10 Models to Stay (Far) Away From When Buying a Used Car
We called them Bugs back in the 70's, with their cute little snub noses and engines in the hood. But did you know that Volkswagen Beetles, the new ones, are a brand you should walk -- no, run -- away from on the used car lot? According to Steven Lang at autos.yahoo.com, a new quality index will help consumers stay away from the lemons. What's considered low quality? The highest defect level at trade-in. Lang categorizes the losers: 10. Volkswagen New Beetle (automatic transmission issues and cheap interior components; diesel models with 5-speed manuals are by far the best powertrain option.) 9. Mazda 626 (automatic transmission issues, all models.) 8. Lincoln Aviator (a gussied-up, unpopular Ford Explorer that had unique sensor and software issues which negatively impacted the overall powertrain and electronics.) 7. Jaguar S-Type (Extensive transmission and engine issues on all V-6 and V-8 models. Along with Limited edition models with ungodly...