Cars Dealers Avoid: 10 Used Cars Dealers Won’t Sell Twice

Cars dealers avoid aren’t always obvious. Many look clean, drive fine, and sell quickly. But behind the scenes, dealers track which used cars come back broken, generate warranty claims, and destroy profit margins.

When a vehicle causes repeat failures or expensive repairs, dealers stop reselling it. Instead, they send it straight to auction and move on.

This list breaks down the used cars dealers avoid selling twice — not because of rumors or brand bias, but because of documented transmission failures, engine defects, and long-term reliability problems that surface after the sale.

Jeep Renegade (2015–2019) — Why Dealers Avoid It

The Jeep Renegade looks tough, sells fast, and costs dealers more than it ever makes them.

Built on a Fiat platform, the Renegade combines weak reliability with high maintenance costs. The 2.4L engine struggles, fuel economy averages around 21 MPG city, and parts availability is worsening as Fiat exits the U.S. market.

Common failures include transmission problems, electrical issues, suspension wear, and steering failures. Dealers see these come back on trade and immediately wholesale them to auction.

Why dealers avoid it: Poor reliability, expensive parts, and repeat comebacks.

Dodge Journey — Why Dealers Avoid It

The Dodge Journey’s low price is its only selling point.

Brake components often wear out around 20,000 miles. Electrical problems are frequent, dashboard warnings appear without codes, and transmission failures are common and costly. Reliability scores consistently rank near the bottom.

Dealers know exactly what happens next: angry service calls when the transmission fails around 60–70k miles.

Why dealers avoid it: Early brake wear, electrical failures, and unreliable transmissions.

Chrysler 200 (2015) — Why Dealers Avoid It

The 2015 Chrysler 200 earned Car Complaints’ “Avoid Like the Plague” badge.

Its 9-speed automatic transmission can suddenly shift into neutral at highway speeds due to wiring harness defects. Owners report violent jerking and unpredictable gear changes. Repairs often exceed $4,000–$5,000 and don’t last.

Even at wholesale prices, dealers won’t touch these.

Why dealers avoid it: Dangerous transmission defects and high replacement costs.

Chevrolet Equinox (2010–2012) — Why Dealers Avoid It

These Equinox models suffer from extreme oil consumption — often one quart every 1,000 miles.

The 2.4L engine’s piston ring wear leads to timing chain failures and engine damage. Repairs can cost $1,500–$2,500 without warning.

Dealers avoid them because customers always blame the seller.

Why dealers avoid it: Oil consumption, timing chain failures, and engine damage.

Ford Focus & Fiesta (2012–2016) — Why Dealers Avoid Them

Ford’s PowerShift dual-clutch transmission was defective before launch. Internal documents warned it wasn’t drivable. Ford sold it anyway.

The dry-clutch design overheats, shudders, and fails repeatedly. Millions were affected, and the design flaw persists despite replacements.

Dealers send these straight to auction.

Why dealers avoid them: Inevitable transmission failure and lawsuit risk.

Nissan Versa (2012–2017) — Why Dealers Avoid It

Nissan’s CVT failures hit the Versa hard.

Average transmission failure occurs around 72,000 miles, with repairs costing about $3,600. Overheating destroys internal components, and warranty extensions often expire just before failure.

Why dealers avoid it: High CVT failure rates and costly repairs.

Nissan Altima (2013–2018) — Why Dealers Avoid It

The 2013 Altima is the face of Nissan’s CVT crisis.

Transmission failures average 53,000 miles and cost over $3,000 to fix. Some fail as early as 30,000 miles. Dealers avoid restocking them because they often eat repair costs to protect their reputation.

Why dealers avoid it: Early CVT failure and expensive replacements.

Nissan Rogue (2014–2016) — Why Dealers Avoid It

America’s best-selling SUV — and one dealers quietly avoid.

The Rogue’s CVT overheats, sometimes shifting into neutral at highway speeds. Failures average 77,000 miles, and recalls didn’t fix the core issue.

Why dealers avoid it: Dangerous CVT overheating and repeat failures.

Ford Focus (2012–2016) — Why Dealers Avoid It

The Focus deserves its own spot due to volume.

Internal testing confirmed failures before launch. Dealers were told to call issues “normal.” Transmission control modules fail, clutch packs wear early, and problems persist after repairs.

Why dealers avoid it: Known defects and guaranteed comebacks.

Nissan Maxima (2004–2008, 2016–2020) — Why Dealers Avoid It

Nissan’s flagship sedan is also its biggest liability.

CVT failures occur as early as 41,000–60,000 miles. Repairs exceed $3,000, often on cars that originally cost $35,000–$40,000. Dealer complaints and lawsuits follow.

Why dealers avoid it: High failure rates and high-expectation buyers.

Final Takeaway

These aren’t just cars with problems.
They’re vehicles with catastrophic design flaws — so severe that people who sell cars for a living won’t sell them twice.

If you’re shopping used:

• Check the VIN

• Confirm the transmission type

• Walk away if it matches this list

If you already own one, sell it before the repair bill arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What cars do dealers avoid selling?

Dealers avoid cars with repeat transmission failures, engine defects, and high warranty claim rates — especially CVT-equipped models from certain years.

Why do dealers send cars to auction instead of reselling them?

To avoid warranty repairs, lawsuits, and customer complaints that wipe out profit.

Are CVT transmissions unreliable?

Some are. Models from Nissan between 2012–2018 show especially high failure rates.

How can buyers avoid these cars?

Research failure patterns, not just reviews. Verify transmission types and known defect years before buying.