When we talk about “money pits” in the automotive world, we’re referring to cars that seem to constantly guzzle your cash. These aren’t necessarily terrible cars, they’re just notorious among mechanics for needing frequent and pricey repairs. Think of them as the kind of cars that need a bit more time and money than you might expect, especially when compared to other cars on the road.
We’ve made this list to help you set realistic expectations. These are 13 car brands that have earned a reputation as “money pits,” and why they might just be more trouble than they’re worth.
BMW
Sure, BMWs are flashy and drive like a dream, but owning one? That’s where it gets pricey. Beyond their high purchase price, BMWs are known for their steep maintenance costs, thanks to their advanced German engineering and luxury features.
These cars depreciate quickly, and when something goes wrong, you’re looking at serious money to fix it. Even with a reputation for dependability in premium classes according to JD Power’s 2024 survey, the long-term costs can add up fast.
Jeep
Jeeps might look tough, but some models just don’t measure up in terms of reliability. Take the Wrangler and Gladiator, for instance; they have a bit of a reputation for rust, which tends to hit the door panels and hinges pretty hard.
There’s also been a slew of class-action suits against models like the 1984-2001 XJ Cherokee, various Grand Cherokees, and the 2002-2012 Liberty, mainly due to these rust issues.
Besides the susceptibility to corrosion, Jeeps have also been called out for electrical and quality control problems, leading to more frequent breakdowns and a sooner-than-expected end of life for some parts.
European Vehicles – After 100,000 Miles
We all know European cars for their great performance and fancy styling, but they hit a bit of a rough patch once they hit the 100,000-mile mark. These vehicles are notorious for their complex electronic and mechanical systems, which can become a real headache to maintain or repair as they age.
It’s not uncommon for European models to start showing their age much earlier than Japanese or American models. It’s normal for them to struggle to push past 100,000 miles without significant issues. If you’re looking at a European car, just remember that what you gain in performance and style, you might pay for in frequent trips to the mechanic.
Dodge Ram – 1500 5.7L Engine
When you think of a Dodge Ram, toughness and reliability might come to mind. However, if you’re looking at a model with the 1500 5.7-liter engine, you might want to think twice.
Despite being “generally considered reliable,” as CoPilot notes, specific years of this model have been pretty problematic. Owners report issues like the engine making ticking sounds, lifters wearing out camshafts, and even engines shutting off while driving.
The 2003 Ram 1500, in particular, has been flagged for these engine troubles. Also, for a truck that’s supposed to excel at towing, the poor power-to-MPG ratio reported by users can be a major disappointment.
Volvo
Volvo is known for its safety reputation and decent reliability, especially when stacked against luxury giants like Cadillac and BMW. However, owning a Volvo isn’t without its financial problems. According to CoPilot, the repair and maintenance costs for Volvo are pretty high.
One Volvo fan who’s owned six different models mentioned that DIY fixes can be more cost-effective than dealership repairs, especially for common issues like electrical systems, timing belts, and sunroofs. They point out that parts like taillights, front signals, and front-end alignments are pretty frequent maintenance points.
Audi
Highly sophisticated mechanics and premium materials make Audis susceptible to becoming costly as they age or if they need repairs. One major pain point for Audi owners is the reliance on imported parts, which adds shipping and tax costs on top of already expensive repairs.
On the bright side, there’s a silver lining: Audi warranties aren’t voided by using non-dealership services. This means owners can maintain their warranty by using qualified mechanics, original parts, and keeping detailed service records, which offers some relief from the potential financial strain.
MINI
Don’t let the MINI’s size fool you—these cars can be as needy as their BMW relatives when it comes to maintenance. Driving a MINI is fun, but the upkeep can hit your wallet hard. For instance, the MINI Cooper often sees repair costs averaging around $846, according to RepairPal. This is considered pretty high for such a compact car.
Redditor experiences echo this, with many reporting significant issues like broken high-pressure fuel pumps and leaky gaskets that are pricey and difficult to fix. Particularly problematic are the 2007–2010 models, which are frequently cited as having the most severe reliability issues.
Jaguar
Thinking about getting a Jaguar, especially a used one? Well, it’s a car that requires deep pockets, not just for its purchase but for its upkeep too. Jaguar recommends a service check every 5,000 miles, which means you’ll need your wallet handy quite often.
The maintenance isn’t just frequent, it’s pricey, particularly for higher-end models like the F-Type. So if you’re not ready to shell out for that premium care pretty regularly, a Jaguar might not be the best choice.
Mercedes-Benz
Owning a Mercedes-Benz means getting accustomed to the finer things, not just in car design but also in maintenance bills. They’re known for their top-notch quality and luxury, but this comes with a need for specialized care, making maintenance and repairs a lot pricier than your average car.
Over the first ten years, you’re looking at an average maintenance and repair cost of about $15,986, which is $3,942 more than the industry average for luxury cars. In Germany, though, where Mercedes is from, these costs might be less pinching due to lower parts and labor prices.
Nissan
Nissan has its fans and critics, especially when it comes to parts availability. This scarcity can quickly turn an otherwise reliable car into a pricey issue. Mechanics have stated that certain Nissan models are prone to suspension issues, which just adds to its maintenance problems. A significant concern has been with the sunroofs of Nissans from 2008 onwards, which have been reported to explode unexpectedly.
This issue led to a successful class-action lawsuit reported by Bloomberg, where drivers in four states claimed Nissan North America Inc. failed to disclose the risk of their panoramic sunroofs shattering, which are made of thinner glass to improve fuel efficiency.
Land Rover
Land Rover starts to become a financial burden pretty early in its life. Owners can expect to start significant spending on repairs around the 37,000-mile mark.
The average annual maintenance cost for a Land Rover hovers around $9,000, with CarEdge estimating total costs of $18,569 on repairs and maintenance in the first ten years—$6,525 above the average for luxury brands. There’s also a 41.71% chance that a Land Rover will require serious repairs within a decade.
Kia (Older Models)
Chrysler
Despite the praise for some of its models, Chrysler has often been listed among the least reliable car brands, according to several metrics including predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety across various studies. Specifically, standing under the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) umbrella has not helped, with Fiat notably struggling in these areas.
For instance, the Fiat 500L has been notorious for its low scores in the compact car class, particularly criticized for its problematic “manumatic transmission” as per Consumer Reports. The Chrysler 200 and the Sebring Convertible have also gotten some poor feedback from owners, which further proves the brand’s challenges with consistency in quality and satisfaction.
