Used car lots are full of stories. Some end in 300,000 miles of dependable commuting. Others sputter to a smoky stop before the odometer hits six digits. Brandon, a small-scale dealer who sells used cars under $5,000 (!), spends his days sorting those tales at the auction block.

His firsthand view of what survives and what falls apart gives him a rare perspective, and he recently laid it out on his YouTube channel, The Real Car Dealer, in a no-nonsense rundown of five models he refuses to buy because they hardly show up to his lot in sellable shape.

First, let me say that I can’t actually imagine how he finds anything reliable enough to keep the business’s reputation afloat for under $5k a pop, considering the average used car sells for more than $30k today. But, coming from someone who spent a decade writing repair estimates on these cars, his advice is pretty solid.

5 models a used car dealer says won’t last

He started with an easy target: Nissan sedans and crossovers with CVT transmissions

Brandon explained that Nissan’s switch to continuously variable gearboxes after 2007 spelled disaster for longevity.

Models like the Altima, Sentra, Murano, and Rogue often wind up at auction with dead transmissions before 150,000 miles.

I’ll add that Nissan updated the CVT to dodge premature failure, but 2008 to 2019 should always read like a red flag. Check for replacement before buying.

Earlier versions, especially 2002 to 2006 four cylinder Altimas with conventional automatics, hold up far better. But the six cylinder versions from that era still had their share of head gasket failures.

Next on his blacklist were Volkswagens and Audis

He reported that oil leaks are nearly guaranteed on higher-mileage examples, pointing to common failures like rear main seals.

Whether it’s a Passat, Jetta, or even the New Beetle, he said they often show up dripping and tired once they cross 150,000 miles.

Then there are older Dodge trucks and SUVs

Brandon said that within his price range, Rams and Durangos routinely show up with both engine and transmission issues.

Compared with Ford or GM counterparts, Dodge’s reliability record in that era simply couldn’t compete.

Cadillacs also earned a spot, particularly those powered by the infamous Northstar V8

He explained that these engines were hit-or-miss. Either smooth runners for years or catastrophic failures around 150,000 miles.

He stopped buying DeVilles, Sevilles, and DTS models altogether after too many costly experiences.

Finally, he said GM crossovers that share a 3.6-liter V6 became money pits

Timing chain and engine repairs piled up until his dealership gave up on them entirely. This includes the Chevy Equinox, GMC Terrain, Acadia, and Buick Enclave.

For this used car dealer, the right cheap buy can be a hidden gem, but the wrong one can drain even the dealer’s wallet before it leaves the lot.