Yahoo Finance 4 Cars Under $10K You Should Never Buy
With the ongoing state of inflated car prices and high interest rates, a four-figure window sticker on a working vehicle is a hard temptation to pass up — but there’s more to buying a car than just the asking price.
“While affordability is a significant consideration when purchasing a vehicle, some cars under $10,000 should be avoided due to their known issues and potential long-term costs,” said Joe Giranda, director of sales and marketing at CFR Classic, a leader in global vehicle shipping.
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Those long-term costs — even for low-mileage vehicles — include expensive maintenance, frequent repairs and too many trips to the pump thanks to poor fuel economy. If you’re on a budget and in the market for a car, don’t set yourself up for major expenses in a few months or years by trying to save a buck today.
Avoid these troublesome models.
Chrysler PT Cruiser
One of the most polarizing love-it-or-hate-it vehicles in recent history, the last Chrysler PT Cruiser rolled off the assembly line on July 9, 2010, in Toluca, Mexico. Many said good riddance.
“The Chrysler PT Cruiser, despite its unique design, is plagued with reliability issues,” said Giranda. “Owners have reported frequent problems with the engine and electrical system, leading to costly repairs. Additionally, its poor fuel economy and outdated technology make it an impractical choice for budget-conscious buyers.”
They’re easy to find used for well under $10,000. For example, CarGurus lists a 2008 model with less than 34,000 miles for just $2,952 — but even if you’re not in the camp that thinks they’re among the ugliest cars ever to roll on four wheels, don’t take the bait.
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Dodge Caliber
The short-lived Dodge Caliber was a compact hatchback with a production run from 2007 to 2012. In a 2019 retrospective, Jalopnik used an unprintable expletive in comparing it to the much-maligned Ford Pinto and Yugo GV.
In 2007, the year of its debut, The Truth About Cars was equally unkind, writing, “The Caliber’s handling matches its discontented drivetrain. Despite an independent rear suspension, the car displays all the grace of a sumo wrestler on figure skates. At the risk of inflicting metaphor overload, the tiller provides less feedback than a bumper car, with precisely none of the fun.”
They’re easy to find for under $10,000, with many selling for under $5,000. CarGurus is currently listing a Dodge Caliber for $1,895 — but it’s almost certainly a waste of money.
“The Dodge Caliber is another vehicle that should be avoided,” said Giranda. “Known for its subpar build quality and numerous mechanical issues, the Caliber has received poor reviews for its transmission and suspension problems. These issues can lead to expensive repairs, making it a poor investment despite its low upfront cost.”
Chevrolet Aveo
Chevy produced its budget compact car, the Aveo, between 2004 and 2011 before it headed off to China and was replaced by the Sonic in the States. They’re widely available for around $5,000 — but do yourself a favor and shop around.
According to a different yet equally scathing Jalopnik retrospective, “It was truly a terrible car. It turned on, could go places and didn’t break down all the time, but that’s about as nice as I can be about it. It didn’t even get great gas mileage. Everything bad that you’ve ever heard about the Aveo is probably true. You should not buy one, even if you’re desperate.”
Giranda agreed, although he put it more delicately.
“The Chevrolet Aveo, often available at a low price, is notorious for its lackluster performance and reliability,” he said. “Owners have reported frequent issues with the engine, transmission and electrical components. Additionally, its poor safety ratings make it a risky choice for buyers looking for a dependable vehicle.”
Fiat 500
A quick Google search of Fiat owner forums reveals the popular consensus on the model 500 — and it’s not pretty.
“A used 500 might cost less than $10,000, but it is likely to have mechanical issues frequently,” said Melanie Musson, an auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.org.
In fact, they’re commonly sold for around $5,000 — but Musson’s second point renders the low purchase price irrelevant.
“Fiat models that are over seven years old are also likely to have serious safety concerns,” she said. “They don’t have the safety features that are standard on later-model vehicles. There are several small used cars in a similar price range that are a lot more reliable, so don’t settle for a 500.”
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Cars Under $10K You Should Never Buy
