These Are The Used Cars We Wouldn't Take A Risk On At Any Price

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People exchanging money and keys successful beforehand of a car.

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Buying a utilized car is simply a bully measurement to prevention money, but not if you get a lemon. Major recalls for cars from well-known brands and parts manufacturers impact millions of drivers and tin put you astatine risk. Take, for instance, nan monolithic callback for Takata aerial bags pinch defective inflators that progressive 19 automakers and complete 60 cardinal vehicles. This callback was issued complete a decade ago, but reports bespeak that 6.4 cardinal vehicles successful nan U.S. still person deadly Takata airbags near successful them.

A callback tin hap for galore reasons, though, and if it's addressed, nan affected car could beryllium great. On nan flip side, you mightiness find yourself looking astatine a low-quality exemplary twelvemonth that's not worthy buying. Still, location are galore reasons a utilized car isn't worthy buying, specified arsenic having a precocious number of proprietor complaints, nan severity of its issues, and really agelong it tends to last.

It's existent that astir vehicles will tally for astatine slightest 200,000 miles, and galore much tin spell good beyond that if cared for pinch regular maintenance. Unfortunately, location are utilized cars you wouldn't want to buy, nary matter nan price. These vehicles mightiness person recalls, superior issues, aliases a operation of both. To create this database of utilized cars we wouldn't return a consequence connected astatine immoderate price, we utilized information from CarComplaints.com and RepairPal, which some compile accusation astir a scope of cars utilizing input from existent drivers.

How to cognize erstwhile a utilized car isn't worthy it

A man connected nan telephone successful beforehand of a car pinch nan hood up.

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Certain car brands look to nail it each time, pinch idyllic vehicles that execute good and past forever. Then, location are those brands that, while possibly having a uncommon gem connected occasion, are fundamentally unreliable junk. How tin you show nan difference? Researching a vehicle's complaints and reviews is simply a bully spot to start.

An iSeeCars study analyzed 500,000 conveyance information complaints to find nan apical 10 astir complained-about vehicles, because knowing what different drivers deliberation astir a conveyance they've really driven provides penetration you won't get from a dealership salesman aliases website. The study recovered that Stellantis, nan genitor institution of galore awesome car brands including Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge, had immoderate of nan highest title numbers.

While immoderate vehicles from nan iSeeCars study made it connected this list, we considered much than conscionable a vehicle's safety. The cars beneath are organized by exemplary year, and we included them because they person a precocious number of complaints, recalls, and reported problems.

2002 Dodge Ram 1500

In 2002, Ram was still utilizing nan Dodge label, but that doesn't alteration nan truth that nan 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 is 1 motortruck that's not worthy nan money. This Dodge Ram has thousands of complaints registered connected various forums astir issues ranging from motor nonaccomplishment caused by lipid sludge to nan dashboard falling apart. In fact, it's been fixed nan "Avoid Like nan Plague" badge connected CarComplaints.com. 

Owners connected different sites mention really nan truck's exhaust manifold bolts tin break and faulty model seals tin lead to h2o leaks. Transmission troubles besides are communal pinch nan 2002 and 2003 exemplary years. Unfortunately, these are conscionable a fewer of nan astir communal complaints for nan Ram 1500 of nan early millennium.

When new, you could prime up a 2002 Ram 1500 for a starting value of conscionable nether $20,000. In today's utilized market, a 2002 Ram 1500 tin waste for astir $5,000, depending connected its information and mileage — but usage be aware if you take to bargain a 2002 type of nan Ram 1500. Better twelvemonth models for this typically powerful motortruck are2014 and 2015. Ram really had it dialed successful during nan mid-2010s, and nan Ram 1500 offered respective motor options, enhanced comfort, and less complaints.

2006 Chrysler 300

A achromatic Chrysler 300 parked indoors.

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Introduced for nan 2005 exemplary year, nan Chrysler 300 is an fierce sedan pinch a powerful motor that ran until Chrysler discontinued nan exemplary successful 2023. Over nan years, it's had varying degrees of occurrence and build quality. Unfortunately, nan 2006 exemplary has mediocre information ratings from nan IIHS alongside a big of different complaints that make it a exemplary to avoid. 

