Used Car Dealers Quietly Avoid These 5 Model Years — Here's Why

The choices can feel overwhelming when it comes to looking at used vehicles. It’s not just an issue for car buyers. Used car dealers often avoid certain model years for fear those autos will stay on the lot longer than they want.

“Dealers steer clear of certain model years for the same reason I do -- they cost more to recondition and they scare off buyers who did their homework,” said Andrew Lokenauth, founder of the blog Fluent in Finance. In addition, per Lokenauth, as a rule he stays away from the first year of any redesign.

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“When an automaker rolls out a new generation, that first run works out the bugs on the customer's dime, so a first-year model often carries more recalls than the years that follow," he added.

Read on for some specific model years used car dealers may avoid and why their reasons for doing so could help make your shopping easier.

Models Years from 2013 to 2017

Lokenauth said he skips years tied to known engine and transmission problems. 

“Some Nissan models from these model years had CVT transmissions that failed well before their time,” he explained. 

According to Chris Pyle, an auto expert and mechanic on JustAnswer, a car lot will avoid certain cars due to the chance they are taking. 

“Many will avoid the Nissan cars and small SUVs going back years, all because of the CVT transmission used,” Pyle said. “They are known for having a lifespan, and the car lot does not want one failing on the lot or soon after purchase since the repairs are very high.”

Specific Years and Models

Let’s start with the 2013 Kia Sorento. 

“Kia has a great warranty, which gives buyers peace of mind and encourages them to purchase a new model,” said Melanie Musson, an auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.org, “The problem is that once the warranty is up, the car tends to have issues that are a hassle to fix. Older models from the early 2010s are almost not worth risking. People don’t want unreliability in a vehicle, so older model Sorentos tend to sit on the lot.”

Musson also pointed to the 2013 to 2015 Ford Focus.

“The Focus has never been a head turner, so it doesn’t typically have a loyal following,” she explained. “The 2013 to 2015 models are prone to major transmission problems, so they’re almost a liability sitting on a dealer’s lot. They don’t make the lot look good, and they’re not likely to sell quickly.”

Finally, there’s the 2016 and earlier Hyundai Sonata.

“Hyundai’s GDI engine compromised reliability and endurance to prioritize efficiency,” Musson added. “As a result, these engines are terrible, and warranties don’t cover them after 10 years. So, dealers want to stay away from them to preserve their reputation and because buyers aren’t interested.”

The Bottom Line

“Before you fall in love with a specific year, spend ten minutes searching the make, model, year and the word ‘problems’, then check the recall count on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration site,” Lokenauth explained. “That ten minutes has saved me thousands.”

This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.

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