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 Dodge Charger Reliable as a Used Car?
A used Dodge Charger can be a solid buy if you choose a well-maintained V6 or 5.7 Hemi model and avoid cars…
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Is the Dodge Durango Reliable for a Used SUV?
A used Dodge Durango can be a solid buy with the right year, engine, and maintenance history, plus a clean scan and…
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What Are the Most Common Ford Escape Problems?
The most common Ford Escape problems are transmission rough shifting or shuddering, coolant leaks on certain EcoBoost engines, and AWD or electrical…
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Is the Ford Explorer a Good Used SUV?
Used Ford Explorers are worth buying if you target 2020-plus models or a clean 2011–2019 V6/XLT and avoid neglected early EcoBoost examples.
From the blog
Latest Car Model Guides
New guides on problems, reliability, best years and ownership costs.
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Is the Ford F-150 Reliable for a Used Truck?
Yes—a 2015+ F-150 with the 5.0L V8 or 2.7L EcoBoost is the safer used-truck buy. Check…
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What Is the Ford Equivalent of the Lincoln MKX?
The Ford Edge is the Lincoln MKX’s closest Ford equivalent, while the Lincoln Nautilus is the…
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Volvo S60 vs Audi A4: Which Is Better Used?
Used Volvo S60s usually cost less and carry lower repair risk; Audi A4s can make sense…
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Which Volvo XC60 Engine Is Best to Buy Used?
B5 petrol mild-hybrid is the safest used XC60 pick for most buyers; T6 and T8 hybrids…
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Which Dodge Charger Trim Is Best: SXT, GT, R/T, or Scat Pack?
SXT is the budget pick, GT fits all-weather daily use, R/T suits V8 buyers, and Scat…
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How Reliable Is the Ford Escape?
Best bets are 2017–2019 2.0L EcoBoost models and 2020–2022 hybrids; 2013–2014 1.6L EcoBoost is the clearest…
Recent Guides
- Is the Dodge Charger Reliable as a Used Car?
- Is the Dodge Durango Reliable for a Used SUV?
- What Are the Most Common Ford Escape Problems?
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