One of the features that popped up on my browser homepage today was the latest Consumer Reports "Best and Worst" used cars.

They have the S-Type on the "worst of the worst" list.

Not me. My 06 has been one of the best cars I've owned.

 

Audi A6 (2.7T, 3.0T)
BMW 535i (AWD)
BMW X5
Cadillac SRX (AWD)
Chevrolet Astro Hummer H3
Chevrolet Aveo
Chevrolet Blazer
Chevrolet Colorado (4WD)
Chevrolet Impala (V8)
Chevrolet S-10 Pickup (4WD)
Chevrolet Uplander
Chrysler PT Cruiser (turbo)
Chrysler Town & Country
Dodge Caravan
Dodge Grand Caravan
GMC Acadia (AWD)
GMC Canyon (4WD)
GMC S-15 Sonoma (4WD)
GMC Safari
Jaguar S-Type, XF
Kia Sedona
Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Mini Cooper Convertible
Pontiac G6 Coupe & Convertible
Saturn Outlook (FWD)
Saturn Relay
Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible
Volkswagen Passat (V6, FWD)

 

Gotta put everything into perspective. With all the known quirks that the S-Type suffers from, if you cannot D-I-Y the majority of your maintenance and repairs it is not difficult to understand why many would say that the S-Type belongs on that list....

But on the other hand, if you are a D-I-Y wrench-turner and you stay on top of the issues by keeping your car well-maintained, these S-Types can be one of the best sedan bang-for-the-buck deals on the market....

 

Car Loan Articles

Used Cars to Avoid: The Worst Used Cars to Buy

For most Canadians, finding a used car to buy can be quite stressful. Do you care to know what used cars to avoid? We have compiled a list from Consumer Reports identifying which used cars to avoid? Consumer Reports is one of the most reliable places to conduct your research on the used cars that rate poorly.
The following is a list of some worst used cars on the market that you should avoid buying:

Kia Sedona
The Kia Motors line of vehicles struggles with a reputation of problems throughout North America.. Most people are attracted to the low purchase price, but with the general perception of poor workmanship, a used Kia Sedona would not hold up to heavy use.

Lincoln Navigator
This popular full-sized luxury SUV made its introduction in 1998, drinks gasoline heavily. With today's fuel costs, a used Lincoln Navigator would just cost far too much to drive.

Pontiac Aztek
This midsize cross over SUV was introduced in 2001 with a high a price point for most consumers. These vehicles end up with rental companies or issued to executives. Most used Pontiac Aztek vehicles will have higher than normal mileage and require increased maintenance costs. Having being rated with poor performance reviews, this vehicle is not recommended.

BMW 7 Series
The BMW 7 series is as a full-size luxury sedan introduced in 1977. There have been four generations of the these cars, but all rank poor for handling and gas consumption.

Chevrolet Astro
The Astro is a mid-sized van introduced in 1985. It has received low rankings for crash safety with the passenger compartment collapsing upon an accident. The driver's seat traps the driver with no option of escape. This is a definite used car to avoid.

Chrysler Town & Country (AWD)
Chrysler brought out the Town & Country minivan in 1990. Most reviewers report that the minivan has a performance life of three years before parts begin to fail such as the transmission.

Dodge Grand Caravan (AWD)
The Dodge Grand Caravan minivan was introduced in 1998. This model rates overall with poor performance and fuel economy and are the main reasons to avoid a used Grand Caravan.

Jaguar S Type
Rated as an overall poor performer, the Jaguar S Type is a used car to avoid. Parts are expensive, hard to come by and maintenance is far too frequent. It is a good looking model but will spend more time in the shop than out on the road.

The Saturn VUE
The Saturn line up rates well overall, however the Saturn VUE falls short. With both engine and transmission problems, the VUE falls into the lemon category and is rated as a used car to avoid..

 

Consumer Reports is a joke for car reviews. I just stay tuned with Top GEAR Atleast they had excellent reviews about the STR's

 

I love bad reviews - they guide me to the cars to investigate in case the faults are ones I think I can handle, in which case I can pick up a bargain.

 

At least my 300 didn't "make the list"... LOL

But our Grand Caravan is on there....Actually, it has been a fine car.. Not the best, but OK, and an absolute PIA to work on. Nothing major has gone wrong with it..But expect it to rust out before it's ten years old...

Consumer Reports cracks me up.....

 

I can't believe that there is not one single Ford on that list. I have had alot of Ford cars that I would have on that list before my S type.

 

"Lincoln Navigator
This popular full-sized luxury SUV made its introduction in 1998, drinks gasoline heavily. With today's fuel costs, a used Lincoln Navigator would just cost far too much to drive."



Who's your nanny? CR!

 

I dunno.

Looking to CR for car buying advice is about the same as asking your mother which girls you should......well......you know. :-)

Cheers
DD

 

Someone needs to put out a list of "Magazines to Avoid."

Consumer Reports actually wants to charge for their internet reports. They're number one on my list.

 

Sorry I actually saw that after I posted. Its funny that the only complaint on it is just its fuel usage. I was going off the first list that was posted by Enthusiast.

 

Vance, my bad..that was my point....I actually forgot that you'd griped the lack of Ford's even though I was posting right behind you. That to me was the glaring detail...Car's fine...but it burns more fuel than WE think you have any right to and therefore it is NOT FOR YOU...because WE say so.....

Well....CR..FYI....my Exc gets about 18 mpg fully loaded with a family of 7 and luggage/gear for 2 weeks away from home...packed to the gunnels.....so take the mileage of cars you "approve" for our ownership and divide by the total number req'd to move the same amount of personnel and gear.....(Hint: it will be <<18)

 

Ha ha ha ha Bimmer 7 with poor handling , what a joke

 

But, Vance, your S is a Ford........Didn't you know that????? Bwaaa Ha Ha Ha....

Just like my 300 is a Mercedes...... NOT..