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 Does My Dodge Charger Battery Keep Dying Overnight?
A Dodge Charger that dies overnight usually points to a weak battery, a charging fault, or a parasitic draw above about 50…
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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 faults, and repair-cost ranges.
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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 10-speed trucks, and undocumented EcoBoosts.
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Kia Soul vs Kia Seltos: Which Is Better Used?
Choose the Kia Soul for the lower-priced city commuter; choose the Kia Seltos if used prices are close and you want more…
From the blog
Latest Car Model Guides
New guides on problems, reliability, best years and ownership costs.
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What Fuel Does the Volvo XC60 Require?
Most Volvo XC60 gasoline trims call for premium unleaded 91 octane or higher; diesel XC60s need…
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What Are the Most Common Kia Sorento Problems?
Engine failures, oil consumption, transmission faults, electrical glitches, and suspension wear are the most common Kia…
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Which Ford Explorer Engine Is Best to Buy?
The 2.3L EcoBoost is the best all-around used Explorer engine; pick the 3.0L V6 for towing…
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Lincoln MKX vs Ford Edge: Which Is Better Used?
Ford Edge is usually the better used buy for lower ownership cost; Lincoln MKX suits buyers…
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Do Dodge Grand Caravans Have Transmission Problems?
Yes—Dodge Grand Caravans can have transmission problems, especially the 62TE. Slipping, shuddering, or banging on a…
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What Are the Most Common Volvo XC90 Problems?
The most common Volvo XC90 problems are infotainment and software faults, ignition and battery issues, suspension…
Recent Guides
- Why Does My Dodge Charger Battery Keep Dying Overnight?
- Dodge Charger Used Guide: Best Years, Problems, Costs
- Ford F-150 Common Problems, Best Years, What to Avoid
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