by Gabrielle DeSantis

Shopping for a used SUV can make for a stressful experience, especially if you find yourself shopping for an SUV that doesn’t have any problems. The good news is that Consumer Reports’ data can help you determine the best used SUV to satisfy your daily driving needs. The even better news is that the organization can also help you steer clear of the four worst used SUVs most likely to have paint problems.

The 2011-2013, 2016 Ford Expedition is one of the worst used SUVs for paint problems

Sure, according to Consumer Reports, automotive paint has come a long way. While that’s undoubtedly good news, some SUVs have a reputation for paint problems, including bubbles, peeling, and flaking. These paint problems detract from the car’s appearance and risk corrosion and often require expensive repairs.

Take, for example, the 2011-2013, 2016 Ford Expedition. According to Consumer Reports, the Ford Expedition is one of the worst used SUVs most likely to have paint problems. The NHTSA even recalled the Ford SUV due to its paint problems. During the recall, the NHTSA recommended replacing affected paint panels altogether.

“Was told it was aluminum oxide, affecting hood and rear hatch. Complete replacement of each was the only repair recommended.”

Ford Expedition Owner

Avoid the 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon if you’re not a fan of chipped paint

According to Consumer Reports, the 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon is also one of the worst used SUVs most likely to experience paint problems. Though, that shouldn’t be too much of a surprise. Consumer Reports gave both used SUVs a one out of five reliability rating. Among the SUV’s most common problems were issues with paint and trim.

In fact, according to one 2014 Chevy Tahoe owner, “Paint on hood and top front of roof began cracking even though I kept it washed and waxed on a regular basis.” Owners of the 2014 GMC Yukon ran into similar paint problems. “The front lower skirt was cracked, and the paint didn’t hold up, so we lived with it from Jan-May ’19 and then had it trimmed shorter and repainted to avoid the problem in the future, hopefully,” one owner explained.

The 2020 Tesla Model Y is a used SUV that’s most likely to have paint problems

The 2020 Tesla Model Y is somewhat of an enigma. Consumer Reports lauded it with a five out of five owner satisfaction rating, adding that 89% of Tesla Model Y owners would rebuy the SUV if given a chance. Unfortunately, as satisfying as the Tesla Model Y is, it’s one of the four worst used SUVs most likely to have paint problems.

In fact, issues with its paint, trim, and body hardware are among the most common Tesla Model Y problems. Consumer Reports has logged several Tesla Model Y complaints too. One owner complained that their Tesla Model Y’s paint was blistered and wrinkly. Another owner found that the driver’s side door was a different shade of white than the rest of the car. 

“Both front doors are color mismatched from the rest of the vehicle. The rear bumper panel has a distinct yellow tint to it compared to the white paint if the rest of the vehicle.”

Tesla Model Y Owner

Steer clear of the 2012 Cadillac SRX if you don’t want a used SUV with paint problems

Last but certainly not least is the 2012 Cadillac SRX. Unfortunately for the used Cadillac SRX, it finds itself among the worst used SUVs most likely to have paint problems, according to Consumer Reports. In fact, according to data gathered by the organization, owners of the used Cadillac SRX have dealt with everything from chipped to bubbled paint.

The 2012 Cadillac SRX suffers from more than just paint issues too. As a matter of fact, Consumer Reports’ data shows that the most common Cadillac SRX problems include issues with the SUV’s drive system, body integrity, power equipment, and in-car electronics.

Shopping for the best used SUV is worth the effort

Shopping for a used SUV can make for quite the endeavor. But if you’re shopping for the best used SUVs? It’s well worth the effort. Fortunately, Consumer Reports’ picks for the four worst used SUVs most likely to have paint problems will give you a good understanding of which used SUVs you might want to steer clear of when shopping for the best SUV for your needs.

RELATED: The Best Used Three-Row SUVs Under $15,000 According to KBB

The post Consumer Reports: Avoid 4 Worst Used SUVs Most Likely to Have Paint Problems appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you’re car shopping and want a car that can get you where you need to go without spending a lot of money, you have some decent options. As the price of cars continues to grow, it might feel like you’ll have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to get what you need. However, these five cars are among the cheapest cars you can buy, and they have a lot going for them, too.

The 2022 Subaru Impreza is a solid choice

The 2022 Subaru Impreza is a great choice for someone who wants a solid, safe car – and doesn’t want to pay big bucks for it. The NHTSA gives the Impreza five stars for its overall rating, frontal crash, side crash, and rollover tests. 

The Subaru Impreza also comes with some important safety features, including brake assist, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Coming in at just under $20,000 – $19,755 to be exact, the Subaru Impreza is a great deal. 

The 2021 Hyundai Accent is a cheap, no-frills option

U.S. News calls the 2021 Hyundai Accent the 2021 Best Subcompact Car for the Money “because it offers the best combination of quality and value in its class.” At $16,400, it’s one of the cheapest cars you can buy.

The Accent’s safety ratings aren’t as high as the Subaru Impreza’s. The IIHS gives the 2021 Accent good ratings for moderate overlap front, side impact, rear crash protection, and roof strength tests. Small overlap front driver test results are also good, but small overlap passenger tests are just acceptable. The headlight ratings for the 2021 Hyundai Accent is poor. On a positive note, the front crash prevention results are superior. 

The NHTSA gives the Accent four stars for its overall rating and frontal crash, as well rollover. Side crash does get five stars, which is good. 

The 2021 Nissan Versa may not be powerful, but it’s still a good car

The 2021 Nissan Versa comes with just a 122-horsepower engine. For $15,930 though, it’s still a good car. The Versa is solid and roomy, and it will get you where you need to go. 

The IIHS didn’t fully rate the 2021 Nissan Versa, but it did give it good ratings for the moderate overlap front crash and side impact test results. The NHTSA gives the 2021 Nissan Versa five stars for overall crash and four stars for a rollover rating. 

The 2021 Chevrolet Spark is the cheapest car of the bunch

At just $14,595, the 2021 Chevy Spark is the cheapest car you can buy new. Consumer Reports notes that it’s one of the smallest cars out there. It comes with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking for the city, and rear cross traffic. The IIHS gives the Spark a good rating for the moderate front overlap and side crash.

The 2021 Kia Rio is a basic choice

The 2021 Kia Rio is a basic car without any extras. Consumer Reports said that it “suffers from deficiencies endemic to this class, such as slow acceleration, a stiff ride, and a loud cabin.”

As far as safety is concerned, the Rio’s safety features are somewhat limited. The Rio only comes with a rear view camera, antilock brakes, traction control, and stability control. The IIHS gives the Rio all good ratings except for the small overlap, passenger side, which was only acceptable. 

Just because these five cars are the cheapest cars you can buy doesn’t mean they’re necessarily the best choice. As with any major purchase, you’ll want to do your due diligence. Compare safety ratings and features, and figure out what your priorities are when you’re car shopping. Of course any car that you choose should be within your budget, too.

RELATED: Fido Friendly: The 5 Best Cars for Dog Owners

The post 5 of the Cheapest Cars You Can Buy Right Now appeared first on MotorBiscuit.