Which Used Car Should You Buy — And Which Years Should You Avoid?

I'm Mike Johnson. For 20+ years, I've helped buyers dodge lemons and find reliable used cars. Every review on this site pulls from NHTSA complaint data, IIHS safety ratings, Kelley Blue Book pricing, and RepairPal cost estimates — not dealer brochures. No brand loyalty, no sponsored content, no BS. Just the data and my honest take on which cars are worth your money.

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Years to Avoid

Data-backed warnings on the worst model years

Toyota RAV4

Avoid: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2013, 2019

Honda CR-V

Avoid: 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2015

Ford Explorer

Avoid: 2002, 2004, 2006, 2011, 2020

Chevy Equinox

Avoid: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2018

Subaru Outback

Avoid: 2005, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015

Nissan Rogue

Avoid: 2008, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016

See All Years to Avoid Reviews →

Best and Worst Years

Which model years to buy — and which to skip

Toyota RAV4

Best: 2017, 2021 / Worst: 2006, 2019

Honda CR-V

Best: 2005, 2020 / Worst: 2007, 2015

Ford F-150

Best: 2018, 2021 / Worst: 2004, 2010

Subaru Outback

Best: 2017, 2020 / Worst: 2005, 2013

See All Best & Worst Reviews →

How I Review Used Cars

1

NHTSA Data

Complaint counts, recall history, and TSB records for every model year.

2

Owner Reports

Forums, reliability surveys, and mechanic feedback validate the patterns.

3

Mike's Verdict

20+ years of experience distilled into clear buy/avoid recommendations.

Every review combines public data with hands-on experience. No opinions without evidence, no recommendations without data to back them up.

Latest Reviews

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The most recent data-driven used car reviews.

Chevy Cruze Years to Avoid and Best Years to Buy

Chevy Cruze Years to Avoid and Best Years to Buy

The 2011 Chevy Cruze is the worst model year with 867 NHTSA complaints. See which Cruze years to avoid, best years to buy, common problems, and repair costs.

Cadillac XT5 Years to Avoid and Best Years to Buy

Cadillac XT5 Years to Avoid and Best Years to Buy

The 2017 Cadillac XT5 is the worst model year with 623 NHTSA complaints. See which XT5 years to avoid, best years to buy, common problems, and repair costs.

Used Cadillac Buying Guide: Models to Buy and Avoid

Used Cadillac Buying Guide: Models to Buy and Avoid

Cadillac used car guide covering XT5, XT4, Escalade, CT5, CT4. Reliability data, common problems, and recommended model years.