Find out which years of the Mercury Monterey V6 van are the best to purchase, considering factors like reliability, performance, and . Also, learn about the worst years to avoid due to common issues and mechanical problems. Make an informed decision with our guide.

Best Years to Buy

Reliability

When it comes to buying a used car, reliability is paramount. You want a vehicle that will get you from point A to point B without breaking down on the side of the road. Here are some models known for their reliability:

Toyota Corolla: Known for its impressive track record of affordability and dependability, the Toyota Corolla is a stalwart model. Its predicted 10-year maintenance cost is £2,463, making it a cost-effective choice. With a low 11.9% chance of requiring major repairs over 10 years, the Corolla offers peace of mind and confidence in your purchase.
Honda Civic: The Honda Civic is another reliable option. With a predicted 10-year maintenance cost of £2,113, it’s an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers. Its reputation for means fewer trips to the mechanic, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs.

Performance

Performance is not just about speed; it’s also about how smoothly the car handles and how well it responds to your inputs. Here are some models known for their performance:

Toyota Camry: The 2016 Toyota Camry is renowned for its reliability and spacious interior. With a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 178 horsepower, it offers a smooth ride that’s perfect for long trips.
Hyundai Sonata: The 2009 Hyundai Sonata is a dependable choice with its 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and 175 horsepower. It provides a comfortable driving experience that’s ideal for daily commuting and weekend road trips.

Fuel Efficiency

Fuel efficiency is crucial, especially if you plan to use your car for long trips. Here are some models known for their fuel efficiency:

Toyota Camry: The 2016 Toyota Camry has impressive fuel economy ratings, with 25 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway.
Honda Civic: The Honda Civic is known for its impressive fuel economy, with an estimated 42 miles per gallon in the city and 51 miles per gallon on the highway. This translates to significant savings on fuel costs over time.
Hyundai Sonata: The 2009 Hyundai Sonata also offers good fuel economy, with 22 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway.

Maintenance Costs

Maintenance costs can add up quickly, so it’s essential to choose a car with low maintenance costs. Here are some models known for their affordability:

Toyota Corolla: The Toyota Corolla has a predicted 10-year maintenance cost of £2,463, making it a cost-effective choice. Its low maintenance costs and high resale value make it a wise investment for those who want a reliable mode of transport without the hefty price tag.
Honda Civic: The Honda Civic boasts a predicted 10-year maintenance cost of £2,113, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers. Its low maintenance costs and high resale value make it an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable ride without breaking the bank.
Ford Focus: The Ford Focus has an estimated 10-year maintenance cost of £4,364, which is significantly lower than many of its competitors. Its engine simplicity and wide availability of affordable replacement parts keep maintenance costs low.

Worst Years to Avoid

Common Issues

When it comes to cars, reliability is key. However, some models are more prone to common issues that can make your driving experience a nightmare. Let’s take a look at some of the worst years to avoid, starting with the Mitsubishi Mirage G4. This car is one of the cheapest on the market, but its affordability comes with a price. The Mirage G4 has a feeble 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine that churns out a mere 78 horsepower. This engine is noisy, and the soundproofing is terrible. The build quality is subpar, and the rating is disappointing as well.

Another car to avoid is the Volkswagen Taos. Although it has excellent fuel efficiency and a spacious cabin and trunk, it falls short in terms of interior quality and driving dynamics. The Taos is the second least reliable car of 2024, with a reliability score of just 18 from Consumer Reports. This is due to a number of problem areas ranging from brakes to transmission, and engine to in-car electronics.

Mechanical Problems

Mechanical problems can be costly and frustrating. Let’s dive into some of the worst years for mechanical issues. The Ford Focus, particularly the 2012 and 2014 models, is a prime example. The 2012 model earned a dismal one out of five owner satisfaction rating and an 18 out of 100 reliability rating on Consumer Reports. This is due to issues with reliability, excessive maintenance, and even problems with the cupholders. The 2014 model fared even worse, with an average of 2.3 out of five stars on Edmunds, and nearly half of the customers giving it a one-star rating. Reviews described it as a “transmission nightmare” or “junk,” with about 63% of all submitted complaints concerning the transmission.

The Honda CR-V also has its share of mechanical problems. The 2007, 2008, and 2009 models are particularly notorious for engine and suspension issues. These problems can lead to costly repairs and a less-than-desirable driving experience. For instance, some models experienced high levels of oil consumption, which can cause long-term damage to the engines. Additionally, there were issues with automatic and continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), as well as electrical-related problems like faulty air conditioning systems and power steering damages.

Consumer Reviews

Consumer reviews can give you a glimpse into the real-world experience of owning a particular car model. Let’s look at some of the worst years based on consumer feedback. The Ford Focus has had its fair share of negative reviews. The 2012 model, for example, had an average rating of 3.3 out of five stars on Edmunds, with many reviewers complaining about its reliability and excessive maintenance. The 2014 model was even worse, with an average rating of 2.3 out of five stars and nearly half of the customers giving it a one-star rating. Reviews described it as a “transmission nightmare” or “junk,” with many calling for a class-action lawsuit due to its poor quality.

The Honda CR-V has also received mixed reviews. The 2007, 2008, and 2009 models were plagued by engine and suspension issues, leading to a less-than-desirable driving experience. Many owners reported problems with transmission failure, excessive oil consumption, and electrical glitches. These issues not only affected the but also the overall satisfaction of the owners.

Resale Value

When it comes to resale value, some cars are better than others. Let’s explore the worst years in terms of resale value. The Ford Focus, particularly the 2012 and 2014 models, has a poor resale value. These models were plagued by mechanical issues, which significantly reduced their appeal to potential buyers. The 2012 model had a one out of five owner satisfaction rating, while the 2014 model was described as a “transmission nightmare.” These problems led to a significant decrease in their resale value.

The Honda CR-V also has some models with poor resale value. The 2007, 2008, and 2009 models were known for their engine and suspension issues, which made them less desirable to buyers. These mechanical problems not only affected the but also the overall value of the car. As a result, these models tend to hold their value poorly compared to other years of the same make.