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In a world of $1000-plus car payments and record-setting insurance premiums, when it comes to buying pre-owned, reliability is key. I dove into data from CarComplaints.com to highlight five used cars that are “unexpectedly” quiet on the logged complaint front. Let’s get into it.

2018 Buick Envision

The Buick Envision is a five-passenger compact SUV the brand introduced to the U.S. in 2016. The 2018 only has a few registered complaints, with issues like steering vibrations and occasional auto-stop hiccups at low mileage. These problems don’t appear to be widespread. Buick sold about 30,000 Envisions in 2018.

2019 Kia Cadenza

Kia Boys headlines aside, I’m including one of the automaker’s models on this list of used cars owners aren’t complaining about. The Kia Cadenza is a full-size sedan, or “executive car.” For 2019, reports show minimal owner gripes, often centered around non-critical electrical issues rather than mechanical failures.

2019 Mazda CX-30

While this one isn’t necessarily a surprise to those of us in the industry, this subcompact SUV might be flying under the used car shopper’s radar. Experts praise it for its sleek design and driving dynamics. But the 2019 CX-30 also scores well on reliability metrics, with owners reporting very few problems…just four total. None involve the engine or drivetrain.

2018 Volkswagen Golf

I had to include an enthusiast’s performance-minded European. To boot, Volkswagen isn’t the first brand you think of for reliability. The 2018 Golf has a pretty low number of complaints, mostly isolated to infotainment quirks. Maintenance costs are “reasonable” (for a European car), especially when you keep up with oil changes and routine services.

2019 Nissan Frontier

The 2019 Nissan Frontier only has one drivetrain complaint for a vibration between 50 and 60 mph. Otherwise, it boasts a simple yet effective design that keeps mechanical problems to a minimum. With proper care, the Frontier serves as a pretty durable workhorse or commuter truck, especially appealing to budget-conscious buyers. I do have to note that the Frontier just landed the title of the most dangerous truck on U.S. roads due to its compact and economy-focused design. However, experts agreed that the data on the subject could overall reflect more on driver behavior. In fact, Tesla was the most dangerous OEM in the entire report.

These specific models seem to prove you don’t need to stick to traditional “reliable” brands to find a low-maintenance used gem. Whether you’re after luxury, practicality, or sporty flair, these models can save you time and money in the long run. Be sure to check out MotorBiscuit’s seamless car buying tool to compare listings and find the best deals on used cars near you. Of course, always check maintenance records and have a trusted mechanic inspect any pre-owned vehicle before you buy.

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