You want a used car that saves you money and headaches, not one that leaves you stuck at the repair shop. This article points out specific models and model years that commonly cause problems so you can avoid costly mistakes when shopping.
You’ll learn which used cars have the worst reputations for reliability, maintenance costs, and ownership trouble so you can steer clear of risky buys. Keep this list in mind as you compare prices, inspect vehicles, and negotiate—your next used-car purchase can be smart and stress-free.
Fiat 500
If you’re shopping used, the Fiat 500 can charm with style and city-friendly size, but it brings trade-offs. Expect higher-than-average reports of electrical and transmission issues on some model years, plus frequent recalls around 2012–2013.
Maintenance and repair costs can add up, especially if the previous owner skipped service. If you want the look, aim for a well-documented, low-mileage example and factor in a pre-purchase inspection.
Jaguar XF (2016-2018)
You might be drawn to the XF for its looks and quiet cabin, but used examples from 2016–2018 often have costly reliability issues.
Electrical gremlins, suspension wear, and engine troubles show up in owner reports and can lead to high repair bills.
Have a mechanic inspect any car thoroughly and get full service records before buying.
Factor higher maintenance costs and potential recalls into your budget so you don’t get surprised later.
Chevrolet Cruze (2017)
You might find tempting prices on 2017 Cruzes, but inspect the engine closely before buying. Some examples suffered piston and engine failures that lead to costly repairs.
Check service records, look for oil consumption, and get a compression test if possible. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic can reveal signs of past engine trouble.
Ford Fiesta (2019)
You might find a 2019 Fiesta tempting for its compact size and good fuel economy.
But check service records closely—earlier Fiesta years had recurring transmission and powertrain issues that can affect later models.
Have a mechanic inspect the transmission, clutch (if manual), and engine cooling system.
Confirm any software updates or recalls were completed to reduce risk of surprise repairs.
Jeep Renegade (2019)
If you buy a 2019 Renegade, expect mixed reliability; the model fixed some earlier issues but still shows electrical and transmission complaints for some owners.
Your repair costs can be higher than average, especially if electronics or the gearbox act up.
Check service records, test-drive long enough to spot shifting or infotainment glitches, and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection to avoid surprise bills.
Tesla Model S (2016)
If you’re shopping used, watch for 2016 Model S examples with frequent touchscreen and MCU failures that can disable key functions. Repairs can be costly and sometimes require full module replacement.
Autopilot hardware debuted in 2016 but brought software and sensor teething problems you might inherit. Check service history, NHTSA recalls, and confirm the MCU and air suspension have been addressed.
Nissan Altima (2019)
If you’re shopping used, the 2019 Altima can surprise you with transmission and electrical hiccups reported by owners.
You may appreciate the comfortable ride and fuel economy, but be ready for potentially costly repairs if issues appear.
Have a mechanic inspect the CVT and look for warning lights during a test drive.
Request full service records and prioritize cars with documented maintenance to reduce risk.
Hyundai Elantra (2018)
You might find the 2018 Elantra tempting for its modern looks and tech, but reliability reports and owner complaints point to electrical glitches and transmission issues.
Those problems can lead to unexpected repair bills and downtime, especially if you buy without a thorough inspection.
Have a mechanic check the transmission, infotainment, and any service history for repeated repairs.
Consider a certified pre-owned option or extended warranty to reduce your financial risk.
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