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 Won’t My Dodge Charger Start with the Key Fob Nearby?
A Charger won’t start with the fob nearby if the fob battery, car battery, or starter circuit has failed.
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What Is the Best Ford Escape Engine for Reliability?
The 2.5L naturally aspirated four-cylinder is the safest Ford Escape engine for reliability. Use the 1.5L EcoBoost cautiously if history is unclear.
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Why Is My Ford Explorer Not Starting with a Clicking Noise?
A Ford Explorer that clicks but won’t start usually has a weak battery, bad connections, a starter fault, or a relay/key issue.…
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Is the Volvo S60 a Safe Car for a New Driver?
A used Volvo S60 can be a safe first car, especially 2011-and-newer models with stability control, airbags, and available collision-avoidance tech.
From the blog
Latest Car Model Guides
New guides on problems, reliability, best years and ownership costs.
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Is the Lincoln Aviator Safe for a Family SUV?
A safe family SUV for many buyers, but the Lincoln Aviator’s third row is tight for…
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How Much Does It Cost to Own a Ford F-150 Per Year?
A Ford F-150 typically costs about $8,000 to $16,000 a year to own, with fuel, depreciation,…
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Where Is the Cabin Air Filter on a Lincoln MKX?
The Lincoln MKX cabin air filter is usually reached from the passenger side, behind the glove…
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How to Change the Oil on a Kia Soul
Find the correct oil, filter, capacity, and drain-plug steps for each Kia Soul engine, with quick…
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Which Dodge Grand Caravan Trim Is Best: SXT or GT?
SXT is the better pick for most used buyers; GT only makes sense if you will…
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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…
Recent Guides
- Why Won’t My Dodge Charger Start with the Key Fob Nearby?
- What Is the Best Ford Escape Engine for Reliability?
- Why Is My Ford Explorer Not Starting with a Clicking Noise?
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