RISKYCAR

Know the problems before you buy.

Use RiskyCar to screen used vehicles, compare model years, and spot known issue patterns before you waste time on a bad deal.

QUICK SCAN

Pick a year, make, model, and engine for a fast screening report.

YEAR MAKE MODEL ENGINE

VIN LOOKUP

Start here when you already know the car you are considering. The report is meant to help you ask better questions before you call, message, or inspect the seller's car.

2018 Mazda Mazda3

2.5L I4

SAFE BUY CONFIDENCE HIGH

Lower-risk compact option in this library when maintenance history looks normal and the test drive is clean.

COMMON PROBLEMS

INSPECTION TIPS

SELLER QUESTIONS

ADVICE SUMMARY

WATCH OUT

VEHICLE LIBRARY

Search the built-in library and see best and worst years fast.

SEARCH ANY CAR

This version uses a curated starter library with real-world advice notes. Search works by year, make, model, engine, and partial match.

BROWSE MODEL FAMILY

BEST YEAR: 2018 WORST YEAR: 2012

BEST YEAR TO START WITH

2018 Ford Focus

Still not a top compact recommendation, but less alarming than the roughest years.

YEAR TO SCREEN MORE CAREFULLY

2012 Ford Focus

Known transmission anxiety point in this library and one of the clearest caution years.

COMPARE TWO VEHICLES

See which option looks calmer in this library and why.

FIRST VEHICLE SECOND VEHICLE

Pick any two vehicles in the library to compare risk level and shopping guidance.