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New cars are expensive, but used ones are problematic. So, what should you do when your budget is tight and you need a new vehicle?
As someone currently in the market for a used car, I know just how stressful the search can be. It’s hard to figure out if a car is good or bad. Some models are definitely worse than others. They are littered with engine problems, oil leaks, and sometimes even countless recalls.
To make your life easier, we’re breaking down the worst used cars to buy in 2025. Since I’m not a mechanic, I used car review sources like Kelly Blue Book to find used cars with issues.
The data I used was accessed in August 2024, and information like prices and recall are subject to change. People constantly complain about these 18 cars. Do you see your car model here?
1. 2013 Smart Fortwo
If you see a 2013 Smart Fortwo on sale for cheap, there’s a reason. This used car is small and doesn’t drive smoothly. Research shows that 2013 Smart Fortwo owners complained of the car’s cramped spacing and slow highway speed.
When pressing on the gas, the car is known to jump a little and takes time to speed up. It’s no surprise that it’s often listed among the Worst Used Cars to Buy due to its performance issues and lack of reliability. It’s probably best to feast your eyes somewhere else.
2. 2019 Toyota C-HR
Not all Toyotas are worth it—and this is coming from someone who has a strong love for Toyotas. The 2019 Toyota C-HR isn’t without its problems. Although Kelley Blue Book has rated the car a 4.4, Car and Driver rates it much lower at a 6/10.
A used 2019 Toyota C-HR sells for about $14,357. Car reviewers and owners complain that this model is loud, squeaky, and has an underpowered engine. If you’re looking for reliability and performance, the 2019 Toyota C-HR might be one of the Worst Used Cars to Buy in 2025.
3. 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
As much as I want a newer used car, I can’t see myself buying anything younger than 2019—this includes the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, which has a consumer rating of 3.9 on Kelley Blue Book.
Consumers on Kelley Blue Book complain about constantly needing to service the vehicle, making it a strong contender for the Worst Used Cars to Buy list. That detail definitely keeps me away from this car.
4. 2014 Kia Soul
I’m all too familiar with the 2014 Kia Soul. This was my first financed car, purchased as used in 2020. It’s a great car if you just need something that takes you from point A to point B, but it doesn’t have a long lifespan.
After four years of owning this car, I’ve started running into engine and oil problems, and I’m not the only one. Other owners of this vehicle struggle with oil leaks and oil burning once it hits over 100,000 miles. For many buyers, reliability is key, and unfortunately, the 2014 Kia Soul falls short. That’s why it earns a spot on the Worst Used Cars to Buy list. I don’t know about you, but I want a car to last me way more than just 100,000 miles.
5. 2014 Ford Taurus
The 2014 Ford Taurus is expensive for a used car. Kelley Blue Book says this used vehicle starts at around $8,158. When new, it sold for $27,495.
So, why is this not the best choice? Well, aside from the steep price, past buyers struggle with the car overheating. Of course, this could be due to the car’s age and how well you maintain it.
6. 2015 Jeep Renegade
Another car to avoid buying used in 2024 is the 2015 Jeep Renegade. This vehicle has mixed reviews. I’ve always been a big fan of jeeps, but for the right price.
This car does not start at the right price. It generally sells for $9,407. Consumers rate this vehicle a 3.8 out of five.
7. 2012 Dodge Journey
I’ve always been told only to buy used cars that are ten years old or younger. Still, when a deal is so good, how can you pass up on it? Well, pass on the 2012 Dodge Journey, or at least really think about it.
The 2012 Dodge Journey has an expert rating of 3.0 and a consumer rating of 3.7. Some buyers deal with issues with their engines and check engine lights.
8. 2013 Nissan Altima
The 2013 Nissan Altima is a decent car. My best friend has been driving one since 2018. Over a decade after its release, however, the car struggles with issues with the AC compressor, heater, and refrigerant leaks.
The best feature of the 2013 Nissan Altima is its low price. This vehicle is available for less than $7,000.
9. 2018 Chevrolet Spark
I’ve never been a big fan of Chevrolet cars. Growing up, we had an old beat-up Chevrolet that was constantly turning off. The 2018 Chevrolet Spark isn’t that bad, but it does come with its issues.
