4 Used Cars You Should NEVER EVER Buy

1. Cadillac Eldorado (After 2000)

The Cadillac Eldorado with the Northstar engine. This car, particularly the Cadillac ETC, has some major flaws that we need to address.

First up, we have the Cadillac Eldorado with the Northstar engine. This car, particularly the ETC model, has some major flaws. The Northstar V8, introduced in 1993, was meant to be revolutionary but ended up being overly complicated and problematic. It was used in various vehicles until 2011, including Oldsmobile, Buick, Pontiac, and Cadillac. The early models suffered from water pump failures, leading to engine overheating. These engines have a unique bolt design that tends to stretch and fail when overheated, resulting in head gasket problems. Additionally, the Eldorado’s Northstar V8s are notorious for oil consumption issues, carbon buildup, and poor performance. They also struggle to pass emissions due to these problems.

2. Mini Cooper S (2007-2010)

Car & Driver

We love Minis, but there’s one Mini model you should avoid—the second-generation Mini Cooper S, specifically those built between 2007 and 2010. These cars have significant engine issues.

In these Minis lies the problematic N14 engine. It’s notorious for carbon buildup on the valves, intake ports, and coil pack issues. However, the most critical problem lies with the timing chain and tensioner. If these fail, the engine is at risk, as it is an interference unit. Turbo problems are also prevalent in these Minis. Oil burning and frequent oil top-offs are necessary, and high-pressure fuel pump failures are common. These engines require meticulous care to keep them running smoothly. Let’s fire it up and see if we can experience the issues firsthand.

As we start the engine, it becomes apparent that it’s running rough with a distinct black smoke coming from the exhaust. While Minis are usually fun to drive and worth around $5,000 to $6,000 in good condition, this particular example suffers from major engine issues.

3. Audi Allroad (2000-2006)

BringATrailer

One of the most problematic cars is the first-generation Audi Allroad. While these cars made an impact in the automotive industry as early crossover attempts, they have numerous issues. Audi attempted to cash in on the SUV craze by raising their wagons and equipping them with air suspension. However, this air suspension is notoriously unreliable, leading to a near-100% failure rate. Let’s see if this car has been converted to coil springs.

Original Audi Allroads had squishy air suspension in all four corners. As I crawl underneath, I find that someone has indeed swapped the air suspension for more reliable coil springs. This modification has become quite common.

The Audi Allroad features a problematic 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, similar to the one found in the S4. Turbo failures are frequent and costly to replace. Additionally, these cars are prone to timing belt and tensioner failures, requiring extensive disassembly of the front end for repairs. Oil leaks are also common, and the transmission has a less-than-stellar reputation, often failing prematurely. In conclusion, while the Audi Allroad may look good and handle light off-roading, it’s not a car we can recommend.

4. Ford Focus (2011-2016)

Lastly, we have the Ford Focus, a relatively new car from 2016. However, it has one significant flaw—the PowerShift dual-clutch transmission. This transmission system, present in both Focus and Fiesta models from 2011 to 2016, has an alarmingly high failure rate and even led to a class-action lawsuit against Ford.

The transmission exhibits the well-known stuttering and jerking motions between gear shifts, which many owners complain about. This slipping issue is quite noticeable, especially between the first and second gears. It’s clear that the Ford Focus and Fiesta PowerShift transmissions have significant reliability problems.

Ford faced class-action lawsuits globally due to these failures. Instead of issuing a proper recall, Ford chose to extend the warranty for the transmissions. Transmissions now have a seven-year/100,000-mile guarantee and control modules have a ten-year/150,000-mile warranty. The transmissions and control modules have a ten-year/150,000-mile guarantee. However, due to high demand, it’s challenging to get the modules replaced under warranty.

In conclusion, these four cars—the Cadillac Eldorado with the Northstar engine, the first-generation Audi Allroad, the second-generation Mini Cooper S, and the 2016 Ford Focus with the power shift transmission—are best approached with caution due to their fatal flaws and costly repair histories.