Buying used is supposed to be the smarter, budget-friendly option, but not always. Across Canada, thousands of drivers have discovered that some vehicles lose their charm quickly once they’re out of warranty. From chronic mechanical issues to horrible resale value and shockingly high maintenance costs, these cars leave owners wondering why they didn’t walk away. Here are 22 vehicles that Canadians regret buying used:
BMW X5 (2012–2016)
The BMW X5 may seem like a luxury steal on the used market, but Canadian buyers often regret the purchase. The 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine delivers a robust 300 horsepower and a brisk 0–100 km/h time of around 6.1 seconds. Yet repairs are shockingly expensive, and reliability issues with the air suspension and electronics can appear as early as 100,000 km. Inside, the leather-clad cabin and high-end tech are appealing until they start failing. With maintenance bills exceeding $3,000 annually, many owners find their “bargain” buy quickly becomes a financial burden.
Ford Focus (2012–2018)
At first glance, a used Ford Focus might look like an economical city car, but buyers across Canada quickly learn otherwise. The 2.0L four-cylinder engine offers a modest 160 horsepower and accelerates from 0–100 km/h in roughly 8.7 seconds. The fuel economy is solid at 8.1 L/100 km in the city, but that’s where the praise ends. The notorious PowerShift dual-clutch transmission is prone to shuddering, stalling, and failure, often requiring costly repairs. Interiors feel cheap with age, and many used units have unaddressed recalls.
Chevrolet Equinox (2010–2017)
Canadians hoping for a dependable used SUV often gravitate to the Chevrolet Equinox, but regrets come fast. While the 3.0L V6 version offers 264 horsepower and 0–100 km/h in about 7.8 seconds, the genuine concern lies under the hood. Many owners report oil consumption issues, transmission problems, and costly repairs once mileage passes 100,000 km. The interior may seem spacious and comfortable at first, but deteriorates quickly, especially in older trims. Despite attractive purchase prices, Equinox’s hidden maintenance costs and below-average reliability scores make it a common regret for used car buyers in Canada.
Dodge Journey (2011–2019)
The Dodge Journey’s low resale price makes it tempting for budget-conscious families, but the regrets are almost immediate. Its base 2.4L engine barely pushes 173 horsepower and takes over 10 seconds to reach 100 km/h, frustrating drivers. Even the upgraded 3.6L V6 struggles with long-term reliability, and fuel economy is underwhelming at 11.2 L/100 km city. The dated, plastic-heavy interior and lack of modern tech don’t help resale value. With poor safety scores, high depreciation, and mechanical headaches, the Journey frequently lands on mechanics’ “do not recommend” lists.
Volkswagen Jetta (2011–2017)
Volkswagen’s Jetta is stylish and fun to drive until the repairs pile up. The 1.4L turbo engine provides 147 horsepower and 0–100 km/h in about 8.3 seconds, but timing chain and electrical issues become common after 80,000 km. Despite decent mileage at 7.9 L/100 km city, owners are often blindsided by repair costs and expensive German parts. Interiors feature solid materials and comfortable seating, but infotainment and tech quickly feel dated. Canadian drivers often find themselves shelling out far more in repairs than they saved by buying used. It’s a car that doesn’t age as well as expected.
Mini Cooper (2010–2016)
The Mini Cooper’s charm fades fast when bought used. Its 1.6L turbocharged engine puts out 181 horsepower and hits 0–100 km/h in about 6.5 seconds, but performance doesn’t excuse reliability headaches. Common issues include timing chain tensioners, turbo failures, and faulty electronics, especially in models over 100,000 km. Fuel economy is decent at 7.7 L/100 km city, and the quirky, upscale interior turns heads until repair costs rack up. Canadian owners frequently regret falling for the Mini mystique, especially when repair bills often exceed the car’s value.
Nissan Altima (2013–2018)
Many Canadians bought the Altima used, expecting long-term comfort and value, but it’s become a frequent regret. The 2.5L engine makes 182 horsepower and 0–100 km/h in about 7.8 seconds. The spacious cabin and 7.5 L/100 km city mileage are attractive, but the CVT transmission is a significant flaw. Numerous reports of jerking, slipping, and complete failures make maintenance a gamble. Replacement costs run in the thousands; even newer models aren’t immune. For drivers who just wanted a reliable mid-size sedan, the Altima often becomes a financially draining disappointment on the used market.
