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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How Do You Reset a Ford Explorer Screen?
Hold the power/volume knob for about 10 seconds. If it stays blank or frozen after two tries, move to the battery reset…
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How to Start a Dodge Charger Without a Key Fob
Use the fob against START/STOP to start a Charger with a dead battery in the fob. Then check the vehicle battery, starter,…
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What Are the Best Ford Escape Hybrid Years to Buy?
The safest used Ford Escape Hybrid years are 2020 to 2022, with 2023 to 2024 close behind if the price gap is…
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Is the Dodge Grand Caravan Safe for a Family?
A used Dodge Grand Caravan can be safe for family duty if its airbags, electronic stability control, brakes, tires, and recall status…
From the blog
Latest Car Model Guides
New guides on problems, reliability, best years and ownership costs.
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Is the Volvo XC90 T8 Hybrid Worth Buying Used?
Buy the XC90 T8 only with proof of regular charging, a clean battery/electronics history, and a…
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Why Does My Ford F-150 Shift Hard or Hesitate to Accelerate?
Separate engine hesitation from true shift harshness, then narrow the cause with live-data checks, fluid inspection,…
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Which VW Jetta Engine Is Best to Buy Used?
The 2.5L five-cylinder is the safest used VW Jetta engine for most buyers. Later 1.5T models…
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What VW Tiguan Years Should You Avoid?
Avoid 2009-2012 Tiguan models and any 2018-2019 example with weak service records. See the year-specific faults…
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Why Are Lincoln Navigators So Cheap Used?
Used Lincoln Navigators are cheap because depreciation is steep and repair risk is high; late-model trucks…
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Why Is My Dodge Durango Having Trouble Starting?
A Dodge Durango that has trouble starting usually points to battery, starter, neutral safety, fuel, or…
Recent Guides
- How Do You Reset a Ford Explorer Screen?
- How to Start a Dodge Charger Without a Key Fob
- What Are the Best Ford Escape Hybrid Years to Buy?
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