Used Cars to Avoid

Here is a list of used cars to avoid, based on data from multiple sources including reliability surveys, resale values and safety ratings, along with our own experiences road-testing these vehicles. Our selections are largely based on the most recent J.D. Power & Associates U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study which determines the least dependable three-year-old cars. The results are based on responses from more than 43,700 original owners of 2008 model-year vehicles regarding problems experienced during the prior 12 months. All of the models on our list were rated “below average” in overall reliability, specifically powertrain performance (engine/transmission/suspension); issues with the body and interior treatments; and failures with features and accessories.

Chevrolet Aveo 
Even without its dismal scores in the current J.D. Power & Associates U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study of three-year-old models, the subcompact Chevrolet Aveo would still make our list for its utter lack of style and substance. Built in South Korea, it's little more than basic transportation, with fuel economy as its prime virtue at 24/34 mpg (most cars in its class do better).

Dodge Charger / Dodge Magnum

With a storied nameplate that was resurrected for the 2006 model year, the full-size Charger sedan comes wrapped in throwback exterior styling, while the Magnum was cast as an aggressive-looking station wagon. Both are related to the Chrysler 300, which boasts higher marks in the J.D. Power & Associates U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study for body and interior durability. 

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Expensive and reportedly repair-prone, with fuel economy at a thirsty 12 mpg in city driving, suffering high maintenance and repair costs and facing a steep and costly drop in resale value between the third and fifth years of ownership, the negatives tend to far outweigh the positives as regard this moderately sporty British luxury SUV.

 

Suzuki XL7

Discontinued after the 2009 model year, the Suzuki XL7 is a compact crossover SUV that's mechanically related to what is now the prior generation of the Chevrolet Equinox. It's available in five- and seven-passenger versions, with the latter adding a cramped third-row seat that's virtually unusable. Despite its car-based underpinnings the XL7 drives more like a small truck with imprecise steering and intrusive road noise at highway speeds.