Jeep Compass (2011–2017)
The Jeep Compass is a case of rugged looks masking weak performance. Its SUV profile lures Canadian buyers, but the 2.4L engine delivers just 172 horsepower and sluggish acceleration, 0–100 km/h in over 10 seconds. It offers mediocre fuel economy at 10.6 L/100 km city, and the cheap interior materials wear quickly. Worst of all, recurring problems with suspension components, water leaks, and CVT issues make repair costs unreasonably high for a budget SUV. Most owners realize too late that the Compass lacks durability and refinement, making it one of the most regretted used SUVs in the country.
Chrysler 200 (2011–2016)
Once a rental fleet favorite, the Chrysler 200 rarely ages well. With the base 2.4L engine pushing 173 horsepower and taking nearly 10 seconds to hit 100 km/h, it’s uninspiring at best, and fuel economy isn’t impressive either at 10.2 L/100 km city. Owners report frequent issues with the transmission, electrical system, and infotainment glitches. While the cabin aims for premium, the materials and assembly quality disappoint. The 200 is known for unreliability and high repair frequency in Canada’s used car landscape. Even at low prices, most buyers wish they’d chosen a more proven sedan with a better long-term track record.
Hyundai Tucson (2010–2015)
The Hyundai Tucson may seem like a safe used SUV choice, but earlier models leave much to be desired. Its 2.4L engine puts out 176 horsepower with a 0–100 km/h time of 9.8 seconds, and fuel economy averages 10.0 L/100 km city. That’s where the good news ends. Many Canadian owners report engine knocking, oil consumption, and transmission issues well before 120,000 km. Interior features feel cheap and quickly show wear, while infotainment systems lag behind competitors. Despite Hyundai’s solid warranty on new vehicles, used Tucsons from this generation often become repair-heavy liabilities owners can’t wait to offload.
Nissan Juke (2011–2017)
The Nissan Juke’s quirky design might initially charm, but its long-term ownership experience is another story. Canadians who bought this model reported issues with the continuously variable transmission, expensive repairs, and poor rear visibility. The 1.6L turbo engine offers decent punch, 188 hp, and 0–100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, but fuel economy isn’t excellent for a subcompact crossover, averaging 8.6 L/100 km in city driving. The interior is cramped, with awkward controls and limited cargo space, and when the novelty fades, regret tends to set in fast.
Volvo XC60 (2010–2015)
Used Volvo XC60s offer sleek Scandinavian design and plush interiors, but the reliability story tells a different tale. Canadian buyers often complain about electrical issues, sensor failures, and AWD system breakdowns. The base engine makes 240 hp, but acceleration feels sluggish, and mileage hovers around 11.3 L/100 km city. Though seats are comfortable and features abundant, maintenance is costly, and parts aren’t always readily available. Mechanics often discourage buying older XC60s without a full dealer service history, calling them a hidden financial risk dressed in a luxury badge.
BMW X3 (2011–2014)
Luxury comes at a price, especially when buying a used BMW X3. The 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 engine generates 300 horsepower and accelerates 0–100 km/h in just over 6 seconds. But for Canadians, the thrill fades quickly with frequent engine oil leaks, expensive suspension repairs, and electrical glitches. The city’s fuel economy sits at 11.3 L/100 km, and premium gas is a must. The interior is upscale with leather, tech, and polish, producing high parts and labor costs. Without a robust maintenance history, used X3s become unreliable money pits many owners wish they had never touched.
Ford Fiesta (2011–2016)
The Ford Fiesta was meant to be a reliable, affordable compact car, but Canadian buyers who go used often find the opposite. The 1.6L engine produces just 120 horsepower, with a sluggish 0–100 km/h time of over 10 seconds. The fuel economy is decent at 7.5 L/100 km city, but it’s not enough to compensate for the vehicle’s transmission nightmares. The PowerShift dual-clutch gearbox is notorious for shuddering, slipping, and failing. Add poor cabin insulation and an underwhelming interior; you have a small car with significant issues.
Mazda CX-7 (2007–2012)
Canadian drivers looking for a sporty used SUV were often drawn to the Mazda CX-7. With its 2.3L turbocharged engine offering 244 horsepower and a 0–100 km/h time of around 7.6 seconds, performance was a plus. But that turbo comes with a cost: the engine is prone to premature failure, excessive oil consumption, and timing chain issues. Fuel economy is a thirsty 12.0 L/100 km city. The interior, while stylish, suffers from low-quality materials that don’t hold up well. Many owners report regret shortly after purchase, especially once the engine trouble begins, and it often does before 130,000 km.
