Used cars have had ups and downs in pricing over the past few years, but they remain a generally solid alternative to paying new MSRPs. Letting someone else eat the depreciation can net buyers a great deal, but that’s only if the used car they’re buying is reliable and in good condition. Consumer Reports recently ranked the used cars to avoid with an eye on reliability and maintenance costs, and some automakers have several models on the list.
Consumer Reports came up with 60 vehicles based on responses from its annual member surveys.
Used cars to avoid in 2024
- Audi
A3: 2018
A6: 2019
Q3: 2016, 2022
E-tron: 2019 - Buick
Encore: 2015, 2017
Encore GX: 2020 - Cadillac
XT4: 2019 - Chevrolet
Blazer: 2023
Bolt: 2019-2022
Cruze: 2014
Malibu: 2014
Suburban: 2021, 2023
Tahoe: 2016-17, 2021
Traverse: 2018 - Chrysler
Pacifica Hybrid: 2018, 2021-22
Town & Country: 2016 - Dodge
Grand Caravan: 2016, 2018 - Ford
Escape: 2021
Escape Hybrid: 2020
Expedition: 2017-2019
Explorer: 2016, 2020
F-150 Hybrid: 2021-22
F-250: 2020
Mustang: 2020 - GMC
Acadia: 2018
Yukon: 2016-17, 2021
Yukon XL: 2021, 2023 - Hyundai
Ioniq: 2020
Ioniq 5: 2022
Kona EV: 2019
Santa Fe Sport: 2014
Sonata: 2017-18
Tucson: 2016-17 - Jeep
Cherokee: 2014
Gladiator: 2020
Grand Cherokee L: 2021
Wrangler: 2018, 2020-21 - Kia
Niro: 2019
Soul: 2021 - Mazda
CX-9: 2023 - Mercedes-Benz
C-Class: 2018 - Mini
Cooper: 2018 - Nissan
Pathfinder: 2023
Rogue: 2022 - Ram
2500: 2017, 2022 - Rivian
R1T: 2022 - Tesla
Model S: 2019-2021
Model X: 2018, 2022 - Volkswagen
Atlas: 2021
Jetta: 2014, 2021
Taos: 2022
Tiguan: 2018 - Volvo
S60: 2015, 2022
V60: 2015, 2020
XC60 PHEV: 2022-23
XC90: 2016, 2019
Even if the model you’re searching for isn’t on this list, it’s always a great idea to get a pre-purchase inspection before buying. A reputable third-party inspection can help identify existing issues and may find potential problems that could crop up down the road. Spending a few hundred dollars up front could save thousands down the road, so don’t slack on your research when shopping for used cars.
