluster design, it’s known to have mechanical issues that could burn a hole in your wallet over time. Transmission mounts, intake manifold gaskets, and strut replacements are frequent, expensive fixes.
2020 Toyota Tundra
Despite adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in 2020 and having a powerful V8, the Toyota Tundra falls short in important areas. It’s thirsty at the gas pump, has the worst fuel economy in its class at just 14 mpg combined, and its towing capacity doesn’t stack up against rivals. Inside, the Tundra feels outdated, with a design and materials that don’t reflect its price tag.
2015 Chrysler 200
The Chrysler 200, particularly from the 2015 model year, is one to avoid on the used car market. Recalls have plagued this model due to electrical system wiring issues and power failures, making it a risky bet. But that’s not all; engine problems and unreliable speed control add to the car’s issues.
2020 Toyota Sequoia
The 2020 Toyota Sequoia might tempt you with its large cabin and powerful V8, but don’t let that sway you. This SUV’s high cost of ownership, outdated interior filled with hard plastics, and terrible fuel economy at just 14 mpg combined make it a less-than-ideal choice. With the lowest towing ratings in its class, 7,400 lbs max, there are definitely better options available if you’re looking to haul heavy loads.
2012 Nissan Versa
The 2012 Nissan Versa might seem like a good choice at first glance, but it’s overrun with issues that outweigh its benefits. The car suffers from poor handling and a lackluster engine, making for a boring driving experience. Major design flaws lead to expensive problems, such as shock replacements that can set you back significantly. Although it promises to be a budget-friendly option, the potential repair costs suggest otherwise.
2019 Toyota C-HR
The 2019 Toyota C-HR offers some great safety tech and a smooth ride, but it falls short in other areas that matter. Its cramped rear seats and limited cargo space make it less practical than rivals. The underwhelming powertrain results in sluggish acceleration and a noisy engine. Toyota’s decision to discontinue the C-HR after 2022 might be a hint that there are better options out there.
2015 Honda Civic Hybrid
The Honda Civic has a reputation for reliability, but the 2015 Hybrid model is an exception. Its cramped back seat and small trunk space, due to the hybrid battery, make it hard to love. The biggest red flag is the faulty ABS control module, a critical safety feature that’s pretty expensive to replace. No one wants to be shocked with a bill of almost $1,500. This issue alone can negate any savings from buying used.
2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
While the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport might catch your eye with its large cargo area and fancy infotainment, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. The ride is a bit uncomfortable. Be prepared to feel all the bumps and ruts. Both engine options lack the oomph for confident passing, and they can get pretty noisy under stress. Inside, the cabin’s design and materials feel cheap.
2017 GMC Acadia
The 2017 GMC Acadia might seem like a smart pick for a family SUV, but it’s got its share of problems. The reduced wheelbase translates to cramped legroom in the back, making it less comfortable for passengers. Common issues like the need for frequent AC evaporator replacements and turbocharger failures can lead to surprise repairs that’ll cost you a pretty penny.
2016 Jeep Cherokee
The 2016 Jeep Cherokee’s cargo space is less than what its competitors offer, and the base engine struggles to give engaging performance. One of the biggest issues is the fuel level sending unit’s tendency to fail, a repair that can cost over a thousand dollars and lead to more serious engine problems.
2020 Dodge Journey
The 2020 Dodge Journey marked the end of its production run, and it’s easy to see why. Despite its comfy ride and low cost of ownership, the Journey lags behind in some pretty important areas. Its engine lacks the power to accelerate confidently, and the handling isn’t great. The absence of advanced safety features, aside from a rearview camera and rear parking sensors, is a big drawback for a family-oriented SUV.
2013 Nissan Altima
The 2013 Nissan Altima might promise fuel efficiency with its CVT, but that comes with its own set of problems. Numerous complaints about the transmission have surfaced, making it a risky bet for reliability. Consumer Reports’ low satisfaction rating for this model (1 out of 5 stars) should be a huge red flag for potential buyers. If you’re considering an Altima, it’s best to look at other model years or different vehicles altogether.
