When it comes to buying a car, it’s important to do your research and make an informed decision. Unfortunately, not all cars on the market are created equal, and some can be more trouble than they’re worth. In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at the top 10 cars you should avoid at all costs.
Top 10 Cars Not To Buy
10. Toyota Yaris
This small car has been plagued with reliability issues and has received low ratings in terms of safety and performance. Consumer Reports has consistently ranked the Yaris near the bottom of its annual reliability rankings, citing issues with the transmission, suspension, and electrical system. In addition, the Yaris has received poor crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
9. Nissan Versa
The Versa is known for its low price tag, but it also has a reputation for being underpowered and uncomfortable to drive. The Versa’s base engine is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder that struggles to get the car up to highway speeds, and the suspension is firm and unyielding, leading to a rough ride. In addition, the Versa’s interior is made up of cheap, hard plastics, and it lacks many features that are standard on similarly priced competitors.
8. Chrysler 200
This sedan has received poor reviews for its lack of features and subpar performance. The 200’s base engine is a weak 2.4-liter four-cylinder, and the optional 3.6-liter V6 is underwhelming. The 200 also suffers from poor fuel economy, with the four-cylinder model getting just 23 miles per gallon in the city and 36 mpg on the highway. The interior is also cramped and lacks the features and refinement found in many competitors.
7. Kia Optima
The Optima has a history of transmission problems and poor fuel economy. The Optima’s base engine is a sluggish 2.4-liter four-cylinder, and the optional turbocharged engine is harsh and unrefined. The Optima’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) has been known to fail, leading to costly repairs. In addition, the Optima’s fuel economy is mediocre at best, with the four-cylinder model getting just 23 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
6. Chevrolet Cruze
The Cruze has been criticized for its poor build quality and subpar performance. The Cruze’s base engine is a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that is slow and unresponsive, and the optional 1.6-liter diesel engine is noisy and unrefined. The Cruze’s interior is made up of cheap, hard plastics, and the car lacks the features and refinement found in many competitors. In addition, the Cruze has a history of reliability issues, with Consumer Reports ranking it near the bottom of its annual reliability rankings.
5. Fiat 500
This small car has a reputation for being unreliable and uncomfortable to drive. The 500’s base engine is a weak 1.4-liter four-cylinder that struggles to get the car up to highway speeds, and the optional Abarth model’s turbocharged engine is harsh and unrefined. The 500’s suspension is firm and unyielding, leading to a rough ride, and the interior is cramped and lacks the features and refinement found in many competitors. In addition, the 500 has a history of reliability issues, with Consumer Reports ranking it near the bottom of its annual reliability rankings.
4. Dodge Dart
The Dart has been panned for its poor handling and subpar fuel economy. The Dart’s base engine is a 2.0-liter four cylinder that is slow and unresponsive, and the optional 1.4-liter turbocharged engine is harsh and unrefined. The Dart’s suspension is firm and unyielding, leading to a rough ride, and the car lacks the handling agility and refinement found in many competitors. In addition, the Dart’s fuel economy is mediocre at best, with the four-cylinder model getting just 25 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
3. Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mirage has been criticized for its cheap interior materials and underpowered engine. The Mirage’s base engine is a tiny 1.2-liter three-cylinder that struggles to get the car up to highway speeds, and the suspension is firm and unyielding, leading to a rough ride. The Mirage’s interior is made up of cheap, hard plastics, and the car lacks the features and refinement found in many competitors. In addition, the Mirage has a history of reliability issues, with Consumer Reports ranking it near the bottom of its annual reliability rankings.
2. Volkswagen Beetle
The Beetle may have a quirky and iconic design, but it has a reputation for being unreliable and expensive to repair. The Beetle’s base engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that is slow and unresponsive, and the optional 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is harsh and unrefined. The Beetle’s suspension is firm and unyielding, leading to a rough ride, and the car lacks the handling agility and refinement found in many competitors. In addition, the Beetle has a history of reliability issues, with Consumer Reports ranking it near the bottom of its annual reliability rankings.
1. Jeep Patriot
The Patriot has been criticized for its poor fuel economy and subpar performance. The Patriot’s base engine is a slow and unresponsive 2.0-liter four-cylinder, and the optional 2.4-liter four-cylinder is harsh and unrefined. The Patriot’s suspension is firm and unyielding, leading to a rough ride, and the car lacks the handling agility and refinement found in many competitors. In addition, the Patriot has mediocre fuel economy, with the four-cylinder model getting just 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
Finishing:
It’s important to do your research before buying a car. These top 10 cars should be avoided at all costs due to their poor performance, reliability issues, and overall low quality. Investing in a reliable and well-performing car will save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.
While it may be tempting to go for a cheap and affordable option, it’s important to consider the long-term costs and headaches that can come with a poorly made car. Take the time to read reviews and research the cars you’re considering, and you’ll be much happier with your purchase in the end.
