5 Cars the Middle Class Is Better Off Not Buying, According to an Auto Expert
Not every car that looks good on the lot is a good financial decision.
Chris Pyle, an auto expert at JustAnswer, looks at cars through a different lens. We're talking about cost of ownership, repair frequency, depreciation and real-world reliability. He sees cars through an expert eye in diagnosis and repair.
Nope Nope: 6 New Cars in 2026 That Aren't Worth the Cost
Sit Back: 8 Low-Effort Ways to Make Passive Income (You Can Start This Week)
Here are several types of vehicle he says middle-class buyers should walk away from.
1. Tesla and Rivian
Pyle puts both electric vehicles (EVs) at the top of his avoid list. The problem isn't the vehicles themselves early on — it's what happens after ten or more years of ownership. When a motor or battery fails on an EV at that age, the repair cost frequently exceeds the car's remaining value. Add expensive collision repairs and insurance premiums that can rival a car payment on their own and the long-term math stops working for most middle-class budgets.
2. Basically Any New Truck
Ford, Dodge, Chevy, Nissan, Toyota, you name it — Pyle's concern applies across the board, especially medium and heavy-duty models. New trucks are significantly overpriced right now and depreciation hits hard. In the first five years of ownership on a $30,000 to $50,000 truck, expect to lose 35% to 55% of the vehicle's value. Pyle's advice: let someone else take that loss and buy used.
3. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee looks capable and premium. The ownership experience tells a different story. Pyle said it's plagued by high-cost repairs and premature parts failure from manufacturing quality issues. The new price is hard to justify given what follows. If you're set on one, he strongly recommends an extended warranty and ideally buying before the factory warranty expires.
4. Lincoln Nautilus
Engine noise, some engine-related failures and steep depreciation define the Nautilus ownership experience according to Pyle. The depreciation curve is the real problem. You'll likely be underwater on your loan for four or more years, meaning the car is worth less than what you owe for an uncomfortably long stretch.
5. Cadillac Lyriq
The Lyriq isn't necessarily a parts reliability problem. Pyle's concern is different. It's loaded with complex electronics that are expensive to replace and difficult to diagnose, even for younger, tech-savvy owners. Pair that with fast depreciation and you have a vehicle that costs a lot to own and loses value quickly while doing it.
Summer spending adds up fast. Enter MoneyLion's Summer Break Giveaway for a chance to win $500 — and give your budget a break. (No pur. nec. Ends 7/4/26. See Official Rules at mlion.info/summerbreakofficialrules)
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:
