Know the car before you buy it
Model-by-model answers for the car you drive or want.
Common problems by year, the best and worst years to buy, reliability and real ownership costs, explained make by make in plain English.
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Explore Car Model Guides
Pick a make to find problems, reliability and buying advice for each model.
Kia
Sorento, Sportage, Soul, Forte, Optima and more: problems, years and costs.
Explore topic →02Volvo
XC90, XC60, S60, V60 and more: reliability and ownership guides.
Explore topic →03Dodge
Charger, Challenger, Durango, Journey and more: years to buy or avoid.
Explore topic →04Lincoln
Navigator, Aviator, Nautilus, Corsair and more: reliability and costs.
Explore topic →05Ford
Explorer, Escape, Expedition, Bronco Sport and more: problems by year.
Explore topic →06Volkswagen
Jetta, Tiguan, Atlas, Passat, Golf and more: what used buyers should know.
Explore topic →Featured reading
Start Here: Most-Asked Model Questions
The checks owners and used buyers look up first.
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Why Is My Lincoln Aviator Not Starting?
A Lincoln Aviator that won’t start is usually a 12-volt battery, key recognition, brake-switch, starter, or fuel-supply issue.
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Why Does My Kia Sportage Have Gearbox Problems?
Kia Sportage gearbox problems are often caused by fluid, a sensor fault, clutch wear, or software; slipping and limp mode need urgent…
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What Are the Best Kia Sorento Years to Buy?
2019-2020 are the value picks, while 2022-2024 bring the newest design. See which Sorento years to buy, which to avoid, and why.
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What Are the Best Ford F-150 Years to Buy?
2011–2014 are the lowest-risk used F-150 buys, 2015–2017 are the best value, and 2018–2020 add newer tech with proven V6 options.
From the blog
Latest Car Model Guides
New guides on problems, reliability, best years and ownership costs.
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Why Are Kia Souls Easy to Steal?
Keyed 2011–2021 Kia Souls without a factory immobilizer are theft-prone; push-button-start models are not.
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What Are the Most Common Dodge Grand Caravan Problems?
Transmission shudder, power-sliding-door faults, TIPM issues, and suspension wear are the main Dodge Grand Caravan problems…
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How to Reset the Volvo XC60 Infotainment System
Hold the center display Home button for about 20 seconds to reboot most Volvo XC60s, then…
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What Volvo XC90 Years Should You Avoid?
Avoid 2003-2006 XC90s and be cautious with the 2016 redesign; 2018 or newer is the safer…
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VW Jetta vs Honda Civic: Which Is Better Used?
Used, the Jetta is the comfort-and-tech pick; the Civic is the safer buy for lower risk…
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What Lincoln Navigator Years Should You Avoid?
Avoid the 2003–2006 and 2015–2017 Lincoln Navigators; those years carry the highest reports of transmission, suspension,…
Recent Guides
- Why Is My Lincoln Aviator Not Starting?
- Why Does My Kia Sportage Have Gearbox Problems?
- What Are the Best Kia Sorento Years to Buy?
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