10 New Cars To Avoid Buying in 2025
Written by
Vance Cariaga
Edited by
T. Woods
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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.
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.
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
- Reliability score: 27/100
- Price range: $31,995-$91,545
- Overall miles per gallon: 18
- Trouble spots: Steering/suspension, electric system, engine, drive system
Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Reliability score: 26/100
- Price range: $38,035-$74,670
- Overall miles per gallon: 20
- Trouble spots: Suspension, electrical accessories, drive system, in-car electronics, body hardware, noises/leaks
Volkswagen Jetta
- Reliability score: 25/100
- Price range: $21,435-$28,825
- Overall miles per gallon: 34
- Trouble spots: Brakes, electrical accessories, climate system, in-car electronics
Nissan Frontier
- Reliability score: 23/100
- Price range: $30,510-$43,380
- Overall miles per gallon: 18
- Trouble spots: Transmission, electrical accessories, body hardware
Thanks!
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
- Reliability score: 23/100
- Price range: $40,035-$64,560
- Overall miles per gallon: 19
- Trouble spots: Suspension, electrical accessories, drive system, in-car electronics, body hardware, noises/leaks
Rivian R1T
- Reliability score: 22/100
- Price range: $69,900-$88,000
- Overall miles per gallon (electric): 70
- Trouble spots: Drive system, climate system, body hardware, noises/leaks
Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid
- Reliability score: 21/100
- Price range: $59,395-$75,450
- Overall miles per gallon: 28
- Trouble spots: EV battery, EV charging, electrical accessories, climate system, in-car electronics
Ford F-150 Hybrid
- Reliability score: 19/100
- Price range: $36,965-$78,440
- Overall miles per gallon: 20
- Trouble spots: Transmission, electric system, electric/hybrid battery, electrical accessories, drive system, in-car electronics, noises/leaks
Volkswagen Taos
- Reliability score: 18/100
- Price range: $23,995 – $33,515
- Overall miles per gallon: 26
- Trouble spots: Brakes, electrical accessories, transmission, engine, electric system, in-car electronics, noises/leaks
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
- Reliability score: 14/100
- Price range: $39,645-$59,785
- Overall miles per gallon: 27
- Trouble spots: Electric/hybrid battery, electric charging, electric motor, in-car electronics
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