These Cheap Used Cars Cost So Much More Than the Price Tag Says
In this economy, sometimes buying second-hand is the way to go. However, while you may end up saving a penny or two by purchasing a cheap used vehicle, it may end up costing you much more in the long run.
Ford F-150
The F-150 is one of the most popular trucks in the world, a nameplate that has gone strong for several decades at this point. You’d think, though, that the truck’s immense popularity would mean that you could buy a used model for cheap. But if you’re unlucky enough to come into possession of a model from 2004 to 2010, good luck, since it’ll end up costing you so much more in maintenance fees alone.
Subaru Forester
2003 saw the release of the second-generation Forester, a vehicle that offered several improvements over the original. These models tend to be pretty cheap nowadays due to their age, but the cost of owning one quickly skyrockets once you consider the vehicle’s consistent head gasket failures.
Subaru Outback
2003 also heralded the coming of the third-generation Outback, available in both sedan and station wagon forms. Like the Forester, these vehicles can normally be picked up for a very modest price, while also being prone to the same mechanical failures, ultimately leading to them costing much more in the long run.
Mazda CX‑7
A mid-size SUV with sporty handling and stylish aesthetics to match, the Mazda CX‑7 was immensely popular for its nimble handling and fun factor. However, these models are unfortunately prone to severe turbo and engine issues, both of which are costly to address.
Chevrolet Cruze
A compact car whose middle names are “safe” and “practical”, the Chevy Cruze was by no means a born racer, but it offered fantastic reliability and comfort. Of course, those early models were plagued by transmission and engine issues, ultimately skyrocketing the cost of ownership.
Chrysler 200
Don’t be fooled by the luxury badge - the Chrysler 200 can often be found for a cheap price nowadays. It struggled to compete with its competitors - (namely the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry) - perhaps due to its costly electrical and transmission issues that jack up ownership costs.
Ford Focus
Production of the popular Ford Focus came to a resounding halt this year (2025), but you can find plenty of used options on second-hand marketplaces for a good price. Just make sure you don’t get a model with the dual-clutch, whose persistent failures and issues often demand costly repairs.
Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai’s popular series of semi-luxurious sedans has been going strong since 1989. As such, you can find plenty of used models selling for an outrageously cheap price. Whatever you do, though, avoid those models that feature turbocharged engines since these are often plagued by costly issues.
Jeep Cherokee
A legendary off-roader backed by the Jeep brand’s illustrious pedigree, the Cherokee is a fantastic vehicle, and older models can often be found for a very good price. Unfortunately, their 9-speed transmission systems are notoriously prone to wear and tear and expensive to maintain.
Dodge Journey
Despite the Dodge brand’s illustrious history and status, the Journey was one of their most affordable models even when it was first released. They’re even cheaper to buy today, but their frequent engine and electrical issues pretty much invalidate whatever savings you scored on your purchase.
Kia Soul
Despite its distinctive, compact design, the Kia Soul is actually a fairly spacious vehicle, one that’s more practical than stylish. Of course, practical doesn’t always mean reliable, and while you can find many cheap second-hand Souls out there, the vehicle’s constant mechanical and electrical faults make owning one a costly endeavor.
Toyota Corolla
First introduced way back in 1966, the Corolla is a Toyota mainstay, global in presence and found virtually everywhere. These cars are cheap, even brand new. Less affordable, however, is the price for bodywork repairs, which you’ll end up paying for more often than you’d like.
Citroën C3
A supermini car produced since 2002, the Citroën C3 is the definitive urban crawler, compact in size, but large in stature, and just powerful enough to run a red light or two when you need to. Though cheap to buy, the Citroën C3 is unfortunately prone to suspension problems that can be costly to repair.
Nissan Sentra
Nissan’s entry-level sedan, the Sentra, makes for a comfortable, efficient ride with a focus on safety and fuel efficiency. But while you may save on fuel costs and upfront payments, the Sentra may end up costing you more in the long run thanks to its fuel pump and transmission issues.
Volkswagen Golf
It seems almost blasphemous to paint the Golf in a negative light. A compact car that’s been around for what feels like centuries, the Golf is the go-to vehicle for many young drivers looking for something cheap, reliable, and fun to drive. Be warned, however, that while second-hand Golfs are cheap, they’re also prone to engine issues.
Ford Mondeo
Designed to suit just about anybody’s needs by being offered in sedan, hatchback, and station wagon forms, the Ford Mondeo was Ford’s attempt at creating a world car. They’re no longer in production, but you can find some for pretty cheap if you’re willing to look. Just be warned that the vehicle’s power steering and dual-clutch mechanisms are prone to issues.
