“We do our best to convince people to buy the right type of car, but they don’t want to listen.” Mr. Regular is a former English teacher who, years ago, decided to create vehicle reviews on YouTube full-time. The informed insider often attempts to convince shoppers to stay away from used cars that are actually legendary lemons.
Mr. Regular and partner Roman run the popular channel Regular Car Reviews. It has nearly a million subscribers…but some drivers keep bringing “cheap” used cars home that only trap themselves with frustrating mechanical failures.
5. Dodge Dart
“Cooling issues, turbo issues, general bad build quality,” Mr. Regular lists off. Since Dodge made a bunch of Darts, though, replacement parts on these used cars are still easy to come by. And you’ll need ’em.
4. Any Subaru with the EJ25 engine
I actually know this one well because of the number of Subarus that came into the shop with the same failure: the headgasket. The problem, along with oil consumption, plagued the 1996 to 2011 models. The FA and FB engines (2011 and 2012 and on, respectively) also suffer from oil consumption.
Mr. Regular says some sorry buyer might come across a Subaru Legacy with just 80k miles clocked for a great price. Well, 20,000 miles later – or about two years into used Subaru ownership – and “There it is. $5,000 engine out change,” he says, shaking his head.
3. Jeep TJ
If you’ve had one, as I have, say it with me: Rust.
“Rust, rust, and more rust,” Mr. Regular repeats.
Sure, TJs do seem to hold their value, but if yours has rust, you’re in for a boatload of frame repair. Not to mention engine misfires, electrical failures (think modules, switches, and sensors of all kinds), and suspension issues.
2. Nissan Altimas may be cheap used cars, but beware the CVT
I’ll go out on a limb and say that if you come across a 2013 to 2018 Nissan with a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), walk away. Even owners of newer model Altimas, like the 2019 to 2025 (!) report concerns with the CVT.
They’re known for failing without any repair options other than total unit replacement. If the Altima (or other models with the dreadful transmission design) is out of warranty, you’re paying out of pocket to get it back on the road.
1. Any Cadillac with a Northstar engine
Having dealt with dead 4.6L V8 Northstars sitting abandoned at the shop, Mr. Regular is 100% right about this one.
“It’s so tough to turn away uninformed buyers from a Cadillac Northstar,” he explains. Why? Because these things are dirt-freaking-cheap. Think $2,000. “Yeah,” he says, “They want that thing gone.”
You’ll find them in 1993 to 2011 Cadillac models, and they probably all have blown headgaskets. If they’re even drivable, it’s because someone’s nursing them along. However, a blown headgasket can easily lead to complete engine failure.
It’s easy to peruse, say, Facebook Marketplace and come across a cheap used car that seems ready for you to giddily drive off into the sunset. They might be cool looking (to you, anyway), come from a respectable enough brand, or just fit the budget. According to Mr. Regular, you need to stay away from these five in particular…and I agree with the advice entirely.
With any used cars you’re looking to buy, remember to do your research. A good start is Googling “year + make + model problems.” Test drive the listing in various road conditions. Take it up a parking lot or driveway ramp and listen for any weird noises. Get the vehicle inspected by a neutral third party before agreeing to buy it.
