Buying a used car is tricky enough without having to worry about your new purchase falling apart the month after you take possession. Using data from Consumer Reports, we’ve compiled a list of 15 used models to avoid at all costs the next time you find yourself at a dealer — or in the driveway of an opportunistic private seller. From oil leaks and brake problems to persistent squeaks and rattles, these cars and trucks are more trouble than they’re worth. Read through this list and save yourself the headache.
1. The Toyota Camry is the best-selling sedan on the road, thanks in part to its legendary reliability, but recent models have had serious issues. Those include excessive brake wear on 2008 4-cylinder models and water pump woes on 2007 to 2009 4-cylinder and hybrid models. Aside from those, the Camry remains a solid bet if you’re buying used. Just mind the miles and be sure to check a reputable vehicle history report.
2. Nissan Altima
Model years to avoid: 2003 – 2010
If there’s trouble to be had, the Nissan Altima has had it. First, the car suffered battery issues between 2003 and 2010, and air conditioning failures on 2003, 2005 and 2006 V6 models. Then there are brake problems between 2003 and 2009. That’s not all, though. Grab an Altima built between 2003 and 2005, and you’ll likely be met with check-engine and catalytic converter problems along with stalling and engine hesitation.
3. Honda Accord
Model years to avoid: 2003 – 2004, 2008 – 2010
Could it be? The venerable Honda Accord on a do-not-buy list? Absolutely. Certain V6 models built between 2003 and 2004 had high transmission failure rates. That’s an expensive fix. Throw in undue squeaks and rattles on 2008 and 2009 models and brake problems from 2008 to 2010, and the Accord has plenty of skeletons in its closet. Do your homework, avoid those years, and you should still be as good as gold choosing an Accord.
4. BMW 3-Series
Model years to avoid: 2003 – 2006; 2006 325i; 2007 – 2010 335i
OK, so maybe this one’s not a surprise. You might have heard the saying at one time or another, “Don’t buy a German car out of warranty.” In the case of 2003 to 2006 BMW 3-Series, that’s certainly true. Those years suffered water pump failures, excessive brake wear and power window faults. That said, 2006 325i variants added head gasket failures to that lengthy list. Meanwhile, 2007 to 2010 335i cars tend to heave fuel-pump and fuel-injector woes. None of those are particularly cheap on any luxury vehicle.
5. Ford F-150
Model years to avoid: 2003 – 2007, 2008, 2009 – 2011
Not so fast, Ford fans. The F-150 has had its fair share of problems, too. Trucks built between 2003 and 2007 tend to have brake system and 4-wheel-drive problems, while 2008 V8 pickups suffer automatic climate control issues. Meanwhile, owners with 2009 V6, 2010 V8, and 2011 EcoBoost V6 trucks point to rough shifts from the transmission as a sore point.
6. Jeep Grand Cherokee
Model years to avoid: 2003, 2005, 2006
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a tempting buy for anyone who spends time off road. With its rugged 4-wheel-drive system and comfortable interior, the SUV has plenty in its corner, but with electrical failures in 2003 models, water pump and radiator failures in others and 4-wheel-drive issues in 2005 and 2006 V8 models, there are enough issues to keep you wary.
7. Ford Focus
Model years to avoid: 2003 – 2006, 2012
Don’t be tempted by that less expensive Ford Focuson the lot. These cars have a stack of gremlins, including squeaks and rattles, air-conditioning failures, oil leaks — and broken engine mounts. Throw in alternator, ignition, and battery troubles in 2003 to 2006 models, and there’s even more to worry about. Newer models don’t get away unscathed, either, as 2012 owners have reported problems with the radio and a rough-shifting automatic transmission.
8. Dodge Grand Caravan
When it comes to moving people and their things around town, there is no better vehicle than a good minivan. The Grand Caravan has been one of the best-selling vans in history, and as a result there are plenty of used examples for sale. But they have a few issues. Brake trouble and squeaks and rattles are just the tip of the iceberg. Issues with the sliding door and the rear hatch, paint defects and rust, power steering system faults, bad tie rods and water pump woes all make the list as well.
9. Ford Explorer
Model years to avoid: 2004 – 2008, 2011 – 2013
Like the Grand Cherokee, the Explorer wins points for its off-road capability and copious cargo room, but owners have reported a long list of issues. Major transmission issues plague the SUV from 2004 through 2006, while cooling system failures were common from 2006 to 2008. Throw in climate control issues in 2011, and audio system quirks from 2011 to 2013, and you start to get the picture. This one may be best left alone.
10. Jeep Wrangler
Model years to avoid: 2007 – 2012
The rough Jeep Wrangler is an off-road champion, but that doesn’t mean it gets away free and clear when it comes to reliability. Squeaks and rattles plague Wranglers from 2007 to 2012, while suspension issues plague the SUV from 2007 to 2008 and major drive system failures are common from 2007 to 2010. Complaints about the SUV’s fuel system and transmission problems from 2007 to 2010 round out the list.
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