20 Cars to Avoid at All Costs

ByBenjamin Smith Posted on

When you’re shopping around for cars, you want to make sure you’re getting the best value for your dollar. Researching cars and seeing their reputation can save you a lot of hassle in the long run. Take a look at this list to know which cars you should avoid when making your next vehicle purchase.

20. Buick Cascada

  • Limited Leg Room: The Buick Cascada has a smaller interior than other cars in its class, which can make it uncomfortable for taller passengers.
  • Low Resale Value: The Buick Cascada’s resale value is lower than other cars in its class, which could cause you to lose money in the long run if you plan on selling it one day.
  • Poor Fuel Efficiency: The Buick Cascada has poor fuel efficiency compared to other cars in its class, so you may be spending more at the pump during your travels.

19. Toyota Land Cruiser

18. Cadillac ELR

  • High Cost: The Cadillac ELR is expensive compared to its competitors. It has a starting price of around $58,000 which puts it in the luxury car segment and out of reach for most buyers.
  • Limited Range: The Cadillac ELR has an EPA-estimated range of only 37 miles on a single charge, making it much less practical than other electric cars like the Tesla Model S or Nissan Leaf, both of which offer more than 200 miles per charge.
  • Poor Resale Value: The Cadillac ELR suffers from poor resale value due to its low demand and high starting price. Depreciation on this car can be as much as 50% after just three years of ownership

17. Nissan 370z

  • The Nissan 370Z is a good looking car that offers great performance, but it falls short in other areas. It’s loud, coarse, and its ride quality can be harsh.
  • Plus, you won’t get the same tech features as many competitors. If you’re looking for an affordable sports car, there are better options out there.

16. Chrysler Town and Country

  • High Cost: The Lincoln MKZ is a luxury mid-sized sedan and its price tag reflects this. As such, the MKZ may be too expensive for many buyers on a budget or those who are looking to save money on their purchase.
  • Limited Features: Although the MKZ comes with a variety of standard features and options, these may not meet the needs of consumers who desire certain amenities that only come with more expensive vehicles.
  • Poor Fuel Economy: The Lincoln MKZ has an EPA estimated fuel economy rating of just 19 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway, which falls short of many other cars in its class.

15. Mini Cooper

One reason not to buy a Mini Cooper is that it lacks adequate safety features. While the car does score well in crash tests, it does not come with advanced accident avoidance features like lane departure warning or automatic emergency braking. This means you will have to pay extra for these additional safety features and would be better off looking elsewhere if you prioritize safety.

Additionally, many owners of Mini Coopers report that they get poor gas mileage when compared to other vehicles in its class and are therefore less fuel-efficient than some other cars on the market. If you’re looking for a car that won’t break the bank at the pump, the Mini Cooper might not be a good fit for your need

14. Hyundai Tiburon

The Tiburon might have been an affordable sports car back in the day, but it had its fair share of drawbacks. If you’re considering buying one, here are some things to consider:

  • Poor acceleration: The base model with a 1.6-liter engine was painfully slow and underpowered, while even the more powerful 2.7-liter V6 model could not keep up with many competitors in terms of performance.
  • Poor build quality: Despite being relatively new when first released, the Tiburon was plagued by reports of poor build quality and subpar materials – something which set it apart from higher end models in its class.
  • Unrefined interior: Again due to low quality materials used, the interior of the Tiburon was not particularly refined or comfortable, and made a lot of noise while driving.
  • Subpar handling: The responsiveness of the car’s steering system left much to be desired, making it difficult to drive accurately in tight corners.
  • High repair costs: Despite being an economical purchase, you could end up spending more money on repairs than you had bargained for, due to the propensity for certain components to wear down quickly.

13. Mitsubishi Mirage

The Mitsubishi Mirage is not a car you want to buy in 2023. It has too many drawbacks compared to its rivals, and it will be worth avoiding this car at all costs if your budget allows for something better. However, if you are looking for an inexpensive ride, plenty of options won’t put you in the same position as the Mirage.

One reason not to buy the Mirage is that it was on the list of worst cars in 2015, and if something isn’t good enough for them, it isn’t going to be good enough now. Furthermore, its underpowered engine, lack of self-centering steering wheel, and noisy ride make this car a wrong choice. Also, its interior design is lacking compared to other vehicles in the same price range.

