Finding reliable used cars is indeed a daunting task. Our list may help you to make an intelligent buy. Read on to know more..
Buying used cars is indeed a great option if you wish to save a few thousand good bucks. Some used cars are in excellent condition and give service which is comparable to brand new cars. However, finding such cars may not be as easy as you think. If you happen to explore the used automobile market, you will invariably find hundreds of makes and models of used cars, all seemingly in very good condition. What you possibly cannot find is the reliability of the car. However, consumer reports for used car ratings and reviews often help potential buyers to make a wise choice. Their list of used cars to avoid is given at the end of this article. Before that, let us have a look at a few points that you should consider while buying used cars.
Points to Consider While Buying Used Cars
Auto shops dealing in used cars can be found at almost every corner of the street. However, these shops may not be your best choice for buying used cars. Roadside dealers are notorious for their unscrupulous car selling practices. Oftentimes, their salesmen sweet talk you into buying cars that are worth the scrap. The problem is, you won’t be able to detect a flaw in the condition of these cars unless you buy them and run a few hundred miles. Most of these cars will appear to be in perfect condition with fresh paint and dents removed. These touch ups can give a car an excellent, brand new appearance. However, it is the engine, chassis and other integral parts that you should inspect for damages. Since, these parts cannot be touched up, they will most likely reveal the true condition of the car. To know if these parts are working properly, take a test ride and listen for any unusual sounds from the engine. Also inspect the exhaust pipe for smoke. Smoke erupting from the exhaust pipe is often an indication of damaged piston rings or the valve stem seals. If you cannot conduct a detailed examination of the car on your own, seek a favor from a trusted mechanic who can do the job for you.
Consumer Reports List of Used Cars To Avoid
As mentioned above, consumer reports are a great help when you think about which used cars to avoid. These reports list best and worst used cars from time to time, so that potential buyers are notified.
| Small Car | Mid-size Car | Mid-size SUV | Large SUV | Minivan |
| Volkwagen Beetle | Chyrsler Sebring | GMC Acadia | Ford Expedition | Chrysler Town & Country |
| Surprisingly, the cute little Volkswagen New Beetle tops the list for worst used cars in the category of small cars. Consumers have reported problems with fuel and electrical systems, suspension, brakes, power windows and similar power equipment. In short, this small car is far from reliable. | The 2007 Chrysler Sebring scores very low when it comes to reliability test. Consumers have reported an array of car problems such as engine cooling, minor transmission problems and problems with drive system, suspension, brakes etc. Another contender in this list is Volkwagen Passat due to problems with fuel, electrical and climate systems and the power equipment. | GMC Acadia is listed as worst used SUV among other reputed cars in this segment. Drive system, suspension, body integrity and power equipment are some of the problem areas in this car. | With an average of 12 mpg in city and 18mpg on highway, Ford Expedition has indeed received a flak for its poor performance. Besides, consumers have also reported problems with its transmission and audio system. | Although, Chrysler is a pioneer company when it comes to minivans, its production quality has degraded post 2008. Chrysler Town & Country model has been voted worst in this category due to problems with suspension, brakes, climate system and power equipment. |
| Better Alternative: Hyundai Elantra. | Better Alternative: Ford Fusion. | Better Alternative: Toyota 4 Runner. | Better Alternative: Toyota Sequoia | Better Alternative: Toyota Sienna |
Other Used Cars that Should be Avoided
Given below is a comprehensive list of worst used cars to avoid according to consumer reports.
- Audi A8
- Audi A6 All road
- Buick Rendezvous (AWD)
- BMW X5 (V8)
- Cadillac SRX
- Chrysler Pacifica
- Chrysler Town & Country (AWD)
- Chrysler Pacifica
- Chevrolet S-10 (4WD)
- Chevrolet Uplander
- Chevrolet Venture
- Dodge Grand Caravan (AWD)
- GMC S-15 Sonoma (4WD)
- GMC Canyon (4WD)
- GMC Jimmy
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Kia Sedona
- Land Rover Discovery, LR3
- Mazda RX-8
- Oldsmobile Bravada
- Oldsmobile Silhouette
- Pontiac Montana
- Pontiac G6 (V6)
- Porsche Cayenne
- Pontiac Aztek
- Saturn Relay
- Volvo XC90 (6-cyl)
- Volkswagen Jetta (V6)
- Volkswagen Cabrio
- Volkswagen Touareg
If you buy a used car from a trusted source, your chances of ending up with a wrong car are greatly minimized. Hope the above list of cars to avoid buying secondhand, helps you in choosing the best car in the segment.