Buying a used car or truck can be tricky. If done right, you can save yourself a lot of money. If not, you could be in for a lot of headaches.
Fortunately, there are surveys conducted by the J.D. Power & Associates U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study that can help you assess used cars based on their resale value, reliability, safety ratings and other important criteria you need to make an informed decision.
Based on their findings, here are some of the used cars you should avoid (*note that the survey focuses on three-year- old cars):
Chevrolet Aveo – When it was brand new, the 2008 Aveo was already basic, with its uninspired interior and lack of extra amenities. Supposedly, the car was intended for a no-frills economic ride. Unfortunately, its 24/34 MPG average isn’t even the best among sub-compacts. And when you consider how its 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine feels underpowered (103HP), most people may be forced to step more on the gas-pedal just to get the car up to speed – which compromises fuel economy. Worse still, the inferior-grade plastics of its interior won’t look so hot after three years. It’s best to keep away.
Mitsubishi Eclipse –There was a time when the Eclipse was one of the top-rated affordable small-sports cars around. Those days are gone. According to the J.D. Power & Associates U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, the Mitsubishi Eclipse has poor reliability, so expect frequent visits to your mechanic. If that isn’t enough to discourage you, the Eclipse also has one of the worst resale values. After five years, the car will only be retaining 25% of its original value. So even if you buy a 2008 model second-hand, you still won’t be getting much for it by the time 2013 hits. And if you can’t get decent value for the car, you might end up getting stuck with it.
Suzuki XL7 – If you’re thinking of an affordable compact crossover SUV, this is not the one to buy. The XL7 was discontinued after 2009, and it’s hardly surprising. The 7-seat version was ill-conceived, with a very tight third row that can only fit little children. You’d be better off with the 5-seat version. In addition, this car handles like a small truck – very much unlike a crossover. Though its V6 3.6-liter engine generates a respectable 252HP, it sacrifices fuel economy with an MPG rating of just 16-city/22-hwy. The biggest deal-breaker would most likely be its poor reliability. Repair would also be problematic because there aren’t many Suzuki dealerships in the country.
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