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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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 box or at the HVAC intake…
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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 notes on underbody access and gasket…
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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 use its extra comfort and convenience…
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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.
From the blog
Latest Car Model Guides
New guides on problems, reliability, best years and ownership costs.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
Recent Guides
- Where Is the Cabin Air Filter on a Lincoln MKX?
- How to Change the Oil on a Kia Soul
- Which Dodge Grand Caravan Trim Is Best: SXT or GT?
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