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5 Used Cars You Should Avoid Buying

Buying a used car requires doing a lot of homework. Once you’ve made your car wishlist, and start shopping, it’s important to keep reliability scores at the top of your mind. To help with your search, we have gathered five cars to avoid purchasing due to low predicted reliability ratings. These low-reliability scores are based …

Buying a used car requires doing a lot of homework. Once you’ve made your car wishlist, and start shopping, it’s important to keep reliability scores at the top of your mind. To help with your search, we have gathered five cars to avoid purchasing due to low predicted reliability ratings. These low-reliability scores are based on U.S. News data.

2019 Dodge Journey

2019 Dodge Journey | Dodge

The 2019 Dodge Journey ranks at the lower end of the mid-size SUV class for a variety of reasons.  It comes with a four-cylinder engine that’s sluggish and features an unimpressive 173-horsepower. The acceleration is weak and the handling capability is awkward. Fuel economy is also pathetic. Safety features on this model are nothing to get excited about either. 

Although, there are a few things the 2019 Journey has going for it. Mainly that this SUV can seat up to seven people comfortably and that the infotainment system is user-friendly. It’s definitely worth looking into other SUVs in the mid-size class like the Hyundai Sante Fe 

2019 Fiat 500X

Fiat 500X | FCA

Fiat has been struggling in the U.S. for a while now and models like the 2019 500X don’t do the brand any favors. This SUV has very few redeeming qualities, largely due to its unreliability ratings and its uncomfortable car cabin. The seats are super rigid and the backseats are narrow. Cargo space is also lacking. 

A major concern for this model is the brake performance, which prompted a recall.  It’s a huge bummer though because the 500X  has a stylish exterior and the turbocharged engine makes for a pleasant drive. But just say no. A better option here would be the Honda HR-V.

2019 Mitsubishi Mirage 

Mirage Family|Mitsubishi

The reviews on the Mirage are laughable. Since Mitsubishi has prioritized making enhancements to its SUV lineup, its smaller vehicles have suffered. The 2019 Mirage is so bad that it can barely handle everyday driving due to its wimpy three-cylinder engine and 78-horsepower. On the inside, the Mirage is cheap, and actually riding in it is uncomfortable. The only “pro” here is that this car is affordable but it’s not like you get much for the price. It’s not a mirage, this car really is that bad (see what we did here).

2014 Jeep Patriot

Jeep Patriot

The 2014 Jeep Patriot is pretty decent for off-roading and that’s about it. Every other aspect of this SUV is disappointing. The engine is slow, the handling is poor, and the fuel economy is so-so. Because of this, the predicted customer satisfaction associated with this model is very low. Standard features are also lacking in this model. 

2015 Jeep Compass

Jeep Compass | FCA

The 2015 Jeep Compass gets low scores for many of the reasons the 2014 Patriot does. This Compass SUV offers below-average performance and fuel economy. The interior also looks cheap and isn’t comfortable by any means. All the 2015 Compass is good for is off-roading, and that’s not reason enough to buy. It’s also worth mentioning that the Jeep Compass is consistently ranked on the lower end of its class. 

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