Cheap transportation is something many people appreciate. Especially for those from small towns, poor public transportation options and extreme weather conditions in the United States have proven difficult to navigate. This is where cheap used cars make a lot of sense. Craigslist and eBay have ample examples, but be wary of many of these alternatives as they are extremely unreliable and difficult to maintain.
Priced under $5,000, there are plenty of clean low-mileage examples that look attractive, especially when compared to the high-mileage Honda Civics and Toyota Corollas offered for the same price.However, there are quite a few Secondhand car From some of the reputable brands that never touch a barge pole. Here are the 10 worst choices in Autotempest’s used car segment that you should never get even if they were offered for free.
10/10 2002-2006 Nissan Altima ($1,500)
The third-generation Nissan Altima has a strong reputation for comfort and luxury, especially when compared to its predecessor. However, common engine issues severely compromised the reliability factor, making it a terrible choice for those looking for cheap transportation.
The 2.5-liter QR25DET naturally aspirated in-line four-cylinder engine with its aluminum head and block was notorious for head gasket failure at low mileage. When that happens, they are pretty expensive to fix, and many owners often junk their cars because the cost of repairs is higher than the price of the car. , paint problems, and electric gremlins were also very common.
9/10 2004-2007 Nissan Maxima ($2,500)
The sixth generation Nissan Maxima is a very problematic full-size sedan. With the 3.5-liter VQ35DE naturally aspirated V6 engine mated to the CVT automatic transmission, the engine and transmission were very unreliable. This also meant repair costs running into the thousands of dollars.
The Maxima manages to produce a respectable 265 hp and 255 lb-ft of torque, with decent fuel economy ratings of 18 MPG in city and 27 MPG on the highway. Still, issues with the timing chain guide, CVT transmission, and electric gremlin make the Maxima a poor choice.
8/10 1999-2004 Honda Odyssey ($2,000)
If you think Honda isn’t on this list, you’re dead wrong. Second-generation Honda Odysseys sold from 1999 to 2004 were notorious for torque converter failures. When the problem happens, it happens very often, and if the mileage is low, you will see a bill for more than the purchase price of this minivan.
Other than this big problem, the second-generation Honda Odyssey is a near-perfect family hauler. Producing 210 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque, the V6 engine provides decent acceleration, and the cabin is versatile and spacious. You also get 23 mpg highway gas mileage. The low price of 2,000 yen is also attractive. However, we highly recommend skipping this Honda.
7/10 Chrysler PT Cruiser
In the 90’s and early 2000’s Chrysler built so many badass cars that the Chrysler PT Cruiser easily topped the charts. This his five-door his hatchback is his one of the least desirable offerings from Chrysler’s stable. The two-door convertible version was even worse. Acceleration was also mediocre due to the weak engine and transmission.
The engine was quite troublesome with a head gasket being quite problematic. Typically, these cars are often owned by first-time car buyers or college students after they have been sold by their original owners, so they are often poorly maintained. As a result, getting clean examples is also very difficult. Many owners have also reported problems with failing electronics, power steering, and the usual wireless control modules.
6/10 2007-2016 GMC Acadia ($2,000)
The GMC Acadia, Chevrolet Traverse, and Buick Enclave are all based on the same platform and are one of the worst cars General Motors has ever hit the American market. Many owners of these vehicles report multiple breakdowns and issues in their short tenure of ownership, so it’s best to avoid them.
3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 engines are notorious for timing chain problems, and the 6-speed automatic transmission is a common failure point in these vehicles. Electrical problems are also very common, as are constant failures of HVAC systems.
5/10 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox ($2,000)
If there’s one modern compact SUV that every mechanic recommends never to buy, it’s the first-generation Chevrolet Equinox. The fearsome 3.6-liter V6 engine that also powers the GMC Acadia is now powering the Equinox.
Fragile transmissions mean owners have to rebuild them from time to time. Other issues include power steering failure, electrical issues, air conditioning issues, rust, etc.
4/10 2000-2005 Subaru Outback ($2,500)
The third-generation Subaru Outback has earned a reputation for performance, off-road prowess and versatility, but we advise you to keep your eyes peeled. The 165 hp 2.5-liter SOHC Boxer 4 engine was synonymous with head gasket failure. This happens even though the car has less than 100,000 miles on it and repairs would cost more than the Outback’s current market value.
Both the block and head of these engines are made of aluminum, which is also responsible for the failure of the same Boxer-4 engines present in the Outback, Legacy and Forester of the time. Transmission failures are not uncommon, even on third-generation Outbacks, and this is another expensive undertaking. With that said, don’t be fooled by the Subaru Outback’s low price on the used car market.
3/10 Jeep Patriot ($3,000)
One car to avoid is the Jeep Patriot. Considered by many as one of the worst Jeeps ever made, the Patriot has been around for at least two years even if you get it, mainly due to a number of mechanical, electrical and quality control issues. I don’t have The Jatco CVT automatic is also terrible on all counts.
The weak engine is mated to a CVT transmission and performance is very lethargic. Clogged sunroofs, exhaust manifold problems and rust were common problems. These aren’t very cheap repairs, and you’ll see expensive repairs creeping in as the days go by.
2/10 2001-2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer ($2,000)
This is one of the cars whose mechanics are the biggest cause of poor purchases on the used car market. The 4.2-liter naturally aspirated in-line 6-cylinder engine puts out 291 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, and the performance and reliability of this engine is impressive. A 4-speed automatic and an RWD drivetrain are fine too.
However, the biggest problem with the first Trailblazer is the cheap interior. The interior looks very dilapidated as it doesn’t hold up over time. Dash cracks and seat tears are common. On top of that, HVAC actuators are pretty problematic and ridiculously expensive to replace.
1/10 2006-2010 Kia Optima ($3,700)
The Kia Optima of this era was equipped with a 2.4-liter Beta II naturally aspirated in-line four-cylinder engine. This engine was notorious for knocking connecting rods and cracking cylinder blocks, even with proper maintenance. This makes both his Kia Optima, 2nd generation, and Hyundai Sonata, 5th generation, terrible choices for used car buyers.
This generation of the Kia Optima was a decent car offering decent performance of 156 hp and 144 lb-ft of torque and an excellent combined fuel economy of 29 MPG. The cabin had more standard features than similarly priced Hondas and Toyotas, and the cabin was also quite roomy—and the low starting price of $3,700 can’t be ignored either. However, none of these qualities should attract you to this money hole.
Source: autotempest, Edmunds, Classic.com, Hagerty