3 Of the Worst Used Cars To Buy In 2023

If a trip to a used car dealer is in your future, it’s important to do your homework on what used cars are good to buy right now and which ones aren’t. Modern cars have definitely made huge gains in reliability over the years. There are many great choices when it comes to shopping for a used vehicle. However, some used cars are consistently rated so subpar that they’re worth pointing out. Here ar 3 of the worst cars to buy in 2023.

2019 Buick Cascada

The Buick Cascada was introduced in 2016 as a sporty-looking two-door convertible. Unfortunately for Buick, it didn’t do well and didn’t last long. The automaker discontinued it after the 2019 model. The Buick Cascada has a few good points in that it comes with many standard features and a gentle ride. It also had an excellent predicted reliability rating.

However, the Cascada also has a lot of weaknesses that make it a poor choice among used cars. It has poor fuel economy compared to other cars in the segment, and its seats are so firm that they border on uncomfortable. The Cascada didn’t come with Android or Apple compatibility, which is a huge no for a car model as recent as 2019.

2020 Nissan 370Z

The Nissan 370Z might be easy to find at a used car dealer, and on the surface, it looks like a fun sports car. To be fair, it does have some good points, with responsive steering and stable handling. But then the bad points kick in. The 370Z delivers a stiff ride with plenty of bumps and jerks to unsettle passengers.

The interior isn’t great either, with a dated design, too many hard plastics, and outdated electronics. There isn’t much insulation in the cabin, and it’s easy to hear wind and road noise while driving. Driver assistance features are also sadly lacking. The only feature is a rearview camera.

2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Turning small cars into small crossovers is a trend of late, but some have translated better than others. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is one to leave behind. As with most vehicles, it has some good points. It has excellent fuel economy and roomy seats. But these good points are hard to see with all the weaknesses.

To start, the Eclipse Cross features a noisy powertrain that lacks power at higher speeds. The cargo hold is cramped and doesn’t compare well to rivals. The infotainment system lacks physical knobs, which can make it hard to operate. Finally, the Eclipse Cross has a very subpar predicted reliability score, which is one of the top things customers look for in a used car.

3 Used Cars To Buy Instead

A list of cars to avoid wouldn’t be complete without some options to buy instead. Top picks to look for at a used car dealer in 2023 include the 2014-2020 Hyundai Elantra, the 2017-2019 Kia Soul, and any Toyota Camry. When it comes to used cars, it’s hard to go wrong with any model year of the Toyota Camry that fits your budget. There are many reasons why the Toyota sedan has sold so well, but the biggest one is simply that its reliability is unmatched by its rivals.

Predicted reliability scores are a good metric for choosing a used car, but there are definitely other factors to take into account as well.