Used cars to avoid, ranked by Consumer Reports

Used cars have had ups and downs in pricing over the past few years, but they remain a generally solid alternative to paying new MSRPs. Letting someone else eat the depreciation can net buyers a great deal, but that’s only if the used car they’re buying is reliable and in good condition. Consumer Reports recently ranked the used cars to avoid with an eye on reliability and maintenance costs, and some automakers have several models on the list.

Consumer Reports came up with 60 vehicles based on responses from its annual member surveys. 

Used cars to avoid in 2024

Audi

A3: 2018
A6: 2019
Q3: 2016, 2022
E-tron: 2019

Buick

Cadillac

Chevrolet

Chrysler

Dodge

Ford

GMC

Acadia: 2018
Yukon: 2016-17, 2021
Yukon XL: 2021, 2023

Hyundai

Ioniq: 2020
Ioniq 5: 2022
Kona EV: 2019
Santa Fe Sport: 2014
Sonata: 2017-18
Tucson: 2016-17

Jeep

Cherokee: 2014
Gladiator: 2020
Grand Cherokee L: 2021
Wrangler: 2018, 2020-21

Kia

Mazda

Mercedes-Benz

Mini

Nissan

Pathfinder: 2023
Rogue: 2022

Ram

Rivian

Tesla

Model S: 2019-2021
Model X: 2018, 2022

Volkswagen

Atlas: 2021
Jetta: 2014, 2021
Taos: 2022
Tiguan: 2018

Volvo

S60: 2015, 2022
V60: 2015, 2020
XC60 PHEV: 2022-23
XC90: 2016, 2019

Even if the model you’re searching for isn’t on this list, it’s always a great idea to get a pre-purchase inspection before buying. A reputable third-party inspection can help identify existing issues and may find potential problems that could crop up down the road. Spending a few hundred dollars up front could save thousands down the road, so don’t slack on your research when shopping for used cars.