6 Used Cars Retirees Should Avoid Buying Before Christmas
Written by
Chris Adam
Edited by
Cory Dudak
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
You might be a retiree looking to buy a used car ahead of Christmas. Perhaps it’s a gift for yourself to end the year.
If so, you may be searching for a reliable car that’s easy on maintenance and will offer you a smooth, safe ride. With those qualities in mind, here’s a look at six used cars you may want to scratch off the list.
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
If you’re a retiree, you may want to avoid this car altogether. The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is listed among the top used cars to avoid buying by Consumer Reports.
The ranking comes because of poor reliability with this vehicle. Consumer Reports collected data from members in the Annual Auto Surveys to rank which models had more problems.
2021 Jeep Wrangler
If you’re thinking about buying a used 2021 Jeep Wrangler before Christmas, perhaps look for other similar options. Not only does this one rank poorly for reliability with Consumer Reports, but there have been issues reported with rough rides and awkward access.
Per U.S. News & World Report, there are other reasons to avoid this car. You might find it has bad gas mileage and subpar safety ratings.
2020 Nissan Frontier
This car is among the top ranked by U.S. News & World Report as used cars to avoid in 2024. “[The] 2020 Frontier is a disappointment in many other areas,” according to U.S. News. “Its cabin looks outdated and is prone to road and wind noise.”
While the Frontier may be okay on your budget, it doesn’t have many of the driver-assisted features you may desire in a car. Additionally, it has worse towing and hauling capacities than its rivals.
2023 Nissan Frontier
This car may be on your list of potentials to buy before Christmas. The Frontier got a redesign for the 2022 model year after 16 years without a major update.
However, you may want to avoid the 2023 Nissan Frontier if you’re looking for a reliable ride. Consumer Reports recommended the more car-like Honda Ridgeline or Hyundai Santa Cruz, especially if you want better comfort and refinement.
2019 Toyota C-HR
Here’s another used car to avoid, according to U.S. News & World Report. In fact, the C-HR lands near the bottom of the 2019 affordable subcompact SUV rankings.
According to the ranking, the C-HR has tight rear seats and less cargo room than you’ll find in its rivals. Further, this one has a subpar powertrain. When it comes to your ride, you may find tepid acceleration and a noisy engine.
2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
This is probably one you especially want to avoid if you’re looking for a solid car to purchase before Christmas. It has some issues that are pretty hard to ignore.
According to rankings from U.S. News & World Report, this one is near the bottom of the 2020 affordable subcompact SUVs. First, the cabin has cheap materials. Second, you’ll probably feel a bumpy ride with the design of this one. You’ll also find subpar acceleration and trouble with the powertrain.
More From GOBankingRates
