Looking for your personal favorites on the market at lower prices is where the second-hand market comes in. However, it is important is to keep in mind that not all these cars will give the same performance as they did when they were new. Some parts of the vehicle fail to preserve their efficiency and last for a short period.
Unreliable parts will require more repair and hence more expense on your side. Nonetheless, used cars are just as much exciting to buy as a new one. However, when they turn low on your expectations, it bums out your experience. It's surprising how many of these used cars belong to some high-profile brands. Here are 15 used cars which should rather stay on the lot a bit longer.
15 BMW X5
BMW X5 may have an SUV following under its wing, but that is only when it's bought new from the showroom. Out of a garage, a used BMW doesn't offer the same experience. According to the Daily News site, BMW X5 has reportedly been rated 'below average' for reliability in Consumer Reports' annual car review.
14 Ram 1500
Dodge introduced its Ram series for the market in 1994 and from then on, many models already brought in complaints from the owners. The transmission, in particular, was a recurring issue. In spite of the decent performance, its recurring transmission issues tend to ruin the overall ownership experience. It’s best to look for another pickup.
13 Chevrolet Camaro
There's no doubt that the Chevrolet Camaro is sleek, comfortable, and has one of the most beautiful exteriors on the market. But if you're not inclined towards the visual appeal, a used Camaro is not a reliable option. Many reviews report that Camaro's used models require engine repair that's expensive, making the car harder to maintain.
12 Infiniti Q50
The luxury mid-size sedan, Infiniti Q50, debuted in 2013 with the motive to replace Infiniti's G sedan lineup. Even though many of Infiniti's models are incredibly reliable like Q70, the Infiniti Q50 stands below subpar. There have been many recalls for Q50 models, while a 2014 Consumer Reports reviewed Q50 as least secure.
11 Ford Fiesta
Ford Fiesta couldn't make a mark in the showroom when it was debuted. It was a decent model but didn't gear a respectable sale percentage. It is not uncommon that you are facing several problems in the used Ford hatchback. These problems range from expensive injector repairs in diesel versions to interior wear and tear.
10 Mini Cooper
Mini Cooper is a classic and relatively sturdy model, but for daily use, it's impractical and small. The brand was bought out by BMW in 2000 after it dissolved the Rover Group in the same year. A used Mini Cooper's problems include turbo failure, oil starvations due to clogged oil pump and clutch repairs.
9 Ford Focus
A spacious cargo, high tech dashboard, and a bold body might entice you into buying a used Ford Focus. However, earlier 2012 and 2013 models have had engine failure problems. Apart from the crucial engine failure, a manual gearbox is prone to clutch stiffness while the interior has its own share of the issues.
8 Chevrolet Cruze
Chevy's Cruze price fell dramatically when the series' production was discontinued in 2019. Although the lowered rate is one of the great perks over many expensive luxury sedans, a used Cruze comes with its own set of setbacks. Wear and tear in the valve cover and air intakes lead to oil consumption and exhaustion problems.
7 Dodge Challenger
Dodge Challenger has many optional variants in standard V8 engines and is a sporty muscle on tracks. Unfortunately, engine breakdown and a bad TIPM dominates the problem list where total repair costs exceed $900. Dodge is infamous for its 'Takata airbag recall' where faulty airbags in many models resulted in injuries.
6 Audi A4
On mainstream reviewing sites like RepairPal, the Audi A4 Quattro rating stands at 3.0 out of 5.0 in reliability. The figure is decent but extremely low for a luxury drive. Owning a used Audi A4 can be pretty challenging with its vacuum and oil leakage, frequent gearbox problems, and premature wear of the suspension.
5 BMW 5 Series
BMW 5 series uses more tech in the sedans to revamp the stale tradition in sedans. However, its focus on technology left many parts of the car unattended. A roomy cabin is a go-to vehicle for a family unit, but the used BMW 5 poses problems with cambelt fitted at the rear of the engine.
4 Volkswagen GTI
Volkswagen is a reliable brand with many successful cars like the Beetle and Passat. With the GTI, it fell short on its tradition, particularly regarding reliability. It has subpar scores on J.D and drops as low as 3.0 out of 5 on RepairPal in safety. It clearly shows a used GTI will struggle to last.
3 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Grand Cherokee is a luxury SUV that has the reputation of performing smoothly on off-road terrains. However, a used Jeep Cherokee requires a detailed inspection before the sale owing to its many recurring problems with engines, switchgear, electrical components, and the wearing of upholstery fabric of the dashboard. You’re better off going for a Toyota.
2 Fiat 500
Fiat 500 is an extraordinarily small city car that gives a new edge to the compact cars. While many admire its small frame, a used Fiat 500 slags out on performance. Many of the repairs of the vehicle are expensive to maintain, while the engine is prone to damage.
1 Volkswagen Jetta
The reason why repairing a used Volkswagen Jetta is expensive is that many of its parts are imported. The cambelt or timing chains are known to be fragile and wear out quickly, which can result in severe engine damage. The automatic gearbox struggles to shift gears, as reported in many complaints.