Avoid These Used Cars That Buyers Say Are Money Pits.

Buying a pre-owned vehicle may seem like a cost-saving move initially, but the potential for unforeseen repairs could tip the scales, rendering it a costly choice in the long run. Consumer Reports has diligently compiled ratings for used cars, spotlighting those with over 20,000 miles that have garnered unfavorable reviews. Even esteemed brands at the higher end of the spectrum have grappled with issues across certain model years. Below are the used cars that are deemed high-risk investments, based on Consumer Reports' evaluations.

Jeep Grand Cherokee: 2007, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016

Jeep boasts about its vehicles' prowess off-road, but some models would be better off staying away from the pavement altogether. The brand's reliability took a nosedive in 2007, followed by similar trends from 2011 to 2014 and again in 2016.

While other years generally offer a decent purchase, the ones mentioned above were riddled with issues, including recurrent power module failures. If you want a Jeep, avoid the model years listed.

Chrysler Town & Country: 2008 Through 2012

The Chrysler Town & Country faced rough patches from 2009 to 2012, with consumers reporting a host of issues during this period. Despite occasional bright spots, it's prudent to exercise caution with these specific models.

If you're in the market for a newer minivan, consider the Chrysler Pacifica, which has garnered decent ratings from consumers. However, Honda models often outshine the competition in terms of reliability, safety, and performance. While results may vary with the models listed above, why take the risk?

BMW X5: 2011 Through 2014

The BMW X5 was supposed to be a fun car to drive. Instead, from 2011 through 2014, buyers complained about various performance issues that ranged from climate control to engine parts issues and defective fuel systems.

The 2011 and 2012 models fared the worst, while a reduced buy rating was assigned to the 2013 and 2014 iterations. Given the strain that high-performance vehicles endure on their engines and bodies, and with issues cropping up even under normal conditions, it's advisable to steer clear of the model years mentioned above.