Buyer Beware
Buying a used car is a great way to save money and take advantage of older quality builds. However, not all used cars are made equally. In fact, if you’re buying a European car, there are 20 you’ll definitely want to avoid. Do you disagree with these picks? Let us know why!
1. BMW 5 Series
BMW 5 Series F10 cars, in particular the 535i and 550i models, have extremely costly and common mechanical failures. Common problems with the 550i's N63 V8 engine include excessive oil consumption, timing chain failures, and valve stem seal leaks which can occur before reaching 80,000 miles. Not to mention the cars suffer from extremely expensive water pump failures.
2. Volvo XC40
It is known for its lackluster reliability, receiving a poor score of 45 out of 100 from Consumer Reports in 2023. Drivers often experience issues with the climate control and electrical system, leading to expensive repairs with average annual maintenance costs exceeding $1,000. The 2023 XC40 model received a low score for being one of the worst to buy, and the 2024 XC40 has already had recalls.
3. BMW 520i
The BMW 520i, in particular the 2004-2010 E60, has been linked to major engine issues, such as timing chain failure which can lead to major engine damage. It also has fuel injector failures and oil pressure failures, which can lead to engine seizure. Paired with recalls on newer models for electronic stability control and brakes, the 520i is thought to be the least reliable BMW 5 Series car to own.
4. Volkswagen Taos
The Volkswagen Taos has become infamous for being one of the least reliable compact SUVs on the market. Repair costs over the life of the vehicle average $921 a year. Additionally, Consumer Reports actually rates the 2024 Volkswagen Taos as much less reliable than most new cars.
5. Fiat 500X
The Fiat 500X fails to add any significant mechanical refinements or inspire in terms of performance, while still trying to capture some of the stylish urbanite charm of the smaller 500. With a tiny 1.3-liter engine, it's extremely underpowered. Overall, it lacks powertrain performance and driving dynamics.
6. Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The 2015 and 2016 C-Class W205 models have been known to have significant reliability issues. The M274 engine is known to have a faulty timing chain which can result in a catastrophic engine failure. There are also frequent reports of electronic issues such as the COMAND infotainment system, electronic seat controls, and the parking sensors.
7. Audi A6
The 2012-2015 Audi A6 C7 is considered by many to be one of the most problematic versions of the A6, and that is a very long list of A6s. It was named the 2023 Lemon. Consumers complain that the brakes squeal, the steering fails, the engines have problems, the fuel pressure regulator fails, and it burns a lot of oil.
8. Mercedes-Benz GLE
The Mercedes-Benz GLE is one of the brand’s bestselling vehicles but it is the least reliable Mercedes of 2023, with a low reliability score of 24 out of 100. High repair costs are also an issue for this model, with annual ownership costs totaling $1,237 on average. The GLE’s reliability rating is one of the lowest for all segments as well.
9. Fiat Multipla
The Fiat Multipla is notorious for being one of the ugliest, strangest, most unloved cars ever made in Europe. It is a highly distinctive vehicle that is not easy to mistake for anything else. However, its design is so unappealing and awkward that it stands out for all the wrong reasons.
10. Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen Passat, particularly the 2013 and 2014 models, have major engine and emissions issues. The TDI diesels have the Dieselgate emissions scandal and the TSI petrol engines are prone to oil leaks, turbo failure, and timing chain issues, as well as the DSG transmission shuddering or hesitating. This leads to very expensive repairs that can rival luxury brands.
11. Maserati Biturbo
Maserati wanted the Biturbo to rival the BMW 3-Series as a luxury sports sedan, but despite its upmarket image, the Biturbo did not meet expectations. It was the first production car to have a twin-turbocharged engine but suffered from performance and reliability issues that detracted from its desirability as a sports sedan. While lacking in refinement, the Biturbo had styling that was considered ungainly for a marque of Maserati's reputation.
12. Porsche Panamera
The Porsche Panamera 970 (2010–2016) is an extremely luxurious performing car, but is also known for having severe mechanical and electrical/electronic issues. Reported issues include faulty PDK transmission replacements, coolant leaks, electrical glitches, and malfunctions. All of which are very costly and almost always require the vehicle to be taken into a dealership or specialty shop to diagnose the issues.
13. Renault Fuego
The Renault Fuego was a hatchback that was produced from 1980 to 1986 and was known for its bad reliability and performance. Owners of the car report having problems with the electrics, overheating, and head gasket failure, as well as rusting. It depreciated in value rapidly as a result of this, as well as being underpowered and having a poor availability of spares.
Riley from Christchurch, New Zealand on Wikimedia
14. BMW X6
The BMW X6 Coupe is best known for being hated for its bloated, awkward design. It is widely disliked for its oversized, unattractive design. Its design has been tweaked in recent renditions, but it remains one of the least attractive European luxury SUVs currently available.
15. Talbot Tagora
The Talbot Tagora was an unsuccessful European saloon car, only produced for two years. Regarded as a "showroom flop" because of very poor sales and widespread critical reception. It also suffers from poor reliability in its Lucas electrical components as well as being rather uninspired all around.
16. Volkswagen Beetle
Newer models of the Beetle are often criticized for their lack of modern technology and unimpressive performance. Owners have reported reliability problems and high maintenance costs compared to other cars in its class. Additionally, some people find the Beetle's small interior and impractical design make it a less than ideal daily driver.
PantheraLeo1359531 on Wikimedia
17. La Forza
The La Forza was a European SUV that was very expensive and a huge failure. The SUV was based on a truck chassis that was only designed for military use. La Forza also had very unattractive styling that was essentially a very cheap copy of a Range Rover.
Maseratilaforza at Italian Wikipedia on Wikimedia
18. Renault Twingo
Older models of the Renault Twingo have been plagued with criticisms of cheap interior materials and limited build quality, and this can have a negative impact on comfort during driving. The small dimensions of the car and the underpowered engines also make it a less practical choice for long-distance driving and transporting passengers and cargo. Additionally, several models have been known to exhibit problems with electrical and mechanical reliability.
19. Volvo S90
The 2018 Volvo S90 is generally well-liked for its stylish design and safety features. However, the infotainment system is often described as frustrating and unintuitive to use. Some owners have experienced reliability problems with electrical components and software glitches. Maintenance and repair costs are also on the higher side, making it an expensive vehicle to own in the long term.
20. Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 is known as a luxury pick if you’re looking for an SUV with a stellar interior and a smooth ride. However, as a used car, it has a few things going against it. Mainly the fact that maintenance and parts are pretty costly, and the electrical system is known to suffer frequent issues.
