Acquiring a vehicle can often be a minefield or excellent or poor choices, posing buyer challenges. Surprisingly, even newly purchased cars may come with imperfections, making the decision-making process akin to traversing a minefield. Striking a balance between a fresh purchase’s allure and a pre-owned vehicle’s dependability can be intricate. In our comprehensive analysis, we delve into the experiences of individuals who, in hindsight, express remorse over their automobile choices, exploring the nuances of 15 Cars People Wish They Had Never Bought.
2020 Toyota Sequoia
In full-size SUVs, the 2020 Sequoia boasts an expansive cabin, generously accommodating passengers and cargo, complemented by a robust 381-horsepower V8 engine propelling this substantial vehicle. Nevertheless, the drawbacks overshadow its merits. The Sequoia incurs a notably high projected cost of ownership, potentially straining your finances. Moreover, its interior aesthetics must be updated, featuring numerous hard plastics. Adding to its drawbacks, the Sequoia exhibits dismal fuel economy, with a meager 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway, making it less economical for daily use.
2020 Dodge Journey
The 2020 Dodge Journey marked its final year, and its departure was seemingly justified. Positioned as a midsize SUV, the Journey falls behind its counterparts, securing the last spot in our 2020 affordable SUV ranking. Critical deficiencies emerge while it boasts low projected ownership costs and a comfortable ride. The underpowered engine struggles with acceleration, and the handling is lackluster, featuring imprecise steering and noticeable body lean during turns. Most notably, the Journey lacks advanced driver-assistance features, offering only a rearview camera and parking sensors. This is a significant drawback for families relying on midsize SUVs for transportation.
2020 Toyota Tundra
In 2020, the Tundra earned praise for a significant enhancement – including Apple and Android Auto. Commendably, the Tundra showcases a robust V8 engine and boasts a strong predicted reliability score. Yet, it falters in critical aspects crucial to truck enthusiasts. The truck’s subpar gas mileage proves costly at the pump, ranking it the least fuel-efficient full-size truck. Despite a spacious cabin, the interior exudes an antiquated and inexpensive aesthetic, featuring abundant hard plastics and styling reminiscent of a bygone era. Lastly, the 2020 Tundra disappoints with the lowest tow ratings in its class, diminishing its towing prowess.
2020 Nissan 370Z
While sports cars are inherently designed for fun, the 2020 Nissan 370Z found itself in the less capable category, securing the last position in our 2020 affordable sports car ranking. The 370Z impresses with sure-footed handling and responsive steering, providing a secure feel on winding roads. However, the enjoyment is short-lived as the Nissan 370Z exhibits a stiff ride that translates bumps and jolts directly to passengers. Its interior disappoints with a dated design, aged electronics, and abundant hard plastics. Sound insulation is lacking, allowing wind and road noise to permeate the cabin. In terms of driver aids, only a rearview camera is available. Fortunately, Nissan introduced an all-new Z to the market in 2023.
2019 Buick Cascada
The Buick Cascada convertible had a brief existence, introduced in 2016 and discontinued after the 2019 model year. While it showcased positive attributes such as numerous standard features, low ownership costs, a gentle ride, and an impressive predicted reliability rating, substantial weaknesses relegated the 2019 Buick Cascada to a lower position in our 2019 luxury small car ranking. Its poor fuel economy compared to rivals and uncomfortable firm seats for extended journeys detract from its appeal. Additionally, its less-than-agile performance compared to segment peers and the absence of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay contribute to its lower standing in the luxury small car category.
2017 Chevrolet Trax 4WD
The driving experience with this vehicle is marred by a noisy and rattly engine coupled with an interior that exudes a sense of cheapness. Furthermore, the handling dynamics contribute to a sensation of instability, making it feel like the vehicle might tip over, significantly detracting from the overall driving enjoyment.
2023 Chrysler 300
As reported by Go Banking Rates, the Chrysler 300 faces criticism for trailing its rivals in technology, showcasing inferior performance compared to counterparts in its class, and presenting a design that appears dated when juxtaposed with newer models. Furthermore, Money highlights the Chrysler 300’s relatively higher cost than many competitors and potential challenges in acquiring replacement parts. These factors collectively contribute to a less favorable assessment of the Chrysler 300 within the automotive landscape.
2023 Buick Encore GX
The 2023 Encore GX finds itself among the least recommended models to purchase, primarily due to notable drawbacks. Elevated average maintenance costs become a significant concern, attributed to persistent issues affecting crucial components such as the brakes, engine, fuel system, and emissions. These maintenance challenges contribute to a less-than-ideal ownership experience, prompting caution for prospective buyers considering the 2023 Encore GX.
2020 Dodge Grand Caravan
The 2020 model year marked the sunset for Dodge’s Grand Caravan, a vehicle with roots dating back to the 1980s. While it showcased innovative Stow ‘n Go seats, allowing convenient folding into the minivan’s floor, the overall assessment leans towards the negative. Despite the practicality of its customizable cabin, the 2020 Dodge Grand Caravan landed at the bottom of our 2020 minivan rankings. Limited standard features compared to rivals and a minimal set of driver aids, only offering a rearview camera, contributed to its unfavorable standing. Furthermore, its firm ride quality, a significant drawback for a family-oriented vehicle, underscored the Grand Caravan’s less-than-ideal attributes.
