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 the Service Light on a VW Passat
Reset the VW Passat service light with the cluster menu or the trip-button ignition sequence, depending on your model and instrument cluster.
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Is the Lincoln MKX a Reliable Used SUV?
The Lincoln MKX is a decent used SUV if you pick the safer years. Expect comfort, but watch for transmission, cooling, and…
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Which Lincoln Aviator Trim Is Best to Buy Used?
The best used Lincoln Aviator trim for most buyers is the Reserve, because it adds the options that matter without the Black…
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Is the Dodge Grand Caravan Reliable as a Used Minivan?
A used Dodge Grand Caravan is a decent buy only at the bottom of the market, after verifying transmission, cooling, and electrical…
From the blog
Latest Car Model Guides
New guides on problems, reliability, best years and ownership costs.
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Is the Volvo S60 Reliable as a Used Car?
Used Volvo S60 reliability is mixed: 2019+ cars are usually safer bets, while 2011–2018 models can…
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Why Are Used Kia Souls So Cheap?
Used Kia Souls are cheap because they depreciate quickly, were sold in large numbers, and some…
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Is the Volvo XC90 Reliable for a Used SUV? Common Issues
A used Volvo XC90 is worth it only if you choose 2019-2021 examples with full maintenance…
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Is the Lincoln Navigator Reliable as a Used SUV?
Use a used Navigator with complete records and clean diagnostics; skip high-mileage trucks with suspension, transmission,…
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Why Is My Kia Sportage Not Starting?
Use the symptom first: no crank points to battery, terminals, starter, or park/neutral switch; crank-no-start points…
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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…
Recent Guides
- How to Reset the Service Light on a VW Passat
- Is the Lincoln MKX a Reliable Used SUV?
- Which Lincoln Aviator Trim Is Best to Buy Used?
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