Think Twice Before Buying These Used Cars Says Consumer Reports

Buying a used car can often seem like a financially savvy decision due to the significant depreciation absorbed by the

Buying a used car can often seem like a financially savvy decision due to the significant depreciation absorbed by the first owner. However, choosing a model known for its unreliability can transform what seems like a bargain into a costly mistake, with repair expenses potentially surpassing the purchase price. According to Consumer Reports, this could lead you to spend more on maintaining the car than you would on a newer, more reliable model with enhanced features and fewer miles.

To safeguard potential buyers, Consumer Reports compiles an annual list of used cars to avoid based on extensive data gathered from its members' experiences. This information, derived from the Annual Auto Surveys, focuses on the frequency of problems reported for each model compared to the average problem rate for all vehicles from the same model year. Here's a snapshot of vehicles that have demonstrated below-average reliability, making them risky choices for used car buyers:

• Audi: 2018 A3, 2019 A6, 2016 & 2022 Q3, 2019 E-Tron
• Chevrolet: 2014 & 2021 Cruze, 2014 & 2021 Malibu, 2021 & 2023 Suburban, 2016-2017 & 2021 Tahoe, 2018 Traverse
• Ford: 2021 Escape, 2020 & 2021 Escape Hybrid, 2017-2019 Expedition, 2021-2022 F-150 Hybrid, 2019 & 2021 F-250
• Hyundai: 2016-2017 Tucson
• Tesla: 2019-2021 Model S, 2018 & 2022 Model X

For those interested in making an informed choice, Consumer Reports offers in-depth reviews and exclusive ratings for its members, covering a range of vehicles and other consumer products. Subscribers can access detailed evaluations and utilize tools like the Used Car Marketplace to find reliable vehicles for sale in their area, factoring in criteria that matter most to them.

By steering clear of models known for their pitfalls and conducting thorough research, buyers can better navigate the used car market and invest in a vehicle that promises reliability and value.