Know the car's weak spots before you buy it.
Every guide is written from a mechanic's point of view: the failures we actually see, what they cost to fix, which years to avoid, and exactly what to check on the test drive. Free — no email required.
2015–2020 Jeep Renegade Problems: What to Check Before You Buy
The 2.4L Tigershark's oil appetite and stalling, the ZF 9-speed's rough reputation, and the cooling-fan failure — plus which Renegade years are actually safe to buy.
5 Most Reliable Used SUVs Under $15,000
RAV4, CR-V, CX-5, RX 350, and Highlander — the years to target, what goes wrong on each, and the two popular SUVs to avoid at this price.
2013–2018 Nissan Pathfinder CVT Problems: What to Check Before You Buy
The Jatco CVT's judder failure, the warranty extensions that have all expired, and the hood-latch recall — plus a test-drive checklist that catches the expensive stuff.
2007–2013 Mini Cooper Problems: Worth the Headache?
The N14's timing chain death rattle, carbon buildup, HPFP failures, and coolant leaks — which years to avoid and what a good one costs to keep.
Used-Car Listing Red Flags: 15 Signs to Walk Away
Curbstoners, cleared check-engine codes, flood cars, and title tricks — 15 red flags that mean walk away, and how to screen any listing in 15 minutes.
2008–2013 Dodge Grand Caravan Problems: What to Check Before You Buy
62TE transmission failures, Pentastar oil leaks and the lifter tick, TIPM gremlins — the years to avoid and the minivan test-drive checklist.
10 Questions to Ask Before Buying Any Used Car
The ten questions that separate a good used car from an expensive mistake — what each answer reveals, the red-flag answers that should end the deal, and how to use the answers to negotiate.
2010–2015 Chevrolet Equinox Oil Consumption (2.4L Ecotec)
Why the 2.4L Ecotec burns a quart every 1,000 miles, what it costs to fix, why GM's coverage is gone, and which Equinox years are actually safe to buy.
Best First Cars for Teen Drivers (2026 Used Market)
IIHS-recommended first cars for teens — safe picks under $10,000 and $15,000, the cars to avoid, and the checks that matter before you buy.
2013–2016 Ford Escape Problems: What to Check Before You Buy
The 1.6L EcoBoost's overheating and fire recalls, the 6F35 transmission's harsh shifts, door latch and power steering issues — plus which engine is actually safe to buy.
How to Buy a Used Car Out of State Without Getting Burned
The 5-step remote-buy playbook: VIN stack, remote PPI, video walkthrough, payment protection, and transport — plus the scams that should stop the deal.
2011–2016 Chevy Cruze Problems: What to Check Before You Buy
The 1.4L turbo's coolant leaks, the PCV/valve cover failure, the 1.8L's interference-engine timing belt, and the 6T40 transmission — plus the water-pump and battery-cable coverage extensions.
2007–2017 Jeep Patriot & Compass Problems: What to Check Before You Buy
The Jatco CVT's overheating failure, rear crossmember rust, water leaks, and TIPM gremlins — plus which years (and transmissions) are actually safe to buy.
7 Safest Used Cars Under $10,000 for a Teen Driver
Seven IIHS Top Safety Pick cars that fit a teen budget — with the years to target, what goes wrong on each one, and what we deliberately left off the list.
2013–2019 Nissan Altima CVT Problems: What to Check Before You Buy
The Jatco CVT's shudder, the overheating that throws it into limp mode, which Altima years to avoid, the expired warranty extensions — and a 30-minute test-drive checklist that catches the expensive stuff.
2012–2016 Ford Focus & Fiesta Transmission Problems (PowerShift)
Why the DPS6 dry dual-clutch shudders, what a TCM failure feels like, what repairs really cost — and which Focus and Fiesta models are actually safe to buy.
2011–2016 Hyundai Sonata & Kia Optima Engine Problems (Theta II)
The Theta II bearing-failure story: recalls, the lifetime warranty extension, warning signs of a dying engine, and how to check a used one before you buy.
2014–2019 Jeep Cherokee Problems: What to Check Before You Buy
The ZF 9-speed's rough reputation, the 2.4L's oil appetite, and 4x4 driveline issues — plus a test-drive checklist that catches the expensive stuff.