Engine stalling, large motor noises, and nan motor failing because sludge builds up successful nan lipid are conscionable immoderate of nan awesome problems owners person reported connected CarComplaints.com. Transmission and suspension problems besides rank precocious erstwhile group mention issues that originate pinch nan '06 Chrysler 300.

Many of nan 300's motor problems commencement correct astir nan clip nan car hits 80,000 miles. This intends that a 2006 Chrysler 300 mightiness not moreover make it to 100,000 miles earlier it starts causing trouble, making it a large consequence successful nan utilized car market. Faulty Takata aerial bags are besides an rumor pinch this sedan, arsenic nan car was portion of nan worst information callback successful history.

Luckily, not each Chrysler 300 models are arsenic bad arsenic nan 2006 version. If you want to prime up a decent Chrysler 300, cheque retired a 2009 model, aliases research a second-gen from 2016 or '17 to get a 300 pinch less recalls and complaints.

2006 Ford Explorer

A achromatic Ford Explorer parked successful nan snow.

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Before nan Explorer explanation was synonymous pinch nan SUV, Ford utilized it arsenic nan action package sanction for nan F-100, Bronco, and Ranchero trucks of nan early '70s. This was besides erstwhile nan original Ford Explorer conception car was introduced, though it ne'er went into production. The Explorer we cognize coming has been astir since nan '90s, but it's gone done a batch of changes successful its decades-long history. With these changes, nan SUV has had bully and bad years. Sadly, successful 2006 Ford made nan worst Explorer truthful far, contempt its attempts of a flimsy refresh.

The 2006 Explorer has seen superior user complaints regarding transmission problems. Shifting nan Explorer is rough, and nan gearbox tin moreover neglect completely, leaving you stranded. Radiator leaks are different communal title for nan 2006 Ford Explorer. If you're shopping for an Explorer, you should besides debar nan 2002 exemplary year because it has moreover much complaints astir transmission problems than nan 2006 model. A amended action would beryllium either a 2018 aliases 2019 model, arsenic these Explorers person less complaints and are mostly considered to beryllium of higher quality.

2009 Dodge Journey

A reddish Dodge Journey parked by a repair shop.

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Dodge first brought america nan Journey for nan 2009 exemplary year, and contempt its faults it remained successful accumulation until 2020. The car-like SUV was an inexpensive exemplary that appealed to families acknowledgment to its optional 3rd statement and debased upfront cost. The Journey, however, would quickly go an unfortunate illustration of why it's ne'er a bully thought to acquisition nan first exemplary that comes out.

The 2009 Dodge Journey has a scope of communal complaints, including accelerated deterioration of brake components, electrical problems that could support nan motor from starting, and bad seals that consequence successful h2o leaks. Many of nan Journey's problems commencement arsenic early arsenic 50,000 miles, which is debased mileage for immoderate conveyance to statesman having superior issues. Plus, a emblematic Dodge Journey is improbable to past into nan 200,000-mile range, making it a mediocre prime if you're looking for a reliable utilized car.

Since it came out, nan 2009 Journey has had 8 recalls. Air bags that don't deploy successful a crash, abrupt nonaccomplishment of powerfulness steering, and faulty electrical wiring that tin consequence successful a occurrence are conscionable a fewer of nan issues that person prompted recalls for this Dodge SUV. These problems and much are what makes nan 2009 Journey a conveyance that's not worthy buying astatine immoderate price.

2010 Mazda 3

A Blue Mazda 3 parked connected nan writer by a river.

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Mazdas are often seen arsenic a sporty and fun alternative to Toyotas and Hondas. Most utilized Mazda 3s tin beryllium a awesome choice for a caller driver looking for a compact hatchback pinch top-notch substance economy. However, you whitethorn want to debar nan 2010 Mazda 3, arsenic it's wide considered a clunker. 

One awesome title pinch this car is that nan clutch for nan manual transmission fails, sometimes arsenic early arsenic 40,000 miles. Before it goes retired completely, nan transmission tin besides make a grinding sound and beryllium difficult to displacement into 2nd gear. Not only is this rumor inconvenient, but it tin besides perchance origin an mishap aliases slow origin much superior deterioration connected nan vehicle's different components.

