Top 10 Used Cars to Avoid

Used car reviews can point to poor performance, poor design, and poor quality. The Suzuki XL-7 is the number one used car to avoid.

Many articles talk about the benefits of buying certain makes and models of cars, but what about used cars that should be avoided? When buying a used car, you should always check reviews and avoid cars with low ratings. Whether it's poor performance, uncomfortable seats, or just bad design, knowing which cars not to buy is just as important as finding the perfect one.

Check out this list of 10 used cars to avoid and why:

10. Mitsubishi Mirage

With a low power output of 74 hp, the Mitsubishi Mirage is at the top of many worst car lists. The handling of the Mirage also leaves much to be desired. In addition to disappointing handling and low power, the Mitsubishi Mirage also received a poor rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Mirage's low price is a testament to its poor design and poor quality.

9. Chevrolet Aveo

Demonstrating a complete lack of style and substance, the Chevy Aveo offers nothing more than improved fuel efficiency - although most cars in this class use less gas. Its small 100 hp engine and an equally small cabin make the Chevy Aveo a go-to vehicle.

8. Jeep Compass

Poor reliability, poor handling and numerous reviews are just some of the complaints against the Jeep Compass. An off-road vehicle with an automotive design, the Jeep Compass is unlike its predecessors. Gone is the rugged SUV that Jeep is known for, though the design still offers some off-road features. In its place, you will find a more economical small SUV, designed more for trips around the area. Some other complaints about the Jeep Compass include excessive engine noise, a poor fit, and poor rear visibility.

7. Mitsubishi Lancer

Although the Mitsubishi Lancer is relatively inexpensive, it is underpowered and has poor driving dynamics. It has a small 150 hp engine, no stability control, and ABS is not a standard option on earlier models. While later models have improved somewhat over previous generations, the Mitsubishi Lancer always seems to fall behind its competitors. Replacing the equally dreary Mirage, the Mitsubishi Lancer offers a dreary interior and mediocre fuel economy.

6. Toyota Tacoma

With an outdated and uncomfortable cabin, the Toyota Tacoma isn't much fun to drive around town. With inconvenient cabin access provided by the car's higher-than-usual floor and low roof, getting in and out of the Tacoma can be tricky at best, and makes it hard to find a comfortable driving position. Worse, adding too many options to the Tacoma package can drive up the cost of a full-sized truck. Definitely not worth the extra cost: The Toyota Tacoma has poor handling, underpowered braking, and an overall poor driving experience.

5. Dodge Avenger

The austere interior design of the Dodge Avenger gives it a cheap look. It's designed to look like a smaller version of the Dodge Charger, but rides like a more passive car. The engine has been upgraded in later models, but many of its competitors offer better handling. In addition, its interior has been upgraded from the original models, offering better materials and additional safety features.

4. Fiat 500l

The Fiat 500L is considered the worst in terms of reliability. Its slow acceleration, combined with an uncomfortable driving position, is frustrating for Fiat 500L drivers and requires higher speeds than other cars. Unlike other European cars in its class, heavy driving and sloppy steering make the Fiat 500L a vehicle to be avoided, especially with its higher price tag.

3. Dodge Charger/Dodge Magnum

Cheap and unfinished compared to comparable vehicles from other manufacturers, the Dodge Charger and its more aggressive-looking wagon counterpart, the Dodge Magnum, are considered high performance sedan. While not the car that was named after its 1960s namesake, current Charger models offer a 6.1-liter V8 option, albeit at a higher price.

2. Land Rover Range Rover Sport.

Offering a luxury SUV, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport is a shortened version of the Land Rover L3. And while the car is enjoyable to drive, buyers would be better off choosing a competitor, in part because of the Range Rover Sport's poor handling and acceleration. While the interior design of more recent Range Rover Sport models received some improvements, the interior of older models looked and felt cheap, and prior to 2012 also had outdated navigation and audio systems.

1. Suzuki HL-7

Theoretically, the original Suzuki XL-7 was flawed in performance upon release. With the use of a longer wheelbase version of the Grand Vitara and the addition of a third row seat, the extra passenger capacity was not enough as the seat was too small to be used. Inside, the cabin was cramped and poorly designed, although future generations tried to fix this. In addition, its small 252 hp engine. added little to the appeal of a lineup that also featured poor handling and low fuel consumption.

With a list of used cars to avoid when buying a car in hand, you can now focus on finding the perfect car for your needs. Whether you're looking for a roomy cargo area, maximum performance and handling, or a vehicle equipped with the latest options, always have one of our experienced mechanics at AvtoTachki perform a pre-purchase vehicle inspection to make sure the vehicle meets your standards.