A seasoned mechanic and JustAnswer expert, Chris Pyle, has cautioned consumers against purchasing specific vehicle models, citing potential long-term costs and reliability concerns. Pyle recently shared his recommendations with GOBankingRates, identifying nine cars-spanning electric vehicles, trucks, and SUVs-that he believes are best avoided due to frequent repairs, high parts costs, or rapid depreciation. His insights come as car prices remain elevated and consumers increasingly weigh the total cost of ownership when making purchasing decisions.
Car buyers should be aware of potential hidden issues – including transmission problems, wear and tear, and repair costs – to avoid a costly surprise down the road.
A mechanic and expert with JustAnswer, Chris Pyle, recently outlined nine vehicles he would avoid purchasing, explaining the reasons behind his recommendations to GOBankingRates.
Tesla
While owning a Tesla can appear appealing, repair costs can quickly offset any initial benefits.
Pyle notes that the overall cost of ownership for a Tesla can exceed the vehicle’s purchase price.
In the U.S. market, the 2024 Tesla Model 3 starts at $41,000.
Significant expenses can arise from repairs to the motor or battery.
Desh Lewis, writing for automotive culture website Jalopnik, points out that Teslas are among the most expensive vehicles to repair and maintain.
“Tesla parts are unique and difficult to source,” Lewis stated.
Rivian
Rivian, like Tesla, is positioned as a premium vehicle that Pyle advises against purchasing.
The California-based startup manufactures high-end electric SUVs and pickup trucks at its Illinois factory.
The 2025 Rivian R1T pickup truck begins at $71,000 in the U.S.
Similar to Tesla, Rivian vehicles carry a high price tag when it comes to repairs.
One Rivian owner shared on an online forum that a minor accident resulted in unexpectedly high costs.
The owner explained that a bent bumper cover and a dent on the rear door required mechanics to disassemble the truck’s rear end, leading to a repair process lasting two and a half months.
“I thought it would be expensive, but I had no idea!” the owner said.
“The insurance company initially valued the damage at around $1,600 and sent me a check…. The final bill was over $42,000!”
Any New Pickup Truck
Pyle advises against purchasing any new pickup truck, including models from Ford, Dodge, Chevy, Nissan, or Toyota, citing their high cost.
“You lose 35-55% of the value of a $30,000 to $50,000 vehicle within the first five years of ownership,” he explained.
“It’s better to buy a used vehicle and let the first owner absorb that depreciation,” Pyle suggested.
According to Car and Driver, today’s heavy-duty trucks are “workhorses, luxury vehicles, and high-performance machines.”
However, CarEdge, an online vehicle marketplace, calculated that a Ford F-350 Super Duty, for example, depreciates by 36% after five years, resulting in a resale value of nearly $49,000 based on an initial price of $76,350.
Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500
Chris Pyle, the automotive mechanic, stated that the Jeep Renegade and Fiat 500 share the same platform and require similar repairs.
“The issue isn’t the cost of the repair, but the frequency,” he said.
“Many people find these vehicles spend more time in the repair shop than reliably on the road.”
Edmunds Car Review gave the 2023 Jeep Renegade a score of 6 out of 10, making it one of the more expensive options in its class.
“It would be nice if you got a lot of features and value for the money, but you don’t. Interior build quality is good, but there’s nothing special inside, and it feels like you’re paying a lot for a basic, rugged style,” experts noted.
The 2023 Fiat 500x received a slightly better score of 7 out of 10 from Edmunds reviewers.
Ford Fiesta, Nissan Vehicles, and Small SUVs
Pyle also advises against purchasing Ford Fiestas, Nissan vehicles, and small SUVs.
“Dual-clutch transmissions and CVTs (continuously variable transmissions) don’t hold up. When they fail, repairs are very expensive and many independent shops won’t touch them.”
“So, the vehicles have to go to the dealership,” Pyle emphasized.
Numerous lawsuits have been filed against Ford since 2012, alleging the company was aware of issues with the “PowerShift” transmission (a dual-clutch gearbox) but continued to sell vehicles equipped with it.
Additionally, owners of various 2013-2018 Nissan models have filed complaints with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reporting that failing CVT transmissions caused “jerking and delayed acceleration, which could lead to a crash.”
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Carparts.com reviewers did not rate the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s reliability highly.
It received a reliability score of 3.5 out of 5 from RepairPal and ranked 15th out of 26 midsize SUVs reviewed, based on data from different model years.
Chris Pyle listed several reasons why he would avoid the Jeep Grand Cherokee, including expensive repairs and potential for premature failure due to poor manufacturing.
American Cars to Avoid
Among U.S. vehicles that experts advise against buying is the Chrysler 300.
The vehicle is technologically outdated compared to competitors, offers inferior quality to other cars in its class, and its design may appear dated compared to newer models.
It is also more expensive than its competitors.
Experts also recommend avoiding the Dodge Caravan, citing poor fuel economy and subpar performance.