Another important rumor pinch nan 2010 Mazda 3 is that its interior build value is little than that of erstwhile aliases later twelvemonth models. In fact, nan car's dashboard tin melt in utmost power and nan spot accommodation controls tin fail. Both of these problems are much than conscionable an inconvenience; they could origin a crash. Earlier twelvemonth models of nan Mazda 3 are okay, but a utilized exemplary from 2020 aliases later will supply nan champion value.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

a acheronian Jeep Grand Cherokee connected nan street.

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Jeep is an iconic American brand, and nan Jeep Grand Cherokee is simply a beloved exemplary successful nan automaker's lineup. Of course, not each twelvemonth exemplary of nan celebrated Jeep Grand Cherokee is worthy looking into. For instance, successful 2011, Jeep produced nan worst Grand Cherokee to date. So why, exactly, was 2011 specified a bad twelvemonth for nan Grand Cherokee? 

Well, for starters, nan SUV had six recalls, mostly for superior issues that consequence successful accidents. The electrical strategy is simply a problem area for nan 2011 Grand Cherokee, arsenic wiring issues could lead to fires. However, a bad Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) is different communal problem that creates issues pinch each nan Grand Cherokee's electrical components.

This Jeep exemplary is besides prone to motor stalling, which tin beryllium vulnerable erstwhile you're connected nan road. Combine motor stalling pinch faulty brakes, and nan Jeep Grand Cherokee of 2011 is simply a disaster waiting to happen. You whitethorn want to debar buying a utilized Jeep Grand Cherokee from 2014 arsenic well, but from 2016 on, Jeep made important improvements to nan Grand Cherokee, making later years a amended value.

2011 Ford Fusion

A ray bluish Ford Fusion from nan broadside parked successful beforehand of a tree.

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Unless you want a clunker, debar making a move connected a 2011 Ford Fusion nary matter nan price. Loss of powerfulness steering and motor stalling are a fewer of nan astir predominant issues pinch this sedan, but drivers besides mention problems pinch shifting and transmission fluid leaks, nan heating and aerial conditioning strategy not functioning properly, and doors that won't unfastened from nan inside.

A full of 9 recalls person been issued for nan 2011 exemplary of nan Ford Fusion. Several of these recalls are for aerial bags that tin detonate erstwhile deployed. However, hundreds of thousands of Ford Fusions person been affected by substance vessel cracks, which tin origin a leak and perchance moreover a fire.

A brand-new Ford Fusion successful 2011 costs conscionable complete $20,000. Today, a utilized exemplary brings successful little than $5,000. The 2018, 2019, and 2020 models are astir apt your champion stake if you want a utilized type of this compact, fuel-efficient Ford sedan.

2012 Fiat 500

A achromatic Fiat 500 parked connected a state gravel road.

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Sure, you tin astir apt people a woody connected a 2012 Fiat 500, but we wouldn't urge it. The introductory Fiat 500 exemplary has a big of issues that make it a consequence astatine immoderate price. 

Poor wide information scores from nan IIHS – particularly wherever building is concerned — mean higher rider wounded rates if nan car is successful an accident. Engine problems and electrical issues are a interest pinch nan 2012 Fiat 500 arsenic well. These problems scope from insignificant — for illustration lights that won't activity — to much serious, specified arsenic nan motor not turning complete aliases shot joints wearing prematurely.

Unfortunately, nan 2012 Fiat 500's issues tin commencement early, truthful if you're looking for a utilized car that will make it to 200,000 miles aliases more, this 1 astir apt isn't it. There person only been 3 recalls truthful acold for nan 2012 Fiat 500, nan statement didn't past agelong and was discontinued successful 2019. Maybe nan newer electrical Fiat 500e will triumph complete much fans than its gas-powered sibling.

2013 Nissan Altima

A reddish Nissan Altima parked successful a neighborhood.

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Another car that's earned nan "Avoid Like nan Plague" badge from CarComplaints is nan 2013 Nissan Altima. The sedan has transmission problems that origin it to shudder, hesitate, and tally roughly. On apical of that, nan 2013 Altima's interior is of mediocre quality, starring to surgery doorway handles, latches, and switches. 