Chevrolet Spark
The Chevy Spark is basically Chevrolet’s version of the Golf, a widespread, compact city car that many drivers have come to love for its zippy handling. However, while they are cheap (even if you’re buying new), their engines are known to be problem-prone, which can end up costing you more in the long run.
Chevrolet Trax
The Trax is a compact SUV that may as well be a bigger version of the Spark. It’s by no means outstanding in terms of performance, but it is affordable and practical. Be warned, however, that you’ll end up spending up to 30% of the purchase price on maintenance over a few years.
Audi Q3
The Q3 may have the Audi badge attached to it, but many second-hand models sell for a surprisingly low price. However, due to the car’s luxury status, replacement parts don’t come cheap, and could end up costing you more than the car itself in the long run.
Ram 3500
A heavy-duty pickup truck specifically designed for businessmen and professionals, you’d think that the Ram 3500 would be one of the more reliable vehicles on this list. Unfortunately, it’s anything but, and extremely prone to breakdowns, which can prove to be very expensive in the long run.
Nissan Murano
The Murano is one of the more impressive Nissan models out there, a spacious and stylish SUV designed for family driving. While second-hand models can be cheap, Nissan vehicles in general often require plenty of servicing.
Honda Civic
The Civic is easily one of the most recognizable vehicles on this list due to its inescapable presence no matter where you are in the world. However, due to it being in constant production (and thus constantly being replaced), some models - like the 2022 version - are actually more expensive than more recent ones.
Mazda 6
A stylish and spacious sedan, the Mazda 6 is one of the better-built vehicles on this list. Used models are often very affordable upfront, but you’ll need to be aware of the vehicle’s high running costs before you commit to your purchase.
Chevrolet Cobalt
Marketed from 2004 to 2010, the Cobalt isn’t around anymore, but second-hand models are often extremely cheap. That said, the Cobalt demands much higher running costs than many other Chevy models, to the tune of $14.5k over just ten years.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
A new Grand Cherokee will cost you quite a bit, but used models from the early 2010s are often very affordable. That said, these vehicles suffer from a bad case of Depreciation Syndrome, ultimately losing up to 50% of their value, not to mention their high running costs.
Audi A4 Quattro
Despite bearing the Audi brand name, the A4 Quattro is another one of those vehicles that starts to lose all of its value once it’s off the lot. As such, they’re often sold for a cheap price on the second-hand market, but don’t be fooled: the vehicle’s reliability issues often make for some costly repairs.
Volkswagen Touareg
One of the lesser-known nameplates on our list, the Touareg also suffers from bad depreciation rates, ultimately leading to a cheap price on second-hand marketplaces. Despite that, parts for the vehicle are expensive, ultimately ballooning its long-term cost.
Chrysler Sebring
The Sebring hasn’t been around for close to 15 years now, but you can find many second-hand models for a reasonable price. It’s just as well, too, since you’ll end up paying a pretty penny for repairs and services due to the car’s severe reliability issues.
Ford Expedition
Sharing a platform with the F-150, the Ford Expedition is a much larger vehicle able to accommodate up to 9 passengers. However, its engine is extremely prone to sludge build-up, which often demands a full, costly replacement.
Renault Kwid
The Kwid is a budget-friendly vehicle, whether you’re buying new or second-hand, but the vehicle’s poor depreciation rate means that you’ll end up spending more than if you had bought a new car.
Tata Indica
The Tata Indica is probably the most niche vehicle on this list, being the first ever passenger car produced in India. Unfortunately, its poor brand visibility makes it so that it suffers heavily from depreciation, not to mention the car’s infrastructure in general being, well, rather poor.
Ford F-250
Like the F-150 before it, the F-250 is one of Ford’s most popular models, a heavy-duty pickup with tons of utility and practicality. Unfortunately, it also suffers from many of the same issues as the F-150, ultimately leading to high ownership costs.
BMW 328i
Despite its luxury badge, you can often find second-hand 328is selling for cheap due to its poor depreciation rate. However, the money you saved will have to be spent on the vehicle’s high maintenance costs.
Mercedes-Benz E350
Like the 328i, the Mercedes-Benz E350 often sells for a very reasonable price on the second-hand market, but owners can end up spending up to $1.5k a year just to keep it running.
Ford Maverick
Unlike many of the other vehicles on this list, the Maverick isn’t expensive to own - it’s surprisingly expensive to buy, even second-hand! Older models tend to be much rarer than newer ones, leading to them being priced up to 12% more than one fresh off the factory floor.
