Reliability is at an all time high, across the board, in 2011. Consumers are making fewer visits to the dealership or independent repair shops, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t still some rotten apples out there. And surprisingly…several of these sell in large volume.
5 used cars to avoid, as reported in this Yahoo Autos article:
Small Car: Volkswagen Beetle
The Beetle’s cute looks and all-around appeal don’t save it from being on the least reliable list. Owners of the 2008 model told Consumer Reports that they had trouble with the climate control system and power equipment, both of which can lead to expensive repairs. The convertible model is selling for $19,350 on dealer’s lots according to the Kelley Blue Book web site.
Alternative: Hyundai Elantra.
Midsize Car: Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen strikes out again. Despite being praised by reviewers when new, the Passat gets the minimum J.D. Power two circles and a below-average rating from Consumer Reports. Readers there report problems with the fuel, electrical and climate systems and the power equipment.
The 2008 Passat is selling at dealers for $18,515, according to kbb.com.
Alternative: Ford Fusion.
Though its quality has improved in recent models, the 2008 Acadia is a repeat loser in this category. With the minimum two circles in the J.D. Power survey, it gets a worse than average used car ranking from Consumer Reports. Readers there reported problems with the suspension and audio system. The Acadia SLE model is selling for about $25,000 at dealerships, according to kbb.com.
Alternative: Toyota 4 Runner.
Even if you need large-capacity hauling and can ignore the lame mileage numbers (the Expedition is rated at 12 mpg in city driving, 18 highway), look elsewhere. The big boy of the Ford SUV line (whose model names all start with the letter ‘E’) gets the minimum two circles from J.D. Power and a worse-than-average Consumer Reports rating, where readers report problems with the transmission and the audio system. The used 2008 Expedition sells for $23,530 in the XLT version, according to kbb.com.
Alternative: Toyota Sequoia.
Minivan: Chrysler Town & Country
Chrysler originated the minivan and in most years has sold more than other companies. But sometime around 2008, manufacturing quality began to lag. This Chrysler van got the minimum two circles from J.D. Power and a much-worse-than-average used-car rating from Consumer Reports. Readers there reported problems with the suspension, brakes, climate system and power equipment. The 2008 Town & Country LX version is selling at about $16,000 from dealerships.
Alternative: Toyota Sienna.