Skip to main content

Buying a used sedan in this current market may seem futile considering the astronomical prices across the board. However, there are still some used cars in the market that can be had for cheap. These are typically American-made cars, which do present a good value but you should probably avoid them. Here are five examples.

1. Consumer Reports gave the 2011 Buick Lucerne a “never buy” label

Avoid buying the 2011 Buick Lucerne
2011 Buick Lucerne | GM

If you’re looking for a large family sedan, then the 2011 Buick Lucerne could be of interest. Kelley Blue Book liked the Lucerne’s Magnetic Ride Control feature, which utilizes magnetically-charged, fluid-filled shocks that adapt to varying road surfaces for the highest amount of comfort. The publication also said that the Lucerne has “adequate power, good control, and solid braking.”

However, those attributes weren’t enough to keep the 2011 Lucerne off of Consumer Reports’ “never buy” list. The Lucerne ended up on the list due to its average reliability and ownership reliability scores of 3 out of 5. There are also two recalls regarding the airbags and power steering system, so it could be best to stay away from this particular model.

2. The 2011 Chevrolet Cruze has plenty of recalls

It has been said before that you should never buy the first model year of any car since the kinks haven’t been worked out yet. That seems to be the case for the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze as there are seven open recalls concerning possible vehicle rollaway, brake issues, fuel leaks, and steering shafts that can detach while driving.

That’s some pretty scary stuff. To add to those concerns, Consumer Reports also lists that the 2011 Cruze has a one out of five rating for “owner satisfaction” and overall reliability. Given these facts, the 2011 Chevy Cruze is one used American sedan that you should probably steer clear of.

3. The 2015 Chrysler 200 has good safety scores and a lot of recalls

2015 Chrysler 200 at the 106th Annual Chicago Auto Show.
2015 Chrysler 200 at the 106th Annual Chicago Auto Show. | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

While the 2015 Chrysler 200 provides plenty of comfortable seating for five adults and is well-priced in the used market, it’s not without its faults. Not only is the 2015 200 on the Consumer Reports’ “never buy” list, but it also has eight open recalls. Those recalls include issues with the vehicle not maintaining its speed, unexpectedly shifting into neutral, and issues with airbags possibly not deploying.

But that’s not all. The 2015 Chrysler 200 may also suffer from a lack of power to its electrical components, melted wiring, and detached rear shock absorbers. That all being said, it’s not too surprising that the 200 received a one out of five for owner satisfaction and a three out of five rating for overall reliability. On saving grace, though, is that the Chrysler 200 did score well in the safety rating category.

4. The 2011 Ford Fiesta is lacking in owner satisfaction

2011 Ford Fiesta in red
A Ford Fiesta in red. | Ford

The 2011 Ford Fiesta seems like it could have been a victim of first model-year issues. For starters, there are three open recalls for the Fiesta. Those recalls concern door latches that can open while the vehicle is in motion and front side curtain airbags that may not deploy.

Consumer Reports also scored it a one out of five when it comes to overall reliability and owner satisfaction. Otherwise, the publication did mention that the Fiesta did feel like a substantial car that’s able to achieve stellar fuel efficiency.

Avoid these used American cars

While the five aforementioned cars have an assortment of recalls or potential issues, that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily bad. There are some good examples of these specific makes and models floating around the classifieds, but just make sure to have a pre-purchase inspection done and possibly get a warranty if you plan to buy one.

Related

Crossovers You Should Avoid Buying