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What used cars should not be bought: the worst options
If you're planning to buy a used car, it's important to choose carefully to avoid wasting your money. Used cars can be a good option for those who want to save money, but there are several important factors to consider.
The wrong choice can lead to additional costs for repairs or maintenance. To avoid such situations, automotive experts have prepared a list of cars that are best avoided when buying. Read on to find out which used cars are not recommended for purchase.
Cars from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA)
The list includes the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Fiat brands, which are often included in lists of cars not recommended for used car buying. While some models, especially larger trucks and SUVs, have received positive reviews, many FCA vehicles have reliability issues.
This is especially true for subcompact, compact models, and smaller SUVs, where numerous technical problems have been observed. In particular, Chrysler has a reputation for being slow to respond to common problems, such as engine defects in the Chrysler PT Cruiser or transmission problems in the Dodge Journey.
Sports cars
Often considered desirable and emotionally appealing, buying a used car may not be as beneficial as it seems at first glance. Expert Chris Pyle from JustAnswer Auto advises avoiding models such as Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro, and Dodge Charger, as they can have many hidden problems after prolonged use.
There is also a risk when buying luxury sports cars from Porsche or Lamborghini, as these cars are often either intensively maintained to preserve their appearance or operated in extreme conditions, which can lead to serious mechanical problems. Therefore, it is important to carefully check the history and condition of such cars before buying.
Trucks
Some used trucks may not be the best choice if you want to make a bargain. Expert Chris Pyle advises avoiding models such as Ford Super Duty, Dodge/Ram Heavy Duty, Chevy Silverado, Ford F-150, and Dodge trucks, as these vehicles are often overused and abused.
Owners often use them for towing that exceeds the permissible limits or make modifications to the design that prematurely wear out the engine and transmission. Because these trucks have a high initial cost, previous owners may have neglected regular maintenance, which can also lead to serious breakdowns.
Models with early versions of continuously variable transmission
Experts recommend refraining from buying cars with early versions of continuously variable transmission (CVT). They explain that although CVT has become standard in many modern cars, early models, including some from Nissan, had serious problems with this technology.
According to the experts, these cars often needed transmission replacement after 80,000 miles. Therefore, if you are considering such a purchase, it is important to consider the possible additional costs of repairing or replacing the transmission.
Luxury brands
Experts advise avoiding buying used cars from luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Cadillac, and Volvo. Although they may seem attractive because of the discounted price, these cars often require frequent updates and have high maintenance costs.
Luxury brands wear out quickly after a certain mileage and also depreciate heavily over time, making them less favorable for buyers looking for a reliable car. Beneke warns that with this choice of used car, you can face high maintenance and repair costs.
Electric vehicles of early production
Experts warn that the first models of electric cars can be a big financial trap for buyers. Although used electric cars look like an attractive alternative due to fuel savings, older models such as the Nissan Leaf, Ford Focus Electric, and others may have problems with batteries that lose charge quickly. This significantly reduces the range, making such cars less convenient for everyday use.
Unmaintained used cars
Experts recommend caution when buying used cars that have not been properly maintained. Although such vehicles may look attractive on the outside, they can hide serious mechanical problems that are not always easy to spot. Kelley Blue Book's Brian Moody emphasizes that without regular maintenance, a car can quickly break down or require expensive repairs. Such cars are often labeled "branded" or "salvage," which indicates their history of damage, such as from a flood or fire.
Rent a car
Experts do not advise buying cars that were previously rented, as such cars often do not receive proper care and may be in poor condition. Chris Pyle recommends avoiding rental cars because they are often used by several drivers, which can lead to heavy wear and tear. In addition, it is important to check whether the car came to the dealer through an auction, as this is a typical way for rented cars.
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