The 6 Vehicle Models That Mechanics Refuse To Recommend (Even Though They're Cheap)
Not every cheap car performs badly or unreliably. And plenty of pricy luxury cars spend seemingly half their time at the shop.
Even so, some cheap cars deliver exactly what you pay for — leading mechanics to warn you off of them regardless of their attractive price point. Here are six models mechanics refuse to recommend, even though they are affordable.
Read This: I'm a Mechanic: These High-Maintenance Japanese Cars Will Crash Your Wallet
See Next: 11 Subtly Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money — That You Should Do, Too
Nissan Pathfinder
Despite starting at nearly $40,000, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) lists the Pathfinder as the second-cheapest three-row SUV on the market. But they rate it 4.1 out of 5 stars, far lower than the 4.7 rating bestowed on the cheaper Kia Sorento.
“Watch out for transmission and drivetrain issues, likely to cost more to repair than any initial savings,” said mechanic Alan Gelfand, founder of German Car Depot. “If you’re buying used, check for skipped fluid services, warning lights illuminated or erratic or rough shifting.”
Volkswagen Atlas
Another three-row SUV starting at a similar price of $40,785 per KBB, the Atlas also proves unreliable. It has the dubious honor of appearing on U.S. News and World Report’s list of Most Unreliable Cars of 2026.
“After the warranty runs out, owners start experiencing problems with the electronic systems, suspension component wear, cooling system leaks, brake problems and engine issues,” Gelfand explained. “I recommend a Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot with good service history for a reliable three-row SUV.”
Chevrolet Traverse
The Traverse starts at a similar $42,795 per KBB and comes with similar dependability problems. RepairPal ranks it No. 22 out of 26 midsize SUVs.
Gelfand agreed. “While the initial purchase price is affordable, repairs to the transmission, suspension and engine will become more expensive as the miles increase. A single repair could cost more than any savings on purchase price,” he added.
Nissan Sentra
Nissan’s compact sedan ranks among the cheapest cars sold in the U.S. currently. Unfortunately, it doesn’t stand up to better rivals like the Hyundai Elantra or Kia K4.
Auto experts at KBB rate it 4.0 stars and consumers rate it a dismal 3.0 stars. The Wall Street Journal has chronicled Nissan’s financial and reliability struggles over the last decade, including electrical issues, engine problems and Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) failures.
Dodge Journey (Used)
Dodge discontinued the Journey in 2020 and good riddance.
The crossover SUV suffered endless dependability problems, earning it a KBB expert rating of just 2.9 out of 5 stars.
“Drivers bought the Journey because it was cheap and most didn’t maintain it well,” Gelfand said. “Expect suspension problems, weak safety features and badly-aged interiors.”
Kia EV6
While the EV6 enters the fray as a more affordable electric SUV at $39,445, experts fret over its dependability. It landed a spot on Consumer Reports’ dreaded 10 Least Reliable Cars of 2026 list, earning a reliability score of just 25.
Gelfand summed it up succinctly: “Some inexpensive cars can turn out to be very expensive in the long run.”
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: