What cars even mechanics do not recommend buying: 11 unsuccessful models

Despite the fact that SUVs are more expensive than sedans and hatchbacks, the market is growing every year. Moreover, the costs of maintenance, depreciation, insurance, and fuel are constantly growing as well.

GOBankingRates asked automotive experts Chris Pyle and Mike Winter which SUV models they think are not worth buying. The anti-rating includes quite popular models.

Land Rover Range Rover and Land Rover Discovery

Land Rover luxury SUVs have a bad reputation when it comes to value for money and reliability. For the experienced Winter, the Range Rover model has too many problems, including terrible depreciation and resale value, very high repair costs, as well as electrical, coolant, turbocharging, and other problems.

Pyle also chose a Land Rover, but a Discovery. "They are expensive to maintain doing just general maintenance and when they fail, the parts and labor are high," the expert said.

Toyota 4Runner

According to Pyle, the 4Runner's problems stem from the cost and wastefulness of using the vehicle for its intended purpose.

"It is a great vehicle inside and outside — a purchase you will not be disappointed with. The bad part though, it is designed to be off-road and most [people] do not do that. So, you are paying for features never used," the expert emphasized.

Volkswagen Taos

Consumer Reports (CR) uses road test scores and predicted reliability to analyze vehicles, but it also relies on customer satisfaction (subscribers) and safety performance. According to CR, Taos is the second least reliable car in 2024. Volkswagen's five-seat compact SUV may require frequent and expensive repairs.

Jeep Cherokee/Wagoneer and Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator

CR included the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L among the 10 least reliable vehicles for 2024, and named Jeep the worst automaker out of 34 brands. Winter spoke about electrical, transmission, and oil consumption problems.

Regarding the Wrangler and Gladiator, Pyle pointed out that these cars have not very high quality and durable engines.

Hyundai Tucson

Despite RepairPal's above-average reliability rating, in Winter's experience, the Tucson is a "ticking time bomb" due to major engine/transmission problems and a high engine failure rate. As CoPilot notes, Hyundai has improved its reliability reputation in recent years, so if you like the Tucson, avoid older models (2011, 2012, 2015-2017).

Ford Escape EcoBoost and Ford EcoSport

There are noticeable size differences between the Ford Escape EcoBoost and EcoSport trims, both inside and out (the EcoSport is smaller), but according to Winter, major repairs and durability issues plague both SUVs. The Escape has problems with coolant, carbon buildup, and oil consumption. The EcoSport, experts say, is simply "terrible drive, with major engine issues/failures and high repair costs."

Full-size SUVs (Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade)

Pyle mentioned a group of problematic full-size SUVs that should also be avoided; specifically, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, and Cadillac Escalade. They are large, heavy, and have poor aerodynamics and fuel-efficiency.

Premium luxury SUVs (Range Rover Evoque, Mercedes G550/GLS/EQS, Audi RS Q8, Lexus LX, BMW X7)

The Range Rover Evoque, Mercedes G550/GLS/EQS, Audi RS Q8, Lexus LX and BMW X7 are too expensive.

"There are lower-priced SUVs just as nice with similar features with a cost tens of thousands less. Plus you do not have the hassle of finding a shop that will actually touch it when it breaks. Purchasing a vehicle over $100K is dumb and for most, that is way too high still," Pyle summarized.

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