5 Used Cars You Shouldn’t Buy
5 Used Cars You Shouldn’t Buy
Heather TaylorFri, March 13, 2026 at 1:06 PM UTC
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When searching for a reliable vehicle at an affordable price, many turn to used cars. Of course, it’s important to go into your hunt with a base knowledge of which vehicles aren’t going to be worth your money down the road, especially those with transmission issues, questionable build quality or an increased likelihood of depreciation.
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GOBankingRates spoke to several automotive professionals to get their advice on vehicles they consider more of a financial hassle than a deal. Stay away from purchasing these five used cars and brands.
1. Fiat 500
Used Fiats have become such a regretted purchase among car buyers that the vehicle has its unflattering acronym: “Fix It Again Tony.” Carl Anthony, managing editor at Automoblog, said over the years Fiat has been in the United States, reliability and quality ratings from industry sources like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power have been lower than expected.
If you’re shopping for a used Fiat, Leland Jones, founder and CEO of Ceramic King Coatings, said to steer clear of any 2012 through 2016 Fiat 500 cars. Among other issues to anticipate, Jones said buyers may experience clutch failure and high repair costs.
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2. Ford Escape
Buyers who see a used Ford Escape for sale might want to keep looking. Joe Giranda, director of sales and marketing for CFR Classic, said used Ford Escape cars are plagued with transmission issues like shuddering and jerking. Another major issue with these used cars is the suspension, which needs frequent maintenance.
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3. Volkswagen Eos
Even after being discontinued by Volkswagen in 2015, the Eos is among one of the worst used convertibles to purchase.
“It is prone to mechanical problems, particularly with its power windows and convertible top mechanisms, resulting in high repair costs,” Giranda said. “Owners have also reported frequent suspension issues.”
4. Chrysler 200
According to Cars.com, certain model year 2015 Chrysler 200 vehicles have been recalled by Chrysler. Some of the reasons why this particular model was recalled include electrical system wiring issues and power failures in the electrical system. Jones added that these used vehicles have engine issues and speed control problems.
5. BMW
You may feel like you can impress everyone with a used or secondhand BMW, but Jones does not recommend purchasing this make used, no matter what year it is.
“The cost on those vehicles tends to be insane,” Jones said. “There’s a high cost of maintenance and repair expenses are through the roof. Not to mention if you wanted an extended service contract. In my experience, they just bring issue after issue.”
Here are some used BMWs car experts would advise you to steer clear of:
BMW 550i (2011-2013): This model’s 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine (N63) is a common source of high oil consumption and costly failures.
BMW 745i/750i (2002-2008): These 7 Series generations are known for complex and failing electronics, a problematic iDrive system and V8 engine issues like oil leaks and valve stem seal failures.
BMW X5 (2000-2006): The first-generation X5 is known for numerous mechanical problems, especially with the transmission in V8 models, electrical issues and climate control failures.
Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting of this article.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Used Cars You Shouldn’t Buy
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