Buying a new vehicle is a huge investment be it a brand new one or second hand, it still is a big deal and takes a lot of preparation, if not all your savings. However, putting some effort into researching the best vehicles to buy is worth it because it can eliminate many headaches down the road. Bearing in mind that the purchasing power of the average Nigerian is too low to purchase brand new cars due to economic challenges, doing research on good quality used vehicles to buy by yourself can be a little challenging and overwhelming. The good news is that Consumer Reports perform yearly auto reviews and focus on major mechanical issues and reliability-related issues to help customers make an informed decision about their next used vehicle.
This article highlights the 20 worst secondhand vehicles to buy in the used car market due to consumer reports. These cars have been discovered to have major issues that have reduced their reliability significantly. Below is the list of the 20 worst secondhand vehicles you should avoid buying.
- Chrysler town and Country
Consumer Reports indicated that although Chrysler Pacifica is one of the best minivans that people like to buy, it tends to have a lower reliability rating across recent years. More. Specifically, it's recommended that you stay away from model years from 2008 through 2012 because they have the worst reliability rating.
- BMW X5
BMW X5 was reported to have significant issues in the fuel system, the climate control, and some in the engine compartment. In addition, consumer Reports indicated that you should stay away from model years of 2011 and 2012 because of the lower reliability rating.
- Ford Fiesta
Ford Fiesta received the worst reliability rating indicating that you have to stay away from it. Try staying away from the 2011 to 2014 model years because most issues are related to major components like the transmission, the audio system, the body integrity, and others.
- Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 has some reliability issues, and you are recommended staying away from model years of 2014 and 2016. These two years received a rating of “never buy,” according to experts at Consumer Reports.
- Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen Jetta was also listed as one of the worst used vehicles to stay away from. Model years from 2014, 2015, and 2016 are almost the worst because of the power equipment, interior finish, and audio system problems.
- Cardillac Escalade
Although Cadillac Escalade comes with a great luxurious looking, it still did not receive the best reliability rating. As a result, you are advised staying away from model years of 2015 and 2016. During these two model years, you had issues related to the powertrain, body compartments, and transmission.
- Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 was completely redesigned by 2015, however it still had reliability issues and Consumer Reports pointed out model years from 2017 and later as the worst model years sailed from.
- Fiat 500
Fiat 500 was listed as the worst performer, and Consumer Reports mentioned that you should stay away from model years of 2012, 2013, and 2015. In fact, the 2012 model year has some significant problems described as a “disaster in body finish.”
- Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
Customers indicated that the vehicle suffered from issues related to the body integrity, the suspension system, and the powertrain. Furthermore, Consumer Reports mentioned that you should also stay away from model years of 2011 and 2012 due to other problems related to their fuel and braking system.
- Mercedes GL
Mercedes GL is one of the most luxurious and expensive vehicles that many people were attracted to buy. Unfortunately, the vehicle comes with a lot of issues, and these issues are clearer in model years of 2013 and 2015. Thus, the vehicle was listed as one of the used cars to avoid buying.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
Consumer Reports highlighted 2007, 2011, 2014, 2013 of the Jeep Grand Cherokee as the worst model years because of the poor below-average reliability rating.
- Mini Countryman
Although the mini countryman is an agreed vehicle that attracted many customers over the years, it still has what's described as “a terrible era for the BMW.” Model years of 2007, 2011, and 2015 had major issues in the transmission
- Dodge Charger
While Dodge Charger comes with a lot of quality and provides a lot of power, it still has some issues when it comes to reliability. In addition, Consumer Reports indicated that model years of 2014 and 2015 are not great, and you should stay away from the 2011 and 2012 model years.
- Ford F-250
Consumer Reports has indicated that the model years of 2008, 2010, and 2014 of the F-250 are those you should stay away from. Furthermore, 2008 and 2010 models suffered from major issues in the transmission, brake system, and powertrain.
- Volkswagen GTI
The 2013 model year of this vehicle comes with major suspension system problems that significantly impacts the reliability according to Consumer Reports, therefore you are advised to avoid buying it.
- Nissan Pathfinder
Particularly common on Nigerian roads, the 2013 model year was almost one of the worst because of the high number of recalls impacting significant airbags. As a result, the 2014 model year was one of the ten worst used cars to avoid buying.
- Crysler PT Cruiser
Unfortunately, there are plenty of hidden issues in the Chrysler PT Cruiser. In addition, the vehicle does not have the best reliability rating, which means that all shoppers should stay away from this car to prevent dealing with major mechanical issues
- BMW 5 Series
The BMW 5 Series was also highlighted for the worst reliability rating. The two worst model years are 2008 and 2012. Also, the manufacturer decided to recall vehicles from the 2011 and 2012 due to problems of stalling caused by fuel leaks.
- Chevrolet Traverse
Finally, the Chevrolet traverse also had significant reliability issues causing 15 models to go to the worst reliability rating list. Since 2016, Consumer Reports indicated that the vehicle has a below-average reliability rating. The worst model years are 2009, 2011, and 2013.
Conclusion
95% of cars in Nigeria happen to be used cars, therefore learning about the ones to avoid is very critical to prevent buying a car that would keep giving you mechanical issues. Luckily, Consumer Reports continuously publishes information and articles about some issues and patterns in certain vehicles to help customers prevent getting involved in undesirable purchase choices.
If you happen to already own one of the vehicles listed in this article and you realize you are having some of the mentioned issues, then you should try to replace the vehicle and get a better one. However, if the problems seem to be minor or it happens to be some issue with certain parts which need replacement, you can visit us on carpartsnow.ng to get original parts for your car.