Hey everyone.

Maybe I'm discussing this in the wrong place, but I did see it, and am wondering if I should be concerned.

Consumer Reports' annual auto issue just came out for 2010, and the Monte Carlo was absolutely ripped. As a used car purchase, it made their "Worst of the worst" list for having "multiple years of much-worse-than-average reliability among 2000 to 2009 models."

I read the mag to see how my recent purchase (an '07 MC LT 3.5-liter) is likely to hold up in terms of reliability. Needless to say, CR's stats shook me up pretty bad! Based on what I read, the powertrain got good scores, but the suspension, accessories, audio system, and body hardware got the lowest marks. So, does that mean as the car ages the engine and tranny will stay strong but the car will fall apart around it as the years go by?

I maintain my cars (including my Monte) according to the owner's manual maintenance schedule to the letter, and always at the dealer. Do I still have reason to worry about those stats? Thus far, the car's been great. 22K miles on it right now.

Talk to me, guys. I'm spooked, and hoping that I did not buy a likely headache in the reliability department.

-M

 

is there a link tied to this that we can read? I would be very interested in that.

 

personally i never read those consumer mag things bcuz people are bias in this world. i just get personal opinions from people i know who have the car i want and go from there or i just ask my dad since hes a mechanic and all

 

Chris,

Here's your link:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/c...-used-cars.htm

Scroll to the bottom of the page, and you'll see the bad list. If you want further details, a subscription is required and I think they charge for it. I'm not a subscriber, but I have seen the year-by-year stats. They have insufficient data to grade the '07's like mine, but the '06's were abyssmal and rated "much worse than average"...and the '06's are designed almost identically to the '07's.

-M

 

thanks Motorhead! I think this applies to people who want a car that needs minimal upkeep? if you truly like your car and maintain it yourself then CR is not correct! most of us here generally maintain our cars.

 

if anything thats a good thing. theyll just be cheaper for us to buy.

 

but less people will want to manufacture parts which means more expensive parts =[ people are stupid though, audio problems? 90% of people change out their speakers and head units anyways, these people are uninformed lol

 

Worst of the worst

These vehicles have multiple years of much-worse-than-average reliability among 2000 to 2009 models. They're listed alphabetically.
Audi A6 Allroad
Cadillac SRX
Cadillac STS (V8)
Chevrolet Aveo
Chevrolet Blazer
Chevrolet Colorado (4WD)
Chevrolet Monte Carlo, no way does the Monte belong on this list 4-Real ~>Sure
Chevrolet S-10 Pickup (4WD)
Chevrolet TrailBlazer (V8)
Chevrolet Uplander
Chevrolet Venture
Chrysler Sebring Convertible
Chrysler Town & Country
Dodge Caravan (V6)
Dodge Grand Caravan
GMC Canyon (4WD)
GMC Envoy (V8)
GMC Jimmy
GMC S-15 Sonoma (4WD)
Jeep Commander
Jeep Wrangler (four-door)
Kia Sedona
Lincoln Aviator
Mercedes-Benz R-Class
Mini Cooper Convertible
Oldsmobile Silhouette
Pontiac Montana, Montana SV6
Saturn Relay
Volkswagen Cabrio
Volkswagen New Beetle (turbo)
Volkswagen Passat (V6, FWD)
Volkswagen Touareg
Volvo XC90 (6-cyl.)

 

I find most auto mags to have a heavy bias towards imports, and Consumer Reports is no different.

Seems every domestic car is junk in their eyes. :\

 

I like Edmunds.com and read the reviews written by those who own the cars. I think 90% of people changing out the stereos and speakers to be a slight exaggeration My SS has recieved compliments from a few of my Mustang friends as having a great sound system, but all it is a stock stereo... you've just got to tune it right As far as interior and the such go... Most cars are as durable as the next really.... they could be referring to how these cars warp brake rotors a lot, but I don't hear or read many complaints about the suspension in general...