Worst Cars to Buy: Five Models Experts Say You Should Avoid at All Costs

Choosing a car in 2026 is far from simple. The market offers a huge variety of models, but not all of them are worth buyers’ attention.

TheStreet has identified five vehicles that experts advise against buying, while also recommending five alternatives that stand out as smarter choices.

The rankings are based on a Consumer Reports study. Analysts examined reliability data for popular models and interviewed owners about their real-world ownership experience.

Cars Experts Say You Should Avoid

• Land Rover Defender

• Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

• Honda Prologue

• Volkswagen Jetta

• Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

According to experts, the Land Rover Defender, Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, Honda Prologue, Volkswagen Jetta, and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid fall noticeably short of their competitors. They cite below-average reliability along with a number of other issues.

Cars Worth Buying Instead

• BMW X5

• Kia Carnival Hybrid

• Tesla Model Y

• Honda Civic

• Toyota Camry

The publication emphasized that the BMW X5, Kia Carnival Hybrid, Tesla Model Y, Honda Civic, and Toyota Camry are among the top performers in their respective segments. Experts say these vehicles tend to experience few mechanical problems and deliver strong overall reliability.

Which Brand Breaks Down Most Often?

Earlier, BGR cited another Consumer Reports study identifying the least reliable brand for used vehicles. The dubious distinction went to a well-known electric vehicle manufacturer.

Tesla ranked last in used-car reliability, scoring just 31 out of 100 points.

Researchers analyzed breakdown data and surveyed owners of vehicles five to ten years old. The findings suggest that while Tesla has improved the reliability of its newer models, used Teslas still suffer from a high number of issues.