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If you want a reliable car at an affordable price, buying a used car is a wise choice. However, some used cars are not a great investment. Buying these cars can result in transmission issues, questionable build quality, and a high likelihood of being scrapped.
GOBankingRates spoke to several auto experts about used cars, which can be more of a financial issue than a transaction. These he avoids buying 6 used cars.
fiat 500
Used Fiats have become such a disappointing purchase among car buyers that the car bears the unflattering acronym “Fix It Again Tony.”Fiat has been in the US for many years, Karl Anthony, editor-in-chief auto blogsaid that reliability and quality ratings from industry sources such as Consumer Reports and JD Power were lower than expected.
Buy a used Fiat from Leland Jones, founder and CEO ceramic king coating, said to avoid 2012-2016 Fiat 500 cars. Jones said buyers could face clutch failures and expensive repair costs, among other problems to be expected.
ford escape
Buyers who see a used Ford Escape for sale may want to keep looking.
Joe Giranda, Director of Sales and Marketing CFR Classicsaid that the used Ford Escape suffers from transmission problems such as tremors and jerks. Another big problem with these used cars is the suspension, which requires frequent maintenance.
Volkswagen Eos
The Volkswagen Eos is one of the worst used convertibles to buy, even after it was discontinued by Volkswagen in 2015.
“Especially power windows and convertible top mechanisms are prone to mechanical problems, resulting in expensive repairs,” Giranda said. “Owners also frequently report suspension problems.”
toyota camry
The Toyota Camry is a reliable sedan, but the previous generation of the car had a reputation for transmission problems, weak brakes and poor fuel economy, Giranda said.
Giranda encourages buyers interested in used sedans to try a Honda Civic or Mazda 3. These are a little more expensive than a used Camry, but the quality and features of these used cars make the extra cost worth it.
chrysler 200
according to Cars.com, certain 2015 model year Chrysler 200 vehicles have been recalled by Chrysler. Reasons for the recall of this particular model included electrical system wiring issues and electrical system power failures. Jones added that these used cars have engine and speed control issues.
BMW
While you might feel that buying a used or pre-owned BMW can impress anyone, Jones doesn’t recommend buying this used car, regardless of its age.
“The cost of these vehicles tends to be exorbitant,” says Jones. “Maintenance and repair costs are high, not to mention if you want an extended service contract. In my experience, they bring one problem after another.”
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