Its expert rating is 3.8, and it sells for about $7,900. While the price may seem appealing, reliability concerns make it one of the Worst Used Cars to Buy. If you do get this vehicle, keep an eye on your dashboard lights—some users have reported flickering issues, which could indicate electrical problems down the line.
10. 2014 Kia Sedona
On Kelley Blue Book, the 2014 Kia Sedona has troubling ratings. Consumers rate the car 4.1, while the expert rating is harsher at 3.2. It isn’t the most fashionable vehicle, but it works for driving locally.
Some of the more common complaints of this decade-old vehicle are issues with the AC compressor clutch, engine, and electrical problems.
11. 2014 Dodge Avenger
Something I’m learning from research is to stay away from vehicles that are 2014 or older. The 2014 Dodge Avenger is no exception, as it’s riddled with issues the more miles it has.
Finding a decade-old car under 100,000 miles isn’t the most probable case. The best thing this used car has going for it is its selling price—you can find a 2014 Dodge Avenger for as low as $5,000. However, if the price was any lower, you might have to start asking questions about the car’s reliability. With an expert rating of just 2.7 on Kelley Blue Book, the 2014 Dodge Avenger earns its place among the Worst Used Cars to Buy, making it a risky choice for any buyer looking for long-term dependability.
12. 2014 Land Rover Evoque
Before I started really researching and dreaming of cars, the 2014 Land Rover Evoque caught my interest. It’s a sleek car that looks like it’s perfect for road trips, but that isn’t the case.
The vehicle is surprisingly tiny inside and sells for a jaw-dropping $11,169. For me, that’s too much money for a used vehicle that’s already ten years old. On Kelly Blue Book, consumers rate this vehicle a 3.9.
13. 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder isn’t the worst car, but as it ages, new problems arise. Being over ten years old, its issues only become more apparent.
Owners of the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder often complain about sluggish acceleration, making it a frustrating drive. Additionally, it’s not as spacious or comfortable as other, less expensive crossovers. While its expert rating sits at 4.1, consumer reviews rate it even lower at 3.9. Given its aging performance and drawbacks, the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is one of the Worst Used Cars to Buy if you’re looking for reliability and long-term value.
14. 2012 Ford Fiesta
I remember when the 2012 Ford Fiesta commercials came out. I was obsessed with this cute little car with a fun and quirky name. And now? I’d pass on buying it used.
The 2012 Ford Fiesta has issues with its automatic transmission. Owners report problems accelerating. The car nearly jumps! The expert rating on Kelley Blue Book is 3.7.
15. 2015 Buick Encore
The 2015 Buick Encore isn’t an awful car—it’s not the worst car ever made—but it has significant issues as it ages. While it looks large on the outside, don’t let it fool you—the car has limited cargo space, making it less practical for those needing extra room.
It’s better suited for local driving than for long commutes, as its performance and comfort don’t hold up well over extended trips. If you do choose to buy this used car, it’s best to do so in cash, as financing may not be worth it for a vehicle with potential long-term issues. Typically, it sells for around $6,218. Given its downsides, the 2015 Buick Encore is one of the Worst Used Cars to Buy if you’re looking for a dependable and spacious ride.
16. 2013 MINI Cooper
I love the way old MINI Coopers look, but I’m in no rush to buy one—they aren’t the most reliable vehicle. The 2013 MINI Cooper is a small car best for local travel for one to two people.
Although not the best car to buy in 2024, if it’s been maintained, it can work for you. The biggest complaints I noticed while researching this vehicle are issues with the exhaust and an open recall.
17. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
If I were you, I’d also stay away from the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. It has a lot of mixed reviews, which suggests to me that it isn’t the most reliable used car.
According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta has an expert rating of 3.3. However, consumers rate this car a 4.4.
18. 2018 FIAT 500X
Last but not least is a more modern car—the 2018 FIAT 500X. This compact car sells for about $11,487, a significant drop from its original price of $21,240. While I’ve never owned a FIAT, I’ve heard plenty of horror stories from family and friends that make me want to stay away from this brand.
Research shows that buyers of the 2018 FIAT 500X deal with a plethora of issues, from engine troubles to persistent electrical problems. With such common complaints and a steep depreciation, the 2018 FIAT 500X earns its place on the list of Worst Used Cars to Buy for those looking for reliability and long-term value.
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