Finally, Mitsubishi Mirage is not a reliable vehicle, as proved by Consumer Reports which gave it one of the lowest ratings. All these reasons put together to make this car a clear choice of something to avoid at all costs when looking for a new car in 2023

12. Chevrolet Spark

  • Lack of Performance: With only 98 horsepower, the Spark doesn’t pack a lot of muscle under the hood. Models equipped with an automatic CVT feel less responsive and have longer 0-60 mph times than other subcompact cars.
  • Limited Space: Although suitable for small families, this subcompact car doesn’t offer much legroom in the rear seat for adults or teenagers looking to stretch out on longer journeys. Furthermore, there is minimal lateral support and no adjustable steering wheel for improved driving comfort.
  • Safety Systems Missing: Certain safety technologies are not offered as part of the Driver Confidence package, such as blind spot warning, intelligent cruise control, and lane-keep assist.
  • Low Resale Value: The Spark tends to lose value quickly, and after five years of ownership, it can depreciate by around 60%. Additionally, there isn’t a high demand for pre-owned Sparks on the used car market, making it difficult to recoup any money from your initial investment.

Overall, the Chevrolet Spark is worth considering if you’re looking for an affordable vehicle that can get you from A to B. However, consider its limitations when deciding whether or not this is the right car for you. In summary, this subcompact car may be a good choice for budget-conscious buyers, but its lack of performance and necessary safety features should be considered.

11. Honda Insight

Honda Insight owners might be a bit taken back by the low resale value their car depreciates. The Honda Insight has one of the worst resale values among vehicles in its class. After just four years, this vehicle usually depreciates around 55-60%.

That’s huge when you compare it to other cars with similar specs and features from other brands – these tend to have less than half that depreciation rate. Unfortunately, this means that once you purchase a new Honda Insight, it won’t hold much of its value later on if you decide to trade it in or resell it outright.

The trunk space in the Honda Insight is a bit limited, making it difficult to fit more oversized items in. This can be problematic for families or those who frequently transport large items. The rear seat folds down, which gives more room; however, it still isn’t enough compared to other vehicles with similar specs and features.

The infotainment system in the Honda Insight is functional but not very advanced compared to what is available in some of its competitors. It doesn’t have a lot of connectivity options or the most intuitive user experience, leaving owners wanting more from their vehicle’s multimedia capabilities. Some users have even complained about laggy performance when using certain functions.

10. Ford Explorer

Ford Explorers have a notorious reputation when it comes to SUVs. One reason not to buy one is because of its poor fuel economy. The Ford Explorer is a large SUV and not precisely well-known for its fuel efficiency.

Furthermore, some of the earlier models had problems with transmission failure, which can be an expensive repair you don’t want to deal with. Additionally, due to its size, acceleration in the Ford Explorer isn’t great either.

While it may handle well on highways and help you take on more challenging terrain due to its all-wheel drive system, accelerating from a standstill will take time in this vehicle. Lastly, while many features are available in the Explorer lineup, they come at an added cost as most aren’t included even in higher trims.

You’ll likely have to pay extra to get features such as automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. The Ford Explorer has some good points, but there are also enough reasons to make you think twice before buying one.

9. Chevy Silverado

Regarding pickup trucks, the Chevy Silverado 1500 is not the best buy. Many drivers have found that this truck does not offer the same features and capabilities as some of its main competitors, like the Ford F-150 or Ram 1500.

The Silverado has limited tech features and cheap cabin materials. Additionally, it still has a rough ride and isn’t suitable for off-roading. If you are looking for a dependable full-size truck that fits your needs, consider other options on the market before settling on the Chevy Silverado 1500.

8. Fiat 500X

The Fiat 500x is not a wise buy. This SUV has poor build quality, and reliability after the warranty period, and it is expensive for a small crossover SUV. Additionally, Consumer Reports gave it a below-average rating for predicted reliability and overall owner satisfaction.

Another potential drawback of this vehicle is its lackluster standard features, including an outdated infotainment system. Finally, it offers only an average fuel economy of 24 mpg combined city/highway. These factors make the Fiat 500X one of the worst choices in terms of value for your money.

7. 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Although the GLE is equipped with a wide range of standard features for its class, some higher-end models are pretty expensive. For example, a fully loaded model can cost nearly $90,000. Finally, the GLE receives average fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway when equipped with its nine-speed transmission. This makes it one of the least efficient among luxury SUVs.

