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 to Reset TPMS on a Lincoln Aviator
Set every tire to the door-jamb cold spec first. Then drive until the TPMS light clears, or follow the owner’s manual relearn…
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VW Passat Used Car Buyer’s Guide
Best used VW Passat: a B8 2.0 TDI 150 manual. Covers generations, engines, DSG risk, hybrids, estates, 4Motion and what to check…
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Volvo XC90 Buyer’s Guide: Best Trims and Engines
Buy a 2019-2022 XC90 T6 or B6 Momentum/Plus with full records, and be careful with 2016 models unless the price leaves room…
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VW Jetta Buyer’s Guide: Years, Problems, and Costs
The best used VW Jetta years are usually 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019. This guide breaks down risky years, common failures, inspection…
From the blog
Latest Car Model Guides
New guides on problems, reliability, best years and ownership costs.
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VW Tiguan Buyer’s Guide: Best Years, Problems, Costs
Best used VW Tiguan years are 2019-2024. This guide ranks the risky years, common problems, and…
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Lincoln Navigator Buyer’s Guide: Years, Problems and Costs
Pick 2015-2017 or 2020-2022 Navigators, avoid 2003-2006, and buy 2018-2019 only with repair proof. Includes problem…
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Kia Sorento Buyer’s Guide: Years, Problems, Costs
Best used Kia Sorento picks are 2019-2020 EX or SX V6 models; skip 2016-2018 2.4L fours…
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Why Does My Dodge Charger Battery Keep Dying Overnight?
A Dodge Charger that dies overnight usually points to a weak battery, a charging fault, or…
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Dodge Charger Used Guide: Best Years, Problems, Costs
Best used Dodge Charger picks are 2017-2023 V6 and 2019-2023 V8 cars, with year-band rankings, common…
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Ford F-150 Common Problems, Best Years, What to Avoid
Start with 2011-2014 V8 trucks or 2015-2017 5.0-liter models, and be careful with 2004-2008 5.4L, 2018-2020…
Recent Guides
- How to Reset TPMS on a Lincoln Aviator
- VW Passat Used Car Buyer’s Guide
- Volvo XC90 Buyer’s Guide: Best Trims and Engines
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