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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Which VW Jetta Engine Is Best to Buy Used?
The 2.5L five-cylinder is the safest used VW Jetta engine for most buyers. Later 1.5T models are the next pick, while older…
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What VW Tiguan Years Should You Avoid?
Avoid 2009-2012 Tiguan models and any 2018-2019 example with weak service records. See the year-specific faults and inspection points before you buy.
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Why Are Lincoln Navigators So Cheap Used?
Used Lincoln Navigators are cheap because depreciation is steep and repair risk is high; late-model trucks with records are the safer buys.
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Why Is My Dodge Durango Having Trouble Starting?
A Dodge Durango that has trouble starting usually points to battery, starter, neutral safety, fuel, or crank sensor issues. This guide separates…
From the blog
Latest Car Model Guides
New guides on problems, reliability, best years and ownership costs.
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How to Reset the TPMS Light on a Kia Sportage
Set all tires to the door-jamb pressure first. If the TPMS light stays on, follow the…
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Is the Kia Sorento Hybrid Worth Buying?
The Kia Sorento Hybrid is worth buying for about 36 mpg combined and a usable third…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
Recent Guides
- Which VW Jetta Engine Is Best to Buy Used?
- What VW Tiguan Years Should You Avoid?
- Why Are Lincoln Navigators So Cheap Used?
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