5 Used Cars to Avoid And The Alternatives

MoneyWatch have recently looked at car owner surveys and put together a list of vehicles that have the poorest reliability records based on five categories. The year 2008 was chosen  for three reasons:

1. This particular year means that most vehicles will have had already gone through the depreciation period, so you will not have to worry too much about losing money. (New cars lose value every year).

2. The year 2008 ranked in the latest dependability study from J.D. Power and Associates.

3. The cost of used car prices have risen so significantly over this past year and used cars can make worse financial sense than new.

Small Car 

From the 'Small Car' category, the first car selected is the Volkswagen Beetle.

2008 Volkswagen Beetle

According to MoneyWatch, although the Beetle's cute and all-around appeal is enticing to some, it doesn'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 are very costly and expensive to repair. 

Alternative : Hyundai Elantra

2008 Hyundai Elantra 

The Hyundai Elantra got the maximum of five circles in the J.D Power reliability ratings and is ranked an above-average used car by Consumer Reports, where survey respondents reported no major problems. Hyundai not only make top quality cars but they are also offering consumers a 10-year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty.

Medium Car

For "The medium car" category, the car selected is the Volkswagen Passat, picture below;

2008 Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen despite being praised by reviewers when new, the passat gets the minimum J.D two circles and a below-average rating from Consumer Reports. Readers there report problems with the fuel, power equipment and electrical and climate systems.

Alternative: Ford Fusion

2008 Ford Fusion

Ford's first real contender in years against mid-size leaders Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, the Fusion won the reliability award in this year's J.D. Power Survey. Consumer Reports gives it a top Much Above Average used car rating. Readers there reported no major problems with their 2008 Ford Fusions.

Mid-size SUV

For "The Mid-Size SUV" category, GMC Acadia has been chosen pictured below:

2008 GMC Acadia 

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.

Alternative: Toyota 4 Runner

Toyota 4 Runner

This 2008 Toyota won the J.D Power reliability award and is rated much better than average as a used car in the Consumer Reports ratings, where readers reported no serious problems. Reviewers praises its capability both on the highway and off-road.

Mid-size SUV

For "Large SUV" Category - Ford Expedition has been chosen, picture below:

Even if you need large-capacity hauling and can ignore the lame mileage number (the Expedition is rated at 12 mpg in city driving) look elsewhere. The Ford SUV line, which strangely all start with the letter 'E', has received 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.

Alternative: Toyota Sequoia

2008 Toyota Sequoia

In a category with no clear winner, the Toyota entry again looks like the best bet. It gets four out of five circles in the J.D Power rating and an above-average rating from Consumer Reports. Reviewers praise its roomy seating and comfortable ride for long trips.

Minivan

For "minivan" Category - Chrysler Town & Country

2008 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. 

Alternative: Toyota Sienna

2008 Toyota Sienna

As it did last year, the Sienna wins the reliability award for minivans from J.D. Power, and it gets a better-than-average rating from Consumer Reports. Reviewers praise its comfort and seating; it holds up to eight people. 

     Despite Toyota’s recent recall problems and lagging sales this year, its dominance of numerous categories in three-year-old used cars is a reminder of what a strong record of reliability it has achieved. Domestic companies certainly should not count out Toyota as a strong competitor.