Buying the wrong car often means spending years regretting it, usually because of the financial impact. Paying more money than you can afford on a new car is bad enough, but that cost multiplies if you buy a lemon that is in constant need of maintenance and repairs.
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According to Consumer Affairs, the average car costs around $900 a year to repair and maintain. But some vehicles cost twice that much or more every year. Among major auto brands, the average cost of maintenance and repairs ranges from $576 a year for Honda to $1,580 a year for Land Rover.
As Consumer Affairs noted, you can keep repair costs low by shopping for a reliable car, getting a pre-purchase inspection, keeping up with the recommended maintenance schedule and fixing what you can on your own.
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One of the most important steps in the process is doing your research before buying a car. This is especially true of new cars, which typically cost much more than used cars but then lose a lot of their value the moment you drive them off the lot. A good place to start your research is with Consumer Reports, which frequently publishes updates on the best and worst cars by different categories.
If you are in the market for a car and put a high value on reliability, here are 10 new cars to avoid buying in 2025, based on Consumer Reports‘ recent analysis of the least reliable cars.
Jeep Wrangler
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Reliability score: 27/100
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Price range: $31,995-$91,545
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Overall miles per gallon: 18
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Trouble spots: Steering/suspension, electric system, engine, drive system
Jeep Grand Cherokee
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Reliability score: 26/100
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Price range: $38,035-$74,670
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Overall miles per gallon: 20
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Trouble spots: Suspension, electrical accessories, drive system, in-car electronics, body hardware, noises/leaks
Volkswagen Jetta
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Reliability score: 25/100
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Price range: $21,435-$28,825
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Overall miles per gallon: 34
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Trouble spots: Brakes, electrical accessories, climate system, in-car electronics
Nissan Frontier
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Reliability score: 23/100
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Price range: $30,510-$43,380
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Overall miles per gallon: 18
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Trouble spots: Transmission, electrical accessories, body hardware
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
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Reliability score: 23/100
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Price range: $40,035-$64,560
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Overall miles per gallon: 19
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Trouble spots: Suspension, electrical accessories, drive system, in-car electronics, body hardware, noises/leaks
Rivian R1T
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Reliability score: 22/100
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Price range: $69,900-$88,000
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Overall miles per gallon (electric): 70
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Trouble spots: Drive system, climate system, body hardware, noises/leaks
Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid
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Reliability score: 21/100
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Price range: $59,395-$75,450
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Overall miles per gallon: 28
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Trouble spots: EV battery, EV charging, electrical accessories, climate system, in-car electronics
Ford F-150 Hybrid
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Reliability score: 19/100
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Price range: $36,965-$78,440
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Overall miles per gallon: 20
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Trouble spots: Transmission, electric system, electric/hybrid battery, electrical accessories, drive system, in-car electronics, noises/leaks
Volkswagen Taos
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Reliability score: 18/100
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Price range: $23,995 – $33,515
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Overall miles per gallon: 26
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Trouble spots: Brakes, electrical accessories, transmission, engine, electric system, in-car electronics, noises/leaks
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
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Reliability score: 14/100
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Price range: $39,645-$59,785
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Overall miles per gallon: 27
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Trouble spots: Electric/hybrid battery, electric charging, electric motor, in-car electronics
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 10 New Cars To Avoid Buying in 2025
