What are the worst used cars to buy?
It wasn’t that long ago that buying a used car meant taking a risk. People would be at risk of buying a car with faulty equipment such as a bad engine, alternator, and transmission. Fortunately, there are now many websites and consumer reports that tell people about the best and worst used cars to buy.
To help avoid buying a ‘lemon’, the following is a list of the worst used cars to buy:
2004 to 2006 GMC Canyon models: Used car dealers have been warned to stay away from 2004 to 2006 GMC Canyon models primarily due to brake light problems. Some reports indicate that they don’t come on when the brake is applied or they come on and don’t go off even when the brake is no longer engaged.
Chrysler Sebring: Issues noted include: poor reliability, poor cabin quality, poor performance, and problems with the engine, air conditioning, and heating systems.
Ford Explorer: Problems noted included: coolant and oil leaks, noisy timing belts and ticking valves on the 4.6 liter engines.
Volkswagen Passat: The Volkswagen Passat has had a number of problems related to its used models. These include steering problems, engine and engine cooling problems, and fuel system problems.
Dodge Intrepid: Problems noted included: engine problems with the 2000 model, faulty air bags and seat belts, and electrical problems.
Pontiac Aztek: The Pontiac Aztek is widely recognized as a GM mistake, and with good reason. Problems with this vehicle include the brake system, problems with the heating and cooling systems, engine problems, and electrical problems. Some car experts hate this car because its engine is weak. Some drivers also found it quite clunky to drive.
BMW (with automatic transition): These cars are known for their excellent engineering, but not everyone is enthusiastic about automatic transition BMWs. However, a car buyer looking at a used BMW should be aware of certain flaws. The automatic transmission has been found to have problems. In fact, many drivers have found that it is sometimes difficult to put the automatic transmission into reverse. The cost of repairing it makes it an unwise choice for someone who can only afford a used vehicle.
Mazda RX-8 – Used car buyers have also reported problems with the Mazda RX-8’s engine.
Kia Sedona: Used car buyers have also reported problems with the Kia Sedona’s engine. According to reports, some consumers have also experienced rusting on the Sedona’s tailgate.
Cars that made it to the list of the worst used cars, among the 1999 to 2008 models, listed in alphabetical order:
ALABAMA
Audi A6 Allroad, Audi A8, BMW X5 (V8), Buick Rendezvous (AWD), Cadillac SRX, Chevrolet Blazer, Chevrolet Colorado (4WD), Chevrolet S-10 (4WD), Chevrolet Uplander, Chevrolet Venture, Chrysler Pacifica, Chrysler Sebring convertible, Chrysler Town & Country (AWD), Dodge Grand Caravan (AWD), GMC Canyon (4WD), GMC Jimmy, GMC S-15 Sonoma (4WD) Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Sedona and Land Rover Discovery LR3
MZ
Mazda RX-8, Oldsmobile Bravada, Oldsmobile Silhouette, Pontiac Aztek, Pontiac G6 (V6), Pontiac Montana, Montana SV6, Porsche Cayenne, Saturn Relay, Volkswagen Cabrio, Volkswagen Jetta (V6), Volkswagen New Beetle (turbo), Volkswagen Passat (V6, FWD), Volkswagen Touareg and Volvo XC90 (6 cylinders)
Today used cars are less risky because there is more information here about used cars. Consumer Reports magazine is a popular magazine for used car information. They compile their report based on the experiences of the drivers. There are thousands of information on the Internet about used cars. In addition, vehicle defect notices from the federal government and reliability data from JD Power and Associates make it easy to track general mechanical problems with used cars.