If you’re looking for used cars for sale, you’ve probably consulted a number of best-of lists to get an idea of top options. However, it’s also not a bad idea to take a look at lists of the worst used cars on the market. Knowing some of the top 5 worst used cars out there can help you avoid coming home with a lemon.
Chrysler Town & Country
This Chrysler minivan is the previous model before the Chrysler Pacifica minivan hit the market. The reliability of the Town & Country was never good during its run, and the models from 2008 through 2013 rated much worse than average. Consumer Reports tagged the Town & Country with its notorious “Never Buy” label. If you’re looking for a minivan, a better choice to consider is either the Honda Odyssey or the Toyota Sienna.
Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is a Ford compact that has been around for a long time, so it’s definitely a car you might encounter on the used market if you’re looking for a small car. Despite its sheer numbers, however, the Fiesta is mostly not a good car. The model years from 2011 through 2014 were especially bad with issues like transmission problems, body integrity problems, and a faulty audio system. The Fiesta is being discontinued in 2023, but it has been in production since 1976. A better choice for a used compact car is the Toyota Yaris or Mazda 2.
BMW X5
Before its redesign in 2014, the BMW X5 was known for its wide range of reliability issues. Some common problems included faulty climate control, engine problems, and fuel system problems. The 2011 and 2012 models were considered the absolute worst for reliability, but the 2013 and 2014 models weren’t great either. Electrical system and engine issues have continued to plague the X5 even up to the present. If you’re looking for a used midsize crossover like the X5, consider the Hyundai Santa Fe instead.
Fiat 500
When it comes to used cars for sale, Fiat-Chrysler has quite a few models with below-average reliability as listed by Consumer Reports. If you’re looking for a used car, you should be very cautious with models by this brand. The absolute worst on this list for Fiat is the Fiat 500. Model years from 2012 through 2015 were especially bad with issues concerning the brakes, suspension, body finish, and electrical equipment.
Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan makes some good used cars, but historically the Pathfinder has not produced above-average reliability ratings. The worst model years for this SUV are 2013 and 2014. The 2013 Pathfinder had nine separate recalls, which included brake issues and airbag failure. The 2014 Pathfinder, on the other hand, made Consumer Reports’ 10 Worst List from that year. A better choice for a used midsize SUV is the Toyota 4Runner
When looking at used cars for sale, it’s always a good idea to stick with brands and models that have achieved a reputation for above-average reliability ratings.
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