Buying Used in 2026? Skip These 9 Cars That Break Down the Most

Shopping for a used car in 2026? Not all deals are good deals. According to automotive specialists, some models come with expensive repairs, weak reliability, and major long-term issues that make them risky buys. Whether it’s engine trouble, transmission failures, or sky-high maintenance costs, these 9 used cars are the ones experts strongly suggest you avoid this year.

Nissan Altima

Okay, look… the Altima looks fine. It’s comfy, decent space, kind of sleek even. But if we’re being real? That CVT transmission is the problem child here. Ask any mechanic and they’ll wince like you just mentioned their ex. The thing’s notorious for dying early, especially if it’s been neglected. And the weird thing is, used ones still go for around $17k or so, which, not gonna lie, feels like robbery for something that could strand you on the freeway. You can get lucky with a well-kept one, but yeah… it’s a gamble I wouldn’t take twice.

Jeep Cherokee

Ah, the Cherokee. It wants to be rugged and capable, but it ends up being… complicated. Like, literally complicated the electronics, the infotainment, even the transmission. And the repairs? Brutal. I test-drove one a while back and the check engine light came on halfway through the trip. I mean, come on. For around $24k used, you should at least get reliability, not mystery dashboard lights that haunt your dreams. When it works, it’s great. But keeping it working? That’s a full-time job.

Ford Focus

Honestly, I used to like the Focus. Fun to drive, sharp steering, all that. Then I learned about the “Powershift” transmission fiasco. If you buy a Focus from like 2012–2016, odds are you’ll end up googling “weird jerking motion between gears.” Repairs get expensive fast. Used ones are cheap like $8k cheap but that’s usually for a reason. The newer ones are better, but yeah, some scars just don’t fade, you know?

Fiat 500

Aww, the Fiat 500 looks cute, right? Tiny, quirky, European vibes… until it breaks down in your driveway. Which, apparently, is its favorite hobby. The reliability just isn’t there. Parts take forever to get, especially post-2020, and even when you fix one thing, another pops up. A used one goes for like $10k or less, but that’s $10k you could’ve just set on fire for the same results. Fun city car, sure, but not a long-term relationship kind of deal.

Chevrolet Malibu

This one might surprise some people because it looks fine and rides smooth, but oh man, the reliability reports are rough. The newer Malibus have a ton of issues with electrical systems and transmission quirks. And I don’t want to sound dramatic, but one small thing can turn into a big repair bill real fast. You’ll find decent-looking used ones for about $15k, but if the electronics go haywire and they often do you’ll watch that savings vanish before your next paycheck.

BMW X3

Alright, listen, I actually love how BMWs drive. The X3? It’s sleek and feels properly premium until the maintenance bills start arriving. German cars are fun until you become the one paying for those fancy engineering choices. Turbo issues, sensors, and engine oil leaks are all just part of the deal. A used one sits around $25k, but every little hiccup means a four-digit repair bill. It’s like dating someone glamorous but emotionally unavailable. You’ll love it… until it ruins your week.

Dodge Journey

Oh man, if there were an award for “Dealership favorite for all the wrong reasons,” the Dodge Journey might win. They’re everywhere, cheap like $12k used cheap and that’s why people grab them without thinking. But they drive like marshmallows, age fast, and the build quality feels like, I don’t know, cardboard disguised as metal. Interior tech’s dated, handling’s meh, and reliability is straight-up sad. It’s the definition of “looks okay on paper, total headache in person.”

Mini Cooper

I used to adore the Mini Cooper I mean, who doesn’t? They’re freaking adorable. But ownership? Whole different story. Constant small issues, and when they pile up (they will), it’s near impossible to find cheap parts or quick fixes. Everything’s special order, everything’s expensive. A used Mini might tempt you at around $14k, but you might as well start a side fund for “future heartbreak repairs.” It’s one of those cars you love but can’t really trust.

Chrysler 200

The 200’s like that car you really want to root for, but it just doesn’t give you much to work with. Transmission problems, electrical gremlins, cheap interior pieces it’s all there. The ride’s okay, but you can feel where they cut corners. Prices hover around $13k used, which sounds fine until you realize that for the same money, you could get a reliable Corolla or Civic. The 200 might look sharp, but, honestly, owning it’s basically just crossing your fingers every morning.

Mitsubishi Mirage

And finally, the humble Mirage. I get it, it’s cheap. Brand new it’s still under $20k, and you can snag a used one for like, what, $9,000? But here’s the thing it’s slow, noisy, and feels like it’ll blow away in strong wind. Reliability’s not awful, but comfort and build quality? Nonexistent. It’s like driving a blender with wheels. It’ll technically get you there, but every trip’s an exercise in patience and noise tolerance. Seriously, spend a bit more and upgrade your sanity.