5 of The Worst Used Cars To Buy If You Care About Maintenance Costs

Buying a used car is a fantastic way to save money, but the dream of a great deal can quickly turn into a financial nightmare if you choose an unreliable model. A low purchase price can be incredibly tempting, but it's often a mask for exorbitant long-term maintenance and repair costs that can bleed your wallet dry. Certain vehicles have earned a notorious reputation for poor reliability, complex engineering, and expensive parts, making them some of the worst choices for a budget-conscious used car shopper. To protect your finances, it's crucial to be aware of these models. Based on reliability data from sources like Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, and repair cost analysis, here are five of the worst used cars to buy if you want to avoid a future filled with costly mechanic bills.

What to Consider Before Buying a Used Car

Before diving into the list of cars to avoid, it's essential to arm yourself with the right buying strategy. Your number one defense against a bad used car is a **Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI)**. For around $150-$250, you can have a trusted, independent mechanic put the car on a lift and give it a thorough inspection. This can uncover hidden issues like oil leaks, worn-out suspension components, or a failing transmission that you would never spot on a test drive. A seller's refusal to allow a PPI is the biggest red flag possible, and you should walk away from that deal immediately. Secondly, always get a **vehicle history report** from a service like CarFax or AutoCheck. This report will reveal critical information about past accidents, title issues (like a salvage or flood brand), and service history. Never buy a car without reviewing its history first.

5 Used Cars That Could Cost You a Fortune

The following vehicles consistently rank poorly for reliability and have a reputation for high ownership costs.

1. Fiat 500 (2012-2017): The Fiat 500 is a stylish and charming city car, but its appeal is often only skin deep. These models are plagued by a host of reliability issues, consistently receiving the lowest possible reliability ratings from Consumer Reports. Common complaints include frequent transmission problems, engine issues, and a variety of electrical gremlins. The interior is also known for its cheap, easily broken plastic components. While they are inexpensive to buy, the constant need for repairs makes them a frustrating and costly car to own long-term.

2. Ford Fiesta (with automatic transmission): The Ford Fiesta can be a fun-to-drive and fuel-efficient subcompact car, but there is one massive exception: models equipped with the PowerShift automatic transmission. This particular transmission is infamous for its severe reliability problems, including shuddering, slipping, and outright failure. Ford has faced multiple lawsuits and recalls over this issue. If you are considering a Fiesta, you should only look at models with a manual transmission, as the automatic version is one of the most problematic pieces of automotive engineering in recent history.

3. Jeep Wrangler (2007-Present): The Jeep Wrangler is an icon of off-road capability and adventure, but it is not known for its reliability or low running costs. Wranglers consistently score near the bottom of reliability surveys. They are known for issues with suspension components, steering (the infamous "death wobble"), and persistent water leaks from the removable tops. While their ruggedness is a selling point for enthusiasts, the average driver will likely find the harsh ride, poor fuel economy, and frequent repair needs to be a significant drawback for daily use.

4. Any Used German Luxury Car Out of Warranty (BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz): A 5- to 7-year-old BMW 7 Series or Audi A8 can look like an incredible bargain, offering flagship luxury for the price of a new Toyota Camry. However, this is a classic trap. These cars are incredibly complex, and when their sophisticated electronics, air suspension systems, and high-performance engines start to fail, the repair costs are astronomical. A simple oil leak on a BMW can cost thousands to fix due to the labor required to access the engine. Unless you are a skilled DIY mechanic or have a very large repair budget, a used German luxury car out of warranty is one of the fastest ways to empty your bank account.

5. Chrysler 200 (2015-2017): The Chrysler 200 was designed to compete with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry but fell far short. It was ultimately discontinued due to poor sales and a reputation for problems. The V6 models were known for some reliability issues, but the biggest problem was the nine-speed automatic transmission, which was notoriously clunky, unresponsive, and prone to failure. Beyond the mechanical issues, the car was criticized for its cramped interior and poor driving dynamics, making it a poor choice all around in the competitive midsize sedan segment.

Model to Avoid Primary Reported Issues Estimated Average Annual Repair Cost
Fiat 500 Transmission failure, engine problems, electrical issues. ~$650+
Ford Fiesta (Automatic) Catastrophic PowerShift transmission failure. ~$600+ (with risk of $2,000+ transmission job)
Jeep Wrangler Suspension and steering problems, leaks, electrical faults. ~$700+
Out-of-Warranty German Luxury Air suspension failure, oil leaks, complex electronic module failures. ~$1,200+ (with risk of single repairs costing thousands)
Chrysler 200 Jerky and unreliable nine-speed automatic transmission. ~$680+

Key Takeaways