Seeing a low score on a car you like can be discouraging, but the number is only the start of the conversation. Understanding why it scored low tells you whether to negotiate, investigate, or walk away.
Common reasons for a low score
- A history of expensive or recurring repairs
- Weak or outdated safety performance
- Open recalls that have not been addressed
- Poor fuel economy and high running costs
Not every low score is a dealbreaker
Sometimes a low score reflects a fixable issue, such as an unaddressed recall that a dealer will repair for free, or a price that already accounts for the weakness. Other times, as with an aging model that fails modern crash standards, it is a genuine red flag worth heeding.
Dig into the specific factors behind the score before you decide, and let the details guide your next move.
Vehicles named here are well-known examples cited for illustration and reflect these models’ general reputations across sources like EPA fuel-economy data and NHTSA and IIHS safety testing. Ratings vary by model year, trim, and engine, so always run the exact vehicle through the VIP Score before you buy.