2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Regarding used subcompact SUVs, the 2020 Outlander Sport needs to make the cut for top choices, landing near the bottom in our 2020 affordable subcompact SUV ranking. Despite its commendable cargo capacity and user-friendly infotainment system, the Outlander Sport must improve significantly. Its firm ride fails to provide sufficient comfort over bumps and ruts, and both available engines lack robust passing power, accompanied by noisy performance during hard acceleration. Additionally, the solidly constructed cabin features cheap materials and a straightforward design, further detracting from its overall appeal.
2013 Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra earns its place on the list of concerns for many owners due to issues associated with the central variable transition (CVT). The problematic CVT poses a reliability challenge and comes with a substantial replacement cost, nearly amounting to $4,000, adding a significant financial burden for those grappling with this particular automotive concern.
2021 and 2023 Lincoln Aviator
The 2023 and 2021 Aviator models have garnered a dubious reputation as some of the worst in their class. As reported by TopSpeed, the Aviator has been plagued by an extensive array of problems spanning various critical systems. These issues encompass electronics, drive, suspension, steering, paint, trim, seals, and electrical systems. The pervasive nature of these problems underscores significant concerns about the overall reliability and performance of the Aviator during these model years.
2020 Nissan Frontier
As per US News, the 2020 Nissan Frontier model boasts a fresh 310-horsepower V6, ensuring commendable acceleration and a smooth ride on challenging terrains. However, shortcomings abound in various aspects. The outdated cabin design contributes to increased road and wind noise, detracting from the overall experience. Moreover, a drawback is the need for driver-assistance features, which are limited to a primary rearview camera and optional rear parking sensors. Additionally, the Frontier needs to catch up in towing and hauling capabilities. Fortunately, the 2022 redesign has revitalized the Frontier, transforming it into a more contemporary and improved vehicle.
2020 Ford EcoSport
In the unfortunate distinction of placing last in our 2020 affordable subcompact SUV ranking, the 2020 Ford EcoSport needs to catch up, with drawbacks outweighing its merits. While it stands out for poised handling and a user-friendly infotainment system, many shortcomings diminish its appeal. The EcoSport needs two stronger engine options, resulting in sluggish acceleration and unrefined performance. Though featuring some appealing materials, the cabin is marred by an abundance of hard plastics. Furthermore, the vehicle lacks comprehensive driver aids, with the absence of crucial features like forward automatic emergency braking and lane-departure warning. Even Ford discontinued the EcoSport after the 2022 model year, signaling its recognition of its limitations.
2020 Fiat 500L
The retirement of the Fiat 500L wagon after the 2020 model year marked the conclusion of a run that commenced with its debut in 2014. Despite its quirky aesthetics and ample cargo space, the 2020 Fiat 500L fell to the bottom of our 2020 wagon rankings. While it boasts a straightforward infotainment system, its unsettled ride and poor fuel efficiency contribute to its lackluster standing. The cabin disappoints with hard plastics and subpar build quality. Notably, the Fiat 500L lacks essential driver aids, offering only a standard rearview camera and optional rear parking sensors.
2019 Toyota C-HR
While the 2019 Toyota C-HR boasts commendable standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, it is positioned towards the lower end of our 2019 affordable subcompact SUVs ranking. The smooth ride makes it an appealing option for commuting. However, drawbacks include cramped rear seats, below-average cargo space compared to competitors, and a subpar powertrain. The four-cylinder engine delivers tepid acceleration, struggling on the highway, and its noisy operation adds to the overall detracting driving experience.
2020 Fiat 500X
While the 2020 Fiat 500X managed to avoid the bottom spot in our 2020 affordable subcompact SUVs ranking, it still landed close to it, securing the 17th position out of 18 models. The Fiat 500X earns praise for its stylish design, featuring distinctive sheet metal and an upscale cabin with fashionable materials. However, its shortcomings become apparent in crucial areas. The tight rear seats and small cargo hold compromise utility, and the firm ride adds an element of redundancy to long commutes, diminishing the overall appeal of this subcompact SUV.
2023 Toyota Mirai
As noted by Hotcars, the 2023 Toyota Mirai stands out with its stunning aesthetics, exceptional performance metrics, luxurious interior, and an eco-friendly zero-carbon footprint. The vehicle also boasts an array of standard advanced driver assistance systems, encompassing features like lane departure warning, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and a lane-keeping system ensuring it stays within its lane. However, the catch lies in its futuristic technology, specifically Toyota’s advanced hydrogen fuel cell. While impressive, the U.S. needs widespread hydrogen refueling infrastructure, limiting the Mirai’s practicality to a confined region, primarily within California’s major cities where most hydrogen stations are concentrated.
2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Securing the last position in our 2019 affordable compact SUV ranking is the 2019 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, which is attributed to various shortcomings. While the vehicle boasts spacious seats and impressive fuel economy, these positive aspects are overshadowed by many undesirable traits. The Eclipse Cross suffers from a noisy powertrain that feels strained at high speeds. Its cargo hold is comparatively tiny, offering less room than other SUVs in its class. The absence of knobs in its infotainment system adds to the challenges of operation. Lastly, the Eclipse Cross receives a low score for predicted reliability, instilling a lack of confidence in its overall durability.
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