Mechanic’s warning over four cars with weak engines that will ‘end up in the junkyard’ – they can rack up $5k repairs

A USED car seller evaluates used cars for a living – and he said two popular models regularly experience engine failure, costing thousands.

Don’t let a common model’s good looks fool you into buying it, he says.

3

3

3

Todd Bialaszewski, a seasoned and certified mechanic who also founded Junk Car Medics, discussed the average life spans of used cars.

His company buys used cars or cars that have been condemned by private sellers across America, and it recently conducted a study to take a closer look at the average life span of around 50,000 cars to find a common trend across various manufacturers.

The study’s results determined that a car in America lasts an average of 16.58 years, Yahoo! Finance reported.

Of course, that figure heavily depends on a vehicle owner’s diligence to maintain a vehicle and follow regular service intervals.

However, he did acknowledge that the brand can make a difference, too.

Two popular models, he said, have a tendency to end up in a junkyard sooner than most due to an expensive failure.

“The Kia Optima may look appealing, but our data shows it doesn’t last as long as many other vehicles,” Bialaszewski said.

“Common issues include engine failures and transmission problems, which can lead to costly repairs. The trend suggests underlying reliability concerns.”

Since replacing an engine in a Kia Optima takes around 12 hours, the average cost of replacement is around $6,000, including the cost of fluids and gaskets replaced as part of the process.

Another popular SUV, the Nissan Rogue, made his list of short-lived vehicles.

“The Nissan Rogue, despite its popularity, often finds its way to the junkyard sooner than expected,” he said.

While the Rogue isn’t known for engine failure, users find themselves replacing the CVT sooner than most, as well as electrical issues.

The cost to replace a CVT in a Rogue costs between $3,500 and $8,000, according to The Lemon Law Experts.

Depending on the electrical issues that crop up, it could be a costly fix.

Interestingly, the Chrysler 200 filled the top spot as the car with the shortest average lifespan at 9.66 years, with the Chevrolet Cruze following close behind at 9.84 years on average.

The Dodge Journey is another model that doesn’t hold up well over time. Our data shows a shorter lifespan, and it’s notorious for poor reliability.

Todd Bialaszewski founder of Junk Car Medics

“The Chevrolet Cruze has a reputation for engine and electrical problems, which aligns with our data showing a shorter lifespan,” said Bialaszewski.

There’s especially bad news for owners of the turbocharged variant.

“Turbocharged models, in particular, seem to have more frequent and severe issues. Potential buyers should be wary of these common faults before they make a decision they may regret,” he added.

Lastly, Bialaszewski mentioned a Dodge SUV making the list.

“The Dodge Journey is another model that doesn’t hold up well over time. Our data shows a shorter lifespan, and it’s notorious for poor reliability,” he said, referring to common transmission and electrical plagues.

“It’s best to avoid this model if you’re looking for a dependable used car for years to come.”

How often should you change your oil?

Experts say the exact figure depends on a variety of factors, including:

1. Age of vehicle. Older vehicles tend to need oil changes sooner than newer cars, as the engine oil used doesn’t last as long as newer oil. Plus, the clearances between moving parts tend to be wider than when the engine was new.
2. Type of oil. Synthetic oil tends to last a lot longer between changes compared to synthetic or a synthetic blend.
3. Driving conditions. People who live in dusty areas or regions with extreme weather conditions that require a lot of driving or stop-and-go traffic should change their oil sooner than normal to keep moving parts lubricated.
4. Cars that bear heavy loads, like regularly towing a trailer, as it puts strain on an engine.

Typically, older cars should have their oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. More modern cars can go between 5,000 to 7,500 miles between changes, especially as modern oil contains more efficient lubricants and additives. Some cars that use synthetic oil only need changes every 15,000 miles.

It’s important to read your owner’s manual to determine the exact weight and interval your car needs.

Source: AAA

On the positive end of the spectrum, the Ford Ranger was determined to be the vehicle with the longest average lifespan of 22.18 years.

Another American car, the Chevrolet Blazer, came in second with an average lifespan of 21.62 years.

Despite the reputation that Toyota has for being one of the most reliable brands, the Toyota Camry made eighth place on the list with an average of 18.50 years on the road.

The U.S. Sun has reached out to Chrysler, Nissan, Dodge, and Chevrolet for comment.