2020 Ford EcoSport
The 2020 Ford EcoSport offers decent handling and a great infotainment system, but don’t let that distract you from its drawbacks. Both engine options feel underpowered. The interior, while having some nice touches, is mostly hard plastics. And when it comes to driver aids, the EcoSport is lacking, missing out on important features like automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning. Ford decided to cut the EcoSport from its lineup after 2022, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why.
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee attempted to reinvent itself but ended up introducing more problems than it solved. The electrical system is a particular pain point, with issues that can be both tricky to diagnose and expensive to fix. Consumer Reports gives this model a bottom-of-the-barrel 1 out of 5 for reliability. If you’re eyeing a used Grand Cherokee, consider models from other years instead.
2020 Fiat 500L
The Fiat 500L said its goodbyes after the 2020 model year, and it’s not hard to see why it wasn’t missed. Despite its unique look and large cargo area, the 500L struggles with a rough ride and poor fuel efficiency. The interior quality is disappointing, with hard plastics dominating the space. The lack of driver aids, other than a standard rearview camera, doesn’t help its case either.
2011 Hyundai Sonata
The 2011 Hyundai Sonata has become somewhat famous for its problematic 2.4-liter Theta II engine. Issues like excessive oil consumption and the risk of fires have marred its reputation, even leading to a class-action lawsuit. Hyundai extended the engine warranty, but that’s cold comfort now that it’s expired. For anyone considering a used Sonata, the 2011 model year is one to avoid entirely.
2020 Dodge Grand Caravan
The 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan marked the end of an era for this iconic minivan. It has its perks, like the innovative Stow ‘n Go seats, but overall, it falls short of modern expectations. The list of standard features is meager compared to rivals, and the ride quality is firmer than one would prefer for a family hauler. The limited driver aids, with only a rearview camera on offer, make it less appealing in today’s safety-conscious market.
2010 Lincoln MKZ
The 2010 Lincoln MKZ tried to offer luxury on a budget, but it ended up feeling more like a dressed-up Ford than a true premium sedan. Mechanical issues such as a faulty timing chain tensioner and problematic turbocharger assembly can lead to expensive repairs. When the expectation is luxury without the high costs, the MKZ disappoints, proving that a nice exterior can’t make up for underlying problems.
2019 Buick Cascada
The 2019 Buick Cascada might look tempting with its convertible top and comfy ride, but don’t let that lure you in. It’s a mixed bag, with poor fuel economy of just 24 MPG combined and seats that’ll have you squirming on longer drives. Plus, missing out on tech like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay feels like a step back in time. Buick decided to discontinue the Cascada after 2019, and frankly, it’s not hard to see why. There are better options if you’re looking for open-air fun without the downsides.
2020 Nissan 370Z
The Nissan 370Z has its moments, especially if you’re after that tight, responsive steering for curvy roads. But that’s about where the fun stops. The ride is stiff, and you’ll definitely feel every bump and pothole. The interior feels outdated, from the electronics to the abundance of hard plastics, and don’t even get me started on the noise. Wind and road noise? Check. Lack of modern driver aids? Also, check. Nissan introduced a new Z in 2023, which makes the 2020 370Z look even more like a relic.
2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross brings some positives to the table, like comfy seats and good fuel economy. But the drawbacks quickly overshadow these perks. The engine’s noisy, especially when you push it, and its 22.6 ft³ of cargo space just doesn’t cut it compared to rivals. The infotainment system’s lack of physical controls can be a real headache too. With a low score of 2.5 out of 5 stars for predicted reliability, the Eclipse Cross might have you second-guessing that initial attraction. There are definitely smoother rides out there with fewer quirks.
2012 Fiat 500
Ah, the Fiat 500. It’s got character and charm, but it’s also got a reputation that’s less about reliability and more about repair bills. The acronym “Fix It Again Tony” might give you a chuckle, but it’s not so funny when you’re facing clutch failures and hefty repair costs. Consumer Reports didn’t have much good to say about its quality, and honestly, neither do I. If you’re considering a Fiat 500 from 2012 to 2016, maybe reconsider.