Overall, while the 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE offers many significant aspects, such as ride comfort and luxurious interior appointments, specific components may leave buyers wanting more. Additionally, its high price tag and below-average fuel economy ratings could be enough to steer away potential customers who are looking for more from their luxury vehicle.

6. Chrysler 300

The Chrysler 300 lags behind its competitors in technology, its performance isn’t as refined as other cars in its class, and its design may seem outdated compared to some of the newer models.

Additionally, the Chrysler 300 is more expensive than many of its rivals. The lack of features means you are paying for the size and power but not necessarily getting the characteristics or performance you’d expect from a full-size sedan. Furthermore, you may experience difficulty finding replacement parts for the Chrysler 300.

5. Volkswagen Atlas

The Volkswagen Atlas is a good-sized SUV with plenty of great features. However, there are some downsides that you should be aware of before making a purchase:

  • Poor fuel economy – The standard four-cylinder engine gets an estimated 21 mpg city and 25 mpg highway in front-wheel drive models, while the more powerful V6 engine gets even worse numbers. Most rivals do better in this area.
  • Lackluster engines – Both engines have low power ratings and don’t offer enough oomph to move the giant vehicle around quickly or comfortably.
  • Unimpressive cabin materials – The Atlas has too many hard plastics to compete with other vehicles in its class regarding interior comfort and luxury.
  • High price tag – The Atlas has a higher starting price than many of its rivals, making it an expensive option for those looking for a midsize SUV.

4. Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent is a great all-around vehicle, but it could use some additional improvements to make it even better. For example, its fuel economy is decent but not as good as other hybrid models on the market. It also lacks the 360-degree surround view available with many comparable SUVs. And finally, its exterior look is strong but has no unique flair that makes it stand out from the competition.

3. Jeep Wrangler

One reason not to buy a Jeep Wrangler is its poor fuel economy. The EPA estimates that the 2020 Jeep Wrangler will get an abysmal 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. Additionally, the vehicle has been rated at just 15 mpg combined, making it one of the most miniature efficient cars on the market.

Although it is generally known as one of the worst cars on the road in terms of ride quality and maintenance costs, people still love their Jeep Wranglers. It has become a famous car because of its boxy design and all-terrain capabilities.

2. Acura ILX

The Acura ILX is not a wise buy because it packs less performance than the competition, lacks all-wheel drive traction, has limited backseat legroom, doesn’t offer cooled seats, and its standard infotainment system comes up short. Those seeking a delightful driving experience in a sedan should consider more robust alternatives.

One reason not to buy it is that the 2022 Acura ILX packs less performance than the competition. It has a 0-60 mph time of 6.2 seconds, which is slower than the BMW 3 Series, which clocks a quicker 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds.

Furthermore, it lacks all-wheel drive traction, meaning that it won’t be as capable in more challenging weather conditions as an AWD vehicle would be.

The backseat also has limited legroom, and cooled seats are not available for maximum comfort during summer heatwaves. Finally, its standard infotainment system comes up short with only a tiny 5.0-inch screen and dated graphics – smartphone integration is also not offered to access mobile apps.

1. Dodge Caravan

The Dodge Caravan is low ranking regarding minivans you can buy. One reason not to go with the Caravan is its slow acceleration. It has a potent engine, but it’s not designed to be fast and aggressive like other vehicles. Additionally, the Caravan is known for its poor fuel economy, getting only 17 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. This means you’ll have to replenish your tank often to keep going.

Also missing from the Caravan are features like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration, as well as critical driver-assist features such as blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist, which can help with safety.

Compared to competitors like the Honda Odyssey or Chrysler Pacifica, the Grand Caravan comes out ahead in terms of affordability but falls behind in performance and features. It also lacks modern safety technology that is becoming more important with vehicles.

Ultimately, the Dodge Grand Caravan is a budget-friendly option for people looking for a minivan. It’s spacious, capable, and comfortable but lacks some of the advanced features you can find on other models. If you’re looking for something to get around town or take the family on trips without breaking the bank, this might be a good choice – otherwise, you may want to look elsewhere when it comes to family friendly vehicles.

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Benjamin Smith

Benjamin Smith is one of the managing editors of Moneyinc. Ben's been focusing on the auto and motorcycle sector since 2005. He's written over 1000 articles in the space and continues to learn about it each day. His favorite car is "any Bugatti" and he's a die hard Harley Davidson fan.

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