These parts are each much apt to beryllium surgery and worn successful a utilized model. The backup camera, instrumentality cluster, and power are prone to nonaccomplishment aliases moving intermittently, and nan car's seats are uncomfortable aft nan first mates of 1000 miles. This exemplary twelvemonth of nan Altima besides has issues pinch nan heating and cooling system, exterior lighting, arsenic good arsenic fundamentally each nan mechanical components, including nan engine, brakes, and suspension.

If nan proprietor complaints mentioned supra aren't capable to person you this car is simply a citrus to avoid, past possibly its 12 recalls will. Before you bargain one, you should cognize this car's been recalled because nan hood opens randomly while driving and nan beforehand rider aerial container fails to deploy. Those are conscionable immoderate of nan recalls for nan 2013 Altima, but they're bully reasons to take different utilized car.

2014 GMC Sierra 1500

GMC needs to make strides erstwhile it comes to improving nan Sierra 1500 if it wants to summation income of nan truck. Although recent recalls for nan GMC Sierra person been little since 2020, erstwhile it had 11, RepairPal reports 20 recalls for nan pickup successful 2014, its highest number. Many of nan recalls were for problems pinch captious information components for illustration nan brakes, spot belts, aerial bags, and occurrence extinguishers — nary of which you want to beryllium without erstwhile you request them.

A 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 is apt to acquisition issues pinch nan aerial conditioning, which is alright if you unrecorded successful Alaska. Of course, past you mightiness not admit nan pickup's horrible lighting. Owners person reported that nan headlights for this motortruck supply mediocre visibility, which makes it beautiful difficult to thrust astatine night. So possibly it's cleanable if you only thrust successful North Alaska during nan summer? Otherwise, this GMC motortruck is amended disconnected near astatine nan car lot.

2015 Chevrolet Colorado

A achromatic Chevrolet Colorado driving connected nan road.

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The Chevrolet Colorado has had immoderate beautiful bad years, with 2015 and 2016 opinionated retired arsenic immoderate of nan worst. 

Starting successful 2015, complaints astir nan Colorado's transmission poured successful from hundreds of drivers. Those transmission issues continued into, and perchance sewage worse for, 2016 models. However, 2015 Chevy Colorados person much complaints than different models, pinch owners mentioning powerfulness steering nonaccomplishment issues, problem pinch motor stalling, and nan cardinal getting stuck successful nan ignition arsenic immoderate of nan truck's awesome problems.

Research will show you that nan 2015 Colorado also has much recalls than nan '16 model, further cementing its spot connected this database of utilized cars that aren't worthy buying. These recalls impact basal information components that fail, specified arsenic nan powerfulness steering assistance and nan driver's frontal aerial bag.

Fortunately, Chevy has had immoderate bully years pinch nan Colorado. If you want a superb utilized model, see a newer type from 2020 aliases 2021. In its first generation, nan Colorado was successful its champion shape starting successful astir 2009 and going until 2012. Whatever you decide, conscionable make judge to enactment distant from nan 2015 and 2016 models.

What to look for successful a utilized car

A statement of utilized cars pinch a rainbow successful nan entity supra them.

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Buying a caller conveyance tin beryllium some breathtaking and stressful. Knowing what to look for erstwhile you shop for a utilized car helps trim accent and ensures you get precisely what you're looking for. Research immoderate car models that liking you to find retired what existent owners person to say. Look for common, recurring problems. Consider nan wave group mention nan problem and really overmuch problem it is to repair. Avoid vehicles that person a batch of complaints astir information issues and costly repairs.

If a conveyance has immoderate recalls, cheque to spot if they've been resolved. Cars that still person unfastened recalls whitethorn person been neglected successful different ways, truthful beryllium observant successful pursuing these models. It's ever a bully thought to test-drive a car earlier you bargain it. As you drive, perceive for immoderate knocking, grinding, aliases squealing noises, and make judge everything useful arsenic it should, including nan brakes, steering, and suspension. There are plentifulness of awesome utilized car deals retired there, but don't beryllium fooled by a debased value tag connected immoderate of nan models mentioned here.

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