Chrysler Sebring OWNED

Homeslice · 08-28-2010, 11:21 PM

Junk IMO.

Avoid These 5 Used Cars (Plus 5 to Buy)
by Jerry Edgerton
Saturday, August 28, 2010

Used car shopping used to be a scary maze of breakdown-prone models, but reliability has gained sharply. Auto manufacturing quality and dependability studies have shown steady gains this decade. But exceptions do exist and if you're in the market for a used car, you want to steer clear of them.

So CBS MoneyWatch.com has compiled a list of used cars to avoid in five categories, focusing on 2007 models-the year from the latest J.D. Power and Associates dependability study. Buying a three-year-old car also lets you shop after the bulk of depreciation has taken place.

To make our list of used-car rejects, a model had to score the minimum two out of five in the J.D. Power "circle ratings" for dependability–a below-average ranking. It also had to be ranked below average as a used car by Consumer Reports in its annual April car issue and online car rankings.

Here are our used cars to avoid, by category, plus better used car alternatives:

Small Used Car to Avoid: Volkswagen New Beetle

Sure, it's adorable, but the 2007 New Beetle is also trouble-prone. Owners who responded to the Consumer Reports reliability survey reported problems with the fuel and electrical systems, the suspension, brakes, power windows, and other power equipment. The convertible model sells on dealers' lots for $17,055, according to Kelley Blue Book at kbb.com.

Small Used Car Alternative: Ford Focus

It may not be as stylish as the Beetle, but it's a lot more reliable. In fact, the Focus got the J.D. Power award as most reliable compact car. Owners of the 2007 Focus who responded to Consumer Reports reported no major trouble spots. And it's much cheaper than the Beetle. The Kelley Blue Book dealer price is $10,905.

Mid-Size Used Car to Avoid: Chrysler Sebring

The 2007 Sebring sedan not only got just two circles from J.D. Power, Consumer Reports reported a laundry list of problems: engine cooling, minor transmission problems, the drive system, suspension, brakes and more. The low $12,365 dealer price isn't worth it.

Mid-Size Used Car Alternative: Buick LaCrosse

Winner of the J.D. Power dependability award in this category, the 2007 LaCrosse got an above-average used-car rating from Consumer Reports. It's a good value at a dealer price for the CX version at $14,430.

Small Used SUV to Avoid: Jeep Wrangler

King of the off-road, the 2007 Wrangler can climb over almost any obstacle except a reliability test. Owners of the two-door version responding to Consumer Reports reported major transmission problems and issues with the electrical system and brakes. And it's selling on dealer lots at a relatively expensive $19,850.

Small Used SUV Alternative: Honda CR-V

A lot less noticeable than a Wrangler, the Honda CR-V is a lot less trouble, too. It won the J.D. Power dependability award in this category and is rated by Consumer Reports as a well-above-average used car prospect. As a used-car buyer, you are on the wrong side of Honda models' strong ability to hold their value. But at a dealer price of $20,980, the four-wheel-drive version of the CR-V is still a decent value.

Mid-Size SUV to Avoid: GMC Acadia

The 2007 Acadia is a good example of the time-honored rule to avoid buying the first year of a model. It not only got a below-average two circles from J.D. Power, it received a much-worse-than-average used car rating from Consumer Reports. CR readers who owned the 2007 reported problems with the drive system, suspension, body integrity and power equipment. In addition, the all-wheel-drive version on dealers' lots is priced at an expensive $28,435, according to Kelly Blue Book.

Mid-Size SUV Alternative-Honda Pilot

One of a handful of mid-size SUVs to get four circles from J.D. Power, the Pilot is rated well-above-average by Consumer Reports. (Its corporate stablemate, the Accord Crosstour, actually won the J.D. Power award. But many reviewers find its modified-sedan style not big enough to provide true SUV cargo or passenger room.) The Pilot is selling for $23,395-some $5,000 less than the GMC Acadia.

Used Minivan to Avoid: Nissan Quest

Never a strong contender in this category, the Quest gets a below-average used car rating from Consumer Reports and two circles from Power. Owners of the 2007 reported problems with the fuel and climate system, brakes and body integrity. The Quest is selling at $17,395.

Used Minivan Alternative: Toyota Sienna

This van gets four J.D. Power circles and an above-average CR used car rating. Not part of the Toyota sudden-acceleration recall, the Sienna is selling at a dealers' price of $20,280 for the CE trim level.

Dave · 08-29-2010, 12:37 AM

focus was recommended. article has no credibility

azoomm · 08-29-2010, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

focus was recommended. article has no credibility

But, it's on the internet... it MUST be true!!

Homeslice · 08-29-2010, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

focus was recommended. article has no credibility

They said the 2007 model. I don't know how reliable those are, but they HAVE to be a lot more reliable than the first generation. The first gen was one of Ford's worst reliability problems.

Dave · 08-29-2010, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homeslice

They said the 2007 model. I don't know how reliable those are, but they HAVE to be a lot more reliable than the first generation. The first gen was one of Ford's worst reliability problems.

We have three in our fleet at work, I'm constantly being called to them for NVH complaints and a few other things. Has a zingy little engine but vibes too much to live with

Rider · 08-30-2010, 09:26 AM

That article is bullshit. I leased a 2007 Acadia. Never had any issues with it ever. I turned it in Saturday with just over 38K miles. The only reason I got rid of it was because I needed something with a little more power to tow a boat.

Dave · 08-30-2010, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rider

That article is bullshit. I leased a 2007 Acadia. Never had any issues with it ever. I turned it in Saturday with just over 38K miles. The only reason I got rid of it was because I needed something with a little more power to tow a boat.

just means gmc and chrysler didnt pay enough protection money

derf · 08-29-2010, 08:37 AM

Seriously

101lifts2 · 08-29-2010, 03:37 PM

I doubt that the Wrangler is not reliable.

