What cars not to buy?
Asked by: Joy Pfeffer MD | Last update: July 19, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (70 votes)
Avoid cars with documented transmission failures (like older Nissan CVTs), models flagged for excessive electrical "gremlins" (often luxury or plug-in hybrids), and vehicles with salvage titles. Specific low-reliability models frequently cited by industry experts include the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, Genesis GV60, and Jeep Wrangler.
What is a red flag when buying a car?
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Missing records could mean undisclosed accidents, title issues, or inconsistent maintenance. Illuminated check engine, ABS, or airbag lights are never something to ignore. Even if the car seems to be driving fine, these lights can point to expensive underlying issues.
What are the 10 most unreliable cars?
Based on Consumer Reports' 2026 data, the 10 least reliable cars and SUVs include the GMC Acadia (lowest score of 14), Rivian R1T, Chevrolet Blazer EV, and multiple models from Kia, Mazda, Honda, and Chrysler, largely driven by issues with new technology and EV powertrains.
What car has the most complaints?
Based on data from 2015–2024, the Ford Fusion is the model with the highest total complaints filed with the NHTSA (16,335), followed closely by the Ford F-150 and Ford Escape. However, the Chrysler 300 has the highest rate of complaints (66.7 per 10,000 sold), while Ford leads in total manufacturer complaints.
What's the #1 most reliable car?
Lexus and Toyota are consistently ranked as the number one most reliable car brands in 2025–2026, often trading top spots. For individual models, the Toyota 4Runner is frequently cited as the most reliable, while the Lexus ES and RX consistently rank high for luxury reliability.
19 Used Cars You Should Never Buy (& Better Alternatives)
Which car brand lasts the longest?
[Toyota] is consistently ranked as the longest-lasting car brand, with a 17.8% chance of its vehicles reaching 250,000 miles or more, nearly four times the industry average. Lexus and Honda frequently follow as top contenders, with Japanese manufacturers dominating the top of the list for longevity.
What car is hardest to steal?
Tesla Models 3 and Y are among the hardest cars to steal due to advanced security features like PIN-to-Drive, Sentry Mode cameras, and built-in GPS tracking. Other vehicles with extremely low theft rates include the Volvo XC90, Subaru Ascent, and various EVs, which are 50-100 times less likely to be stolen than the average car.
What's the best car with no problems?
Most reliable cars
- Honda Passport. CarMax owner rating. 4.6. ...
- Honda HR-V. CarMax owner rating. 4.3. ...
- Kia Telluride. CarMax owner rating. 4.6. ...
- Acura TLX. CarMax owner rating. 4.5. ...
- Lexus ES 300h. CarMax owner rating. 4.7. ...
- Lexus NX 200t. CarMax owner rating. 4.8. ...
- Nissan Leaf. CarMax owner rating. 4.3. Price range* ...
- Hyundai Ioniq Electric.
What car brand has the most engine failure?
Any Hyundai or Kia With a Recalled Four-Cylinder Engine
These engines fail fast, so much so that Hyundai and Kia have recalled nearly 10 million vehicles due to engine failures.
Which car is called the poor man's Porsche?
The title "poor man's Porsche" most commonly refers to entry-level or vintage front-engine Porsche models—specifically the Porsche 924, 944, and 912.
Which cars have the most lemons?
Top Vehicle Manufacturers with Lemons In 2023
- Cadillac: Challenges in Luxury.
- Porsche: Performance with Pitfalls.
- Jeep: Off-Road Capability with Electrical Concerns.
- Volkswagen: Renowned Engineering, Reliability Questions.
- Subaru: Reliable but Not Without Issues.
- Land Rover: Luxury SUVs with Hidden Flaws.
What cars break down the most?
Based on recent reliability data from 2025 and 2026, brands frequently reported with high breakdown rates or low reliability include Chrysler, Jeep, GMC, Volkswagen, and Audi. Specific models often cited for issues include the Audi Q6 e-tron, Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator, and Nissan Rogue.
What is the crappiest car ever?
The Yugo GV, Trabant, and Ford Pinto are widely considered the worst cars ever made due to extreme reliability issues, poor manufacturing, or severe safety flaws. Other top contenders for the title include the Pontiac Aztek for its styling, the 1970s Chevy Vega for engine failure, and the Triumph Mayflower for being underpowered and awkward.
What color car gets stolen the least?
Bright, uncommon colors like yellow, orange, green, and pink are stolen the least, as they are easier to identify, harder to hide, and more difficult to resell. Conversely, common, neutral-colored vehicles—such as black, silver, gray, and white—are stolen most often because they blend in easily and are in higher demand.
What to watch out for when buying a car?
When buying a car, focus on the "out-the-door" price rather than monthly payments, ensure a thorough test drive and independent inspection, and review the vehicle history report (for used cars) to avoid hidden damage or title issues. Key concerns include checking for rust, transmission issues, dashboard warning lights, and ensuring the financing terms do not exceed 48 months.
What cars will be discontinued in 2026?
Several vehicles are confirmed or heavily reported to be discontinued after the 2026 model year, driven by a shift toward electric vehicles, declining sedan sales, and tightening emissions regulations. Key models exiting the market include the Nissan Versa, Chevrolet Malibu, Subaru Legacy, Ford Escape, and BMW Z4.
What cars have no engine problems?
Cars with No Engine Problems
- 2016-2018 Toyota Tacoma.
- 2014-2015 Honda CR-V.
- 2017 Ford Explorer.
- 2018 Toyota Camry.
- 2017 Honda Accord.
- 2018 Nissan Rogue.
- 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe.
Which is the poorest car brand in the world?
Based on 2026 reliability data and consumer reports, Jeep is ranked among the lowest, frequently cited for poor dependability, alongside brands like Rivian, Land Rover, and Chrysler. These brands often face criticism for high repair costs, electronic issues, and, in the case of Jeep and Ram, extremely low owner satisfaction.
Which car has the least repairs?
Cars with the fewest repairs and lowest maintenance costs are consistently dominated by Toyota and Honda, with 10-year maintenance costs often under $4,500. Top models for reliability include the Toyota Prius Prime, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Honda Fit, which feature simple, durable designs that minimize service visits.
What car will last 200,000 miles?
Vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Tacoma, Honda Civic, Toyota Prius, and Honda CR-V are most likely to reach 200,000 miles with proper care.
Which is the best No. 1 car in the world?
Determining the "top 1" best car is subjective, as it depends on whether you prioritize performance, luxury, or reliability. As of early 2026, top contenders include the Kia EV9 (2024 World Car of the Year), Hyundai Ioniq 5 N (World Performance Car), and luxury leaders like the Genesis G80. For ultimate performance, the Koenigsegg One:1 is a top contender.
What cars are most likely to get robbed?
What are the most commonly stolen cars in California?
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (6,248 thefts)
- Hyundai Sonata (5,865 thefts)
- Honda Civic (5,804 thefts)
- Hyundai Elantra (5,618 thefts)
- Honda Accord (5,414 thefts)
- Kia Optima (4,685 thefts)
- Toyota Camry (2,906 thefts)
- Kia Soul (2,810 thefts)
What is the most expensive car in the world?
The most expensive car ever sold is the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, which was auctioned in 2022 for $142.5 million (£115 million). For new custom-built cars, the Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail is considered the most expensive, with an estimated price of over $30 million.
Which car doesn't get stolen?
Which cars are least likely to be stolen? Cars like the Dacia Sandero and Toyota Aygo are rarely targeted by thieves. They might not be flashy, but they tend to fly under the radar of most car thieves.