4 Used Cars to Avoid: Models That Would Be Your Worst Choice in 2023

Not all used cars are worth your coin; some models trail their peers by a notable margin. We've listed the Top 4 used vehicles with overall scores that are so subpar that they should be avoided. We've covered a variety of vehicles that are 2019 or newer and listed them in order of their overall score, from lowest to highest.

Every vehicle has good and bad sides, and that’s true of this Mitsubishi. It has spacious seats. And it returns excellent fuel economy, which can help you cut your expenses at the gas pump. But these positives are overwhelmed by a long list of undesirable traits. The Eclipse Cross has a noisy powertrain that feels taxed at high speeds. Its cargo hold is relatively small, with other SUVs in this class providing much more room for your stuff. With its absence of knobs, this SUV’s infotainment system can be challenging to operate. Lastly, the Eclipse Cross has a low score for predicted reliability, which doesn’t inspire confidence.

The Buick Cascada convertible wasn’t long for this world. The automaker introduced the four-seat ragtop in 2016 and pulled the plug after the 2019 model. This Buick fares well in some areas. It has many standard features and low ownership costs. Its gentle ride protects passengers from rough roads, and the Cascada has an impressive predicted reliability rating. However, significant weaknesses place the 2019 Buick Cascada near the bottom of our 2019 luxury small car ranking. It has poor fuel economy compared to its rivals, and its firm seats make longer trips a chore. Also, it’s less agile than other cars in its segment, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are unavailable.

Fiat retired the 500L wagon after the 2020 model year. That ended a run that began with the model’s debut in 2014. The 500L has a quirky look that will appeal to some shoppers. It also has lots of cargo space and a straightforward infotainment system. But those sterling traits aren’t enough to save it from placing last in our rankings of 2020 wagons. The 2020 Fiat 500L has an unsettled ride and returns mileage that puts it at the bottom of our 2020 wagon ranking. Its cabin leaves much to be desired, with hard plastics and disappointing build quality. In addition, this Fiat lacks crucial driver aids, offering just a standard rearview camera and available rear parking sensors.

The EcoSport impresses with poised handling, and its infotainment system is a breeze to use. But there is a long list of shortcomings to consider. First, this SUV has two engine options, and both are weak, providing lethargic acceleration and unrefined performance. And the cabin is just so-so. While it has some appealing materials, hard plastics dominate. Lastly, the EcoSport doesn’t provide much by way of driver aids. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available. But vital features like forward automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning aren’t offered. Even Ford gave up on the EcoSport, canceling the model after the 2022 model year.