Amber Lamps · 08-29-2010, 04:45 PM

yea I think it's important to remember that they are talking 2007 models and some have greatly improved...

08-28-2010, 11:21 PM	#1
Homeslice Elitist Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SF Bay Area Moto: Gix 750 Posts: 11,351	Chrysler Sebring OWNED Junk IMO. Avoid These 5 Used Cars (Plus 5 to Buy) by Jerry Edgerton Saturday, August 28, 2010 Used car shopping used to be a scary maze of breakdown-prone models, but reliability has gained sharply. Auto manufacturing quality and dependability studies have shown steady gains this decade. But exceptions do exist and if you're in the market for a used car, you want to steer clear of them. So CBS MoneyWatch.com has compiled a list of used cars to avoid in five categories, focusing on 2007 models-the year from the latest J.D. Power and Associates dependability study. Buying a three-year-old car also lets you shop after the bulk of depreciation has taken place. To make our list of used-car rejects, a model had to score the minimum two out of five in the J.D. Power "circle ratings" for dependability–a below-average ranking. It also had to be ranked below average as a used car by Consumer Reports in its annual April car issue and online car rankings. Here are our used cars to avoid, by category, plus better used car alternatives: Small Used Car to Avoid: Volkswagen New Beetle Sure, it's adorable, but the 2007 New Beetle is also trouble-prone. Owners who responded to the Consumer Reports reliability survey reported problems with the fuel and electrical systems, the suspension, brakes, power windows, and other power equipment. The convertible model sells on dealers' lots for $17,055, according to Kelley Blue Book at kbb.com. Small Used Car Alternative: Ford Focus It may not be as stylish as the Beetle, but it's a lot more reliable. In fact, the Focus got the J.D. Power award as most reliable compact car. Owners of the 2007 Focus who responded to Consumer Reports reported no major trouble spots. And it's much cheaper than the Beetle. The Kelley Blue Book dealer price is $10,905. Mid-Size Used Car to Avoid: Chrysler Sebring The 2007 Sebring sedan not only got just two circles from J.D. Power, Consumer Reports reported a laundry list of problems: engine cooling, minor transmission problems, the drive system, suspension, brakes and more. The low $12,365 dealer price isn't worth it. Mid-Size Used Car Alternative: Buick LaCrosse Winner of the J.D. Power dependability award in this category, the 2007 LaCrosse got an above-average used-car rating from Consumer Reports. It's a good value at a dealer price for the CX version at $14,430. Small Used SUV to Avoid: Jeep Wrangler King of the off-road, the 2007 Wrangler can climb over almost any obstacle except a reliability test. Owners of the two-door version responding to Consumer Reports reported major transmission problems and issues with the electrical system and brakes. And it's selling on dealer lots at a relatively expensive $19,850. Small Used SUV Alternative: Honda CR-V A lot less noticeable than a Wrangler, the Honda CR-V is a lot less trouble, too. It won the J.D. Power dependability award in this category and is rated by Consumer Reports as a well-above-average used car prospect. As a used-car buyer, you are on the wrong side of Honda models' strong ability to hold their value. But at a dealer price of $20,980, the four-wheel-drive version of the CR-V is still a decent value. Mid-Size SUV to Avoid: GMC Acadia The 2007 Acadia is a good example of the time-honored rule to avoid buying the first year of a model. It not only got a below-average two circles from J.D. Power, it received a much-worse-than-average used car rating from Consumer Reports. CR readers who owned the 2007 reported problems with the drive system, suspension, body integrity and power equipment. In addition, the all-wheel-drive version on dealers' lots is priced at an expensive $28,435, according to Kelly Blue Book. Mid-Size SUV Alternative-Honda Pilot One of a handful of mid-size SUVs to get four circles from J.D. Power, the Pilot is rated well-above-average by Consumer Reports. (Its corporate stablemate, the Accord Crosstour, actually won the J.D. Power award. But many reviewers find its modified-sedan style not big enough to provide true SUV cargo or passenger room.) The Pilot is selling for $23,395-some $5,000 less than the GMC Acadia. Used Minivan to Avoid: Nissan Quest Never a strong contender in this category, the Quest gets a below-average used car rating from Consumer Reports and two circles from Power. Owners of the 2007 reported problems with the fuel and climate system, brakes and body integrity. The Quest is selling at $17,395. Used Minivan Alternative: Toyota Sienna This van gets four J.D. Power circles and an above-average CR used car rating. Not part of the Toyota sudden-acceleration recall, the Sienna is selling at a dealers' price of $20,280 for the CE trim level.

08-29-2010, 03:37 PM	#9
101lifts2 WSB Champion Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Anaheim, CA Moto: 2009 Kawi ZX6R Posts: 5,570	I doubt that the Wrangler is not reliable. __________________ Train Hard Ron Paul - 2012 Mark of Excellence GM

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08-29-2010, 12:37 AM	#2
Dave Chaotic Neutral Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Cherry Hill NJ Moto: GV1200 Madura, Hawk gt Posts: 13,992	focus was recommended. article has no credibility

08-30-2010, 09:26 AM	#6
Rider Moto GP Star Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 12,156	That article is bullshit. I leased a 2007 Acadia. Never had any issues with it ever. I turned it in Saturday with just over 38K miles. The only reason I got rid of it was because I needed something with a little more power to tow a boat.

08-29-2010, 08:37 AM	#8
derf token jewboy Join Date: Nov 2008 Moto: CBR 900, KLR ugly ass duckling, Gas Man Posts: 10,799	Seriously

08-29-2010, 04:45 PM	#10
Amber Lamps Moto GP Star Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 14,556	yea I think it's important to remember that they are talking 2007 models and some have greatly improved...