While buying a good used vehicle can save you a ton of money and last you a long time, the operative word is “good.” Too many people focus more on the sticker price and less on the make, model, and trim.
Even a reputable brand can become a money pit if the previous owner or owners were loosey-goosey with maintenance and repairs.
Some Used Cars Aren’t Worth the Hassle
Some used vehicles should be avoided even if they seem in okay condition. If you want to throw caution to the wind and buy something that has no business in a sane person’s driveway or garage, you should, at the very least, have a mechanic inspect it first. What you find out post-inspection may give you a reason to avoid a bad buying decision.
Avoid These Models at All Costs
Continue reading to see 14 used cars that warrant slamming the brakes and performing a U-turn. To provide you with this list, we looked at the U.S. News & World Report’s Used Cars to Avoid in 2024.
2020 Nissan Frontier
The 2020 Nissan Frontier gets a 6.9/10 overall score from U.S. News, which puts the pickup dead last in compact truck rankings. While the vehicle offers pretty decent acceleration with the 310 hp V6 engine under the hood, it adds that there are more cons than pros.
The cabin does a poor job of keeping out road noise and has an outdated aesthetic. Among other things, the Frontier’s towing and payload specs trail its competitors.
2020 Toyota Tundra
Across all vehicle types, Toyotas are usually lauded for their reliability and dependability. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for the 2020 Toyota Tundra. The vehicle, which gets an overall score of only 6.8/10, earns a last-place ranking for 2020 full-size pickup trucks.
While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are positive, U.S. News critiques its dismal fuel economy and uninspired cabin fit and finish.
2020 Toyota Sequoia
Another Toyota? Say it isn’t so! Yes, U.S. News includes the 2020 Toyota Sequoia in its list of vehicles to give a wide berth. It gets a 6.9/10, which is good considering it came last for affordable large SUVs.
While it has ample room for people, pets, and luggage and can scoot with the best of them with a 381 hp V8 under the hood, the vehicle has a lofty projected cost of ownership, says U.S. News.
It’s fuel economy? If you have to ask, that’s reason enough to scratch this SUV off your shortlist. And for such a giant, lumbering beast of an SUV, the Sequoia also offers low towing specs.
2019 Toyota C-HR
People who claim that Toyota’s quality isn’t what it used to be have a point. The 2019 Toyota C-HR also makes U.S. News’ list of used vehicles to avoid, giving it an overall score of 6.7/10. And they’re not alone—Car and Driver gives it a 6/10, and Edmunds gives it a 6.6/10.
Highlighting the vehicle’s standard safety technology and commuter-friendly ride quality, U.S. News adds that the C-HR sits near the bottom of its list for affordable subcompact SUVs. It features rear seats only small children can comfortably sit in and less-than-ample cargo space. According to the publication, its powertrain is nothing to write about either.
2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
U.S. News recommends that consumers look elsewhere other than the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport if they are in the market for a second-hand subcompact SUV. Yes, the Outlander Sport offers an intuitive infotainment system and sufficient cargo room, but the ride quality, acceleration, and unenthusiastic design leave much to be desired. It gives the vehicle an overall rating of 6.7/10.
2020 Fiat 500X
While the 2020 Fiat 500X didn’t come in dead last in the 2020 affordable subcompact SUV rankings, it was near the bottom of the pile, coming in second-last place. Its retro aesthetic is a plus for many consumers, but U.S. News says the rear seats and cargo space are nothing to write home about.
It appears the “utility” in “sports utility vehicle” is missing in action. The vehicle gets a 6.6/10.
2020 Dodge Journey
U.S. News gives the 2020 Dodge Journey an overall score of 6.4/10. While the vehicle has an intuitive infotainment system and comfortable ride, there’s a reason it comes in last place in the 2020 affordable midsize SUV rankings. Its poor handling, weak motor, and cheap cabin quality warrant a thumbs down.
2020 Ford EcoSport
The 2020 Ford EcoSport might be an affordable subcompact SUV, but it’s bad enough to make last place on the U.S. News list. That said, its handling is good, and the infotainment system is user-friendly, but both engine options are weak, and the cabin is okay at best. The 2020 Ford EcoSport gets an overall score of 6.4/10.
2020 Fiat 500L
U.S. News gives the 2020 Fiat 500L an overall score of 6.4/10, which is one reason to avoid buying a used one. While its quirky aesthetic will interest some consumers, it doesn’t mean it’s worth your hard-earned money.
In addition to style, it offers lots of cargo space. However, the build quality and firm seats are reasons to buy something else.
2020 Dodge Grand Caravan
The Dodge Grand Caravan is a pioneer in the minivan segment. However, the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan didn’t get the best reception in the U.S. News ranking. Earning an overall score of 6.4/10, the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan finished dead last in minivan rankings.
The vehicle has fewer standard features than some rivals, and its firmer-than-desirable ride quality makes it uncomfortable for long trips.
2019 Buick Cascada
The 2019 Buick Cascada, a small luxury car, finishes close to the bottom of the pile in its segment. The convertible lags in the fuel economy competition. And you can forget cruising the open road in comfort since its seats are firm, giving it an overall rating of 7.0/10.
2020 Nissan 370Z
While the 2020 Nissan 370Z looks the part, has responsive steering, and handles confidently, U.S. News says it’s a stiff ride that passengers will feel. So, if you want a sports car you can use as a daily driver, the 2020 Nissan 370Z isn’t it. It comes in last place in U.S. News 2020 affordable sports car rankings. It gets a 6.3/10 overall score.
2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
U.S. News gives the 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross a dismal 5.8/10. Unsurprisingly, the 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is last on the publication’s 2019 affordable compact SUV rankings. Positives include its fuel economy and spacious seats, but the negatives are numerous. They include its small cargo area and loud powertrain.
Don’t Give These Vehicles a Second Thought
Even if you’re desperate for a used vehicle, there are far too many on the market to settle for one of the options mentioned on this list. These vehicles will do nothing more than cause you stress and drain your resources. Avoid buyer’s remorse by heeding the warning: these vehicles make bad used cars.
Plenty of Good Used Vehicles Abound
You’ll find plenty of good used vehicles with minimal fuss. When buying used, take your time. Always have a mechanic inspect a car before making your decision.
Skipping this step is like rolling the dice and hoping for the best. When buying a used car, you don’t want to gamble. Remember, you’re spending your hard-earned money, after all.
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