Buying a New Car in 2026? (7) Models To Skip If You Want to Save
If 2026 will be the year of a new you and new wheels, you’ve probably already started car shopping. As you browse listings online or tour dealerships, you picture yourself cruising down the highway, wind in your hair and tunes blasting. But choose the wrong model, and the wheels could come flying off. Possibly literally.
Knowing which cars to steer clear of can save you thousands of dollars in repairs, replacements, insurance costs and other ownership expenses. To keep you from skidding into these money pits, MoneyLion spoke with several auto industry experts about the car models buyers may want to avoid in 2026.
1. Older, High-End Luxury SUVs
According to Scott Kunes, COO of Kunes Auto and RV Group, buyers should beware of older, high-end luxury SUVs and premium imports — especially those no longer under warranty. Though these models often seem like a good deal on the used-car market, he says rising labor rates and parts costs have changed the equation.
“We’re seeing routine major repairs for things like transmissions, electronics and air suspension that land in the $10,000 to $15,000 range,” he said. “For most households, that turns what seemed like an affordable purchase into a serious financial setback.”
For You: 4 Affordable Car Brands You Won't Regret Buying
Learn More: Meet Your Complete Financial Toolkit. Budget, Build Credit and Track Your Money — All In One Place
2. Nissan LEAF
While the Nissan LEAF has long been one of the most affordable electric vehicles on the market, that low price comes with trade-offs. Justin Fischer, an automotive analyst at CarEdge.com, describes the LEAF as “a peculiar model” and warns car buyers against older generations of the vehicle.
“It was the only car in America still using the outdated CHAdeMO charging plug until Nissan finally upgraded the LEAF this year,” he said. “It’s increasingly difficult to find a compatible public charger.”
Fischer added that many used LEAFs also suffer from slow charging speeds and limited battery range — often less than 200 miles. His advice? “Skip this EV for peace of mind.”
3. Electric Vehicles From Legacy Brands
As automakers reassess their priorities in the new year, Fischer says purchasing an electric vehicle from a traditional, legacy brand carries added risk. With General Motors and Ford cutting back on their EV lineups, he says that drivers of discontinued EVs could struggle to find maintenance and technical support in the future.
Another concern is depreciation. "When buying any new EV, including a Tesla, expect your car to lose at least 50% of its original value after just three years,” Fischer said. “Those who drive more see even steeper depreciation.”
4. Ford Vehicles
Though bypassing an entire carmaker’s inventory may seem extreme, Fischer has some unfortunate news.
“Last year, Ford vehicles won an unfortunate title: most recalls by an automaker,” he said. “It wasn’t close, either.”
In 2025, Ford issued about 153 recalls — which Motor Illustrated estimates affected 13 million vehicles — far more than any of its competitors.
“This indicates systemic problems with Ford’s vehicle quality, and these aren’t problems that can be fixed immediately,” Fischer said. “For those in search of only the most reliable cars in 2026, it would be smart to skip Ford and Stellantis brands like Jeep, Ram and Chrysler.”
5. Vehicles With Nissan’s CVT Transmission (2013–2019)
This warning may be hyper-specific, but Ryan Salata, marketing director of Specialty Auto Parts USA, believes it's one buyers shouldn't ignore. He says Nissan vehicles with this transmission — especially Rogues, Sentras and Altimas — are prone to premature failure, typically between 80,000 and 120,000 miles.
The cost of fixing these failures is high: Salata estimates between $4,500 and $6,000, sometimes exceeding the value of the vehicle itself.
“Many customers complain they regret purchasing used Nissans at cheap prices when repair bills cost them more than the vehicles are worth,” he said. “Even with class-action lawsuits, owners are often saddled with large repair bills.”
6. Ford EcoBoost Trucks (2015–2019)
Salata also encourages car buyers to avoid Ford EcoBoost trucks from 2015 to 2019 equipped with a 3.5-liter V-6 engine.
“They make about 280 to 300 horsepower and are generally reliable, but around 100,000 miles you often see timing chain issues or cam phaser failure, which can cost $3,500 to $5,000 or more,” he said. “They also consume oil excessively, particularly during heavy use.”
7. Jeep Wrangler (2018–2020)
Another model Salata says should stay on the lot: Jeep Wranglers from 2018 to 2020 with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
“These vehicles have a design fault with overheating issues and costly turbos ($2,800 to $3,500),” he said. “For better reliability, opt for the 3.6-liter V-6.”
General Tips for Avoiding a Costly Car
In addition to steering away from riskier models, Kunes offered a few broader suggestions to help buyers avoid vehicles that could become financial liabilities.
Avoid unpredictability: “Buyers should actively avoid unpredictable ownership risk by researching how expensive parts are, the complexity of repairs, warranty coverage and the brand’s history of reliability,” Kunes said. “Overpaying is frustrating, but unexpected five-figure repair bills can be far more damaging.”
Watch for red flags: Big warning signs include “a luxury badge paired with a surprisingly low used price, out-of-warranty vehicles with complex powertrains, brands rapidly changing EV or plug-in strategies, and vehicles where extended service contracts are strongly encouraged just to manage risk,” he said.
Don’t get lost in the hype: Some of today’s flashiest vehicles — often marketed as status symbols or tech-forward must-haves — are among the most expensive to own long term.
“Trend-driven luxury SUVs and early-generation electric or plug-in models can age poorly once incentives disappear and warranties expire,” Kunes said. “They may be popular on social media or look great in a driveway, but the maintenance reality often doesn’t match the image.”
The Bottom Line
Being a savvy car buyer means being an informed one. Knowing which vehicles could make you a regular at your mechanic’s shop can help you save thousands of dollars — and keep you on the road longer.
Need a little extra breathing room in your budget? MoneyLion is giving away $2,000 a day through Jan. 24, 2026. Sign up HERE and see if a cash boost is in your future.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
More From MoneyLion: