“I just want to help.”
A former junkyard worker is going viral on TikTok for revealing which cars she would never buy.
TikToker @kambryyyy recently left her job in the auto-wrecking industry and took to the platform to share insights from her experience. She revealed that after seeing certain issues firsthand, there are some car brands she would never purchase.
“I’m just looking out for you,” she told her nearly 8,000 viewers.
So, which cars should you avoid? While she didn’t go into specifics, @kambryyyy stated there are certain vehicles she wouldn’t buy after working in auto-wrecking inventory.
“[There are] some shady people and shady [expletive] going on in auto wrecking,” @kambryyyy warned. “Be real careful what you buy.”
She then listed the vehicles she would never purchase, naming “any kind of Kia,” Ford Escapes, Toyota 4Runners, and Ford Explorers.
“Let me tell you something about these cars,” she said. “They’re all crap—all of them.”
According to @kambryyyy, after these cars are involved in a wreck, they are shipped off elsewhere.
“They don’t give a [expletive] about your car,” @kambryyyy claimed. “Nobody cares about you, your car, or your accident.”
What’s wrong with these cars?
In the comments, @kambryyyy explained why she avoids the vehicles she mentioned. For Toyota 4Runners, she said manufacturers have been replacing the car’s most durable features with plastic, especially in models from 2020 and 2021.
As for the other cars, she claimed their overall quality is declining.
“They’re not what they used to be,” @kambryyyy said about all the cars she listed.
When a car ends up in a junkyard, its valuable parts are typically removed and sold individually, according to Go Pull-It. The remaining frame is then crushed and recycled as scrap metal—a process that applies to all cars, regardless of the manufacturer.
However, some cars are built with lower-quality materials than others. According to Autopom, Ford Explorers have a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, with certain models being notorious for issues related to their transmissions, engines, and electronics.
The Ford Escape has also received mixed reviews, with certain model years plagued by recurring transmission problems, A/C control issues, and ignition misfires.
As for Kias, it’s unclear why the auto worker singled them out, as they are generally regarded as reliable. In recent years, Kia has made significant improvements in both manufacturing processes and material quality, earning a reputation as a top-quality yet budget-friendly brand.
The same goes for Toyota 4Runners, which remain a popular choice. Known for their durability and reliability, they are especially favored by outdoor enthusiasts for their off-road capabilities.
Viewers Push Back on Auto Worker’s Claims:
In the comments section of @kambryyyy’s video, many viewers expressed skepticism about her advice—especially her warning against the Toyota 4Runner.
“Have you actually ever seen a wrecked 4R? One of the toughest built there is,” one commenter wrote.
“4Runners are great…?” another added.
“The 4Runner is one of the most reliable cars you can buy, and who cares what happens to it after it’s wrecked?” one viewer commented.
Others, however, backed @kambryyyy’s claims, sharing their own negative experiences with the cars she warned against.
“My fam acquired an Escape,” one user wrote. “Not an enjoyable experience.”
“Ma’am, I think you meant Ford Exploder,” another joked.
“I’ve been told to avoid any 4Runner made before 2021,” one viewer commented.
Others chimed in with recommendations for cars they trust.
“My Ford Edge literally saved my life last May,” one user wrote. “I’d buy another one in a heartbeat.”
“My Hyundai Accent has 204k mostly trouble-free miles, lol,” another shared.
The Phundi.com has contacted @kambryyyy through a TikTok comment.