Chrysler 300 (2005–2010)
The Chrysler 300 might look like a full-size luxury bargain on the used market, but Canadian buyers often discover it’s a maintenance time bomb. While the available 5.7L HEMI V8 produces 340 horsepower and delivers a bold 0–100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, reliability isn’t part of the package. Owners frequently report electrical system failures, transmission issues, and suspension problems. The fuel economy suffers at 14.5 L/100 km in the city. Inside, the cabin feels roomy but outdated, with materials that don’t age well.
Cadillac CTS (2008–2014)
The Cadillac CTS aimed for German-level refinement, but used models often come up short. Owners complain about electrical glitches, transmission woes, and failing infotainment systems. The base V6 produces a respectable 270 hp and does 0–100 km/h in under 7 seconds, but it guzzles fuel, with a fuel efficiency of around 12.4 L/100 km in city driving. The cabin looks luxurious at first glance but often reveals cheap plastics and creaky panels with age. Costly repairs and declining resale value make it a regret-filled experience for many Canadians who bought one used.
Volkswagen Passat (2012–2015)
Spacious and stylish, the Passat’s appeal fades fast for many used car buyers. Its 1.8L turbo engine with 170 horsepower delivers smooth performance and 0–100 km/h acceleration in about 8.4 seconds, but reliability is a chronic issue. Turbo failures, electrical gremlins, and notorious DSG transmission problems send repair costs soaring. Fuel economy averages 8.8 L/100 km city. Though the interior offers ample space and European design, material quality varies, and long-term durability is questionable. What starts as a refined ride can quickly become a budget-draining mistake, especially for Canadians facing harsh winters and repair delays.
Suzuki SX4 (2007–2013)
Suzuki’s exit from the Canadian market in 2013 turned this model into a risky used buy. The SX4’s 2.0L engine makes 143 horsepower. While the car offers available AWD and a decent interior room, finding replacement parts in Canada is increasingly complex. Owners report poor resale value, limited aftermarket support, and lackluster build quality. Mechanics often advise against buying one, knowing that parts shortages and long repair times can leave drivers stranded and regretting their “deal.”
Chevrolet Cobalt (2005–2010)
The Cobalt is a textbook case of why cheap doesn’t always mean smart. With a 2.2L engine pushing just 148 horsepower and a sluggish 0–100 km/h in 9.9 seconds, performance is lackluster. Fuel efficiency isn’t terrible at 8.7 L/100 km city, but everything else feels outdated. Interiors are spartan and wear quickly. Worse, safety recalls, including faulty ignition switches, tarnished the model’s legacy. Suspension problems and steering failures are also common in higher-mileage examples. Canadians who went for low purchase prices often found themselves stuck with costly problems and low resale value, regretting the decision in just a few months.
Nissan Sentra (2013–2016)
This generation of Sentra promises fuel efficiency, averaging 7.1 L/100 km city, but that’s where the perks end. Its 1.8L engine delivers a weak 130 horsepower and 0–100 km/h takes a lethargic 10.4 seconds. CVT transmission is the biggest concern, notorious for early failure and costly replacement. Inside, the cabin is roomy but plagued by cheap plastics and limited tech. Many Canadian owners report sluggish performance, rough shifting, and expensive repairs as mileage climbs. Despite its practicality, the Sentra has become a car many regret buying.
Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class (2010–2015)
The GLK-Class offers premium appeal, but used Canadian owners often find it’s not worth the headaches. The 3.5L V6 makes 302 hp and does 0–100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. Still, reliability issues, from power steering failures to persistent electronic faults, make ownership expensive, and the city’s fuel economy is mediocre at 12.0 L/100 km. While the cabin is upscale, parts and labor costs are sky-high, and out-of-warranty repairs quickly add up. Mechanics caution that buying a used GLK is asking for trouble unless service records are pristine.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
When people think of innovation, they often picture Silicon Valley. However, Canada has a history of innovation, too. Whether it’s redefining sports, revolutionizing medicine, or just showing America up at its own game, Canadian inventors, thinkers, and dreamers have had their fair share of mic-drop moments. Here are 22 times Canadian ingenuity left the U.S. in the dust.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
