Does anyone have a list of used cars with known defects to stay away from? such as the Saturn with CVT trans or the 2.7 Chrysler engine, etc.........what other models have major defects?

There is not a list, but you can go google and punch in a specific vehicle or " example " recall 2.7 Chrysler engine.

As for defects, I am sure the list is endless.

Thats fine if you have time to research them, but what if at an auction and 1000s of differant cars go thru?

Thats fine if you have time to research them, but what if at an auction and 1000s of differant cars go thru?


If you're at a public auction, recalls by mfg on any vehicle should not come into play, hanging on to your wallet should be your only concern.

Check this link http://www.usedcartips.org/AUCTIONS.html if you care to know what I think about auctions.

All makes and modles will have some kind of issues. The only way to really know is to be familar with the cars and know what to look for. I have been to several auctions (worked for used dealer) and the only trick there is to know what your looking for. Keep your black book handy, look for leaks when they drive the car threw.

Take notes during the pre-inspections. Check the fuids, see if the trans fluid smells burnt, looked for signs of body damage. If a car looks like it has been repaired it may have alignment issues.. the only way to know would be to drive it which you can't do till it's yours. The auction I went to had an inspection center... I think we paid $75 for them to check the engine and trans and if there were problems with them and we paid over $1k for the vehicle they would refund our money. I don't think public auctions do that but you can check.

As far as a list, there isn't one. That is based on everyone's opinion. Caravans have a bad rep for the transmissions but every mini-van has some issue.. at least with Caravans I know what repairs I might have to make and I can get it repaired fairly cheap since shops work on them so much around here.

I have never seen a Chrysler mini van with major transmission problems are very easy to sell over a GM or Ford minivan.All I have seen them with the spider gear pins spitting out and ruining the case.Ford Contours and the Mercury version of this car are to stay away from,the transmissions are junk and Yes: Most transmission shops will not rebuild or touch this transmission.