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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Is the VW Jetta Reliable as a Used Car?
A well-kept 2015-2021 VW Jetta is usually the safer used buy, but neglected cars and some turbo/DSG pairs can get expensive fast.
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Is the VW Tiguan Reliable for a Used SUV?
A used VW Tiguan is only a fair reliability bet: choose 2022+ models with records, and avoid neglected 2018-2021 examples unless priced…
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Is There a Recall on the Kia Sportage?
Some Kia Sportage model years have open recalls; only a VIN check confirms your vehicle. This page explains how to check, read,…
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Why Does My Dodge Durango Have a Ticking Sound?
A light Dodge Durango tick can be normal injector or valvetrain noise, but a load-dependent tick needs diagnosis. This guide covers likely…
From the blog
Latest Car Model Guides
New guides on problems, reliability, best years and ownership costs.
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Why Is My Dodge Charger Shifting Hard or Hesitating?
Hard shifting or hesitation in a Dodge Charger usually points to fluid, solenoids, sensors, wiring, or…
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Why Was the Ford Escape Discontinued?
No—the Ford Escape was not simply discontinued everywhere; in the U.S. it remained on sale through…
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Volvo S60 Best Years, Worst Years, and Common Problems
2017–2022 Volvo S60s are the safer buy, while 2011–2015 cars carry more transmission, cooling, and electronics…
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What Does No Key Detected Mean on a Ford Explorer?
No key detected usually means the Explorer cannot read the fob, and the first checks are…
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Which Ford F-150 Trim Is Best: XL, XLT, Lariat, or Platinum?
XLT is the best all-around F-150 trim for most buyers. XL fits fleet duty, Lariat adds…
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Lincoln Aviator Problems, Best Years, and Costs
Use 2021 and newer for the safest used Aviator picks; early 2020s models can bring costly…
Recent Guides
- Is the VW Jetta Reliable as a Used Car?
- Is the VW Tiguan Reliable for a Used SUV?
- Is There a Recall on the Kia Sportage?
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