10 Cars Owners Say They Would Never Buy Again

Besides a home, a car is probably the biggest purchase most people make. Lots of factors figure in the decision of which car to buy, and it pays to make savvy shopping decisions .

But not all models impress their drivers, and some could be ready to ditch their vehicles for something else.

Consumer Reports asked consumers if they would buy their vehicle again, and not everyone is a fan of their current car. See which cars have the least-satisfied drivers.

10. Infiniti QX50

Courtesy of Infiniti

Percentage who would buy it again: 25%

Skip the Infiniti QX50 if you want a new model with the latest technology. There haven’t been any significant changes to the QX50 in 2024. The vehicle also has disappointing power and tech features.

9. Volkswagen Taos

Courtesy of Volkswagen

Percentage who would buy it again: 38%

If safety is an issue, you may want to skip the Volkswagen Taos. The vehicle earned mediocre ratings with IIHS. One reviewer also noted that it’s noisy when driving at highway speeds.

8. Nissan Sentra

Courtesy of Nissan

Percentage who would buy it again: 39%

The Nissan Sentra has some positives, particularly when it comes to price. But one reviewer wasn’t impressed with the car’s sluggish acceleration and dated infotainment system. The IIHS also noted the Sentra’s poor headlights.

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7. Kia Sorento Hybrid

Konstantin/Adobe

Percentage who would buy it again: 42%

The Kia Sorento Hybrid is the only hybrid on this list, but that may not be enough to have drivers buy it again. One reviewer said the Sorento’s third-row seat took away cargo space, which could be a factor when you’re taking kids to sports or going on a Costco run.

6. Nissan Kicks

Courtesy of Nissan

Percentage who would buy it again: 44%

Some drivers have complained about the weak engine in the Nissan Kicks, which could be an issue that may have been overcome with a redesign of the 2025 model.

5. Kia Seltos

Courtesy of Kia

Percentage who would buy it again: 45%

Drivers knocked the Kia Seltos for its noisy ride and for feeling flimsy compared to other vehicles of a similar size. One reviewer described it like driving a tin can.

4. Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Courtesy of Mercedes

Percentage who would buy it again: 46%

More than one automotive reviewer has noted that the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a lackluster brake pedal and that some of the cabin materials felt cheap. Of all the cars on this list, the C-Class also has the highest manufacturer’s suggested retail price, which could be a turn-off for drivers. The base price for a C-Class is close to $47,000.

3. Kia Forte

Courtesy of Kia

Percentage who would buy it again: 47%

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Kia Forte poor ratings for some of its test parameters. The 2024 model Forte received a poor rating for its headlights and some poor marks for parts of its crash testing.

2. Volkswagen Jetta

Courtesy of Volkswagen

Percentage who would buy it again: 47%

An automotive reviewer for MotorTrend mentioned the lack of interior features on the Jetta, with poor-quality front seats and even worse back seats. On Reddit, some owners have complained about repairs.

1. Nissan Altima

Courtesy of Nissan

Percentage who would buy it again: 48%

Some drivers of the Nissan Altima have complained that the Altima needs lots of repairs or doesn’t have enough power. One automotive reviewer also suggested drivers should check out a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, as they may be better options.

Bottom line

Some cars will leave their drivers more satisfied than others, so it’s important to buy one that you’ll want to keep driving even after you spend some time behind the wheel.

It’s important to remember that it’s not just driveability but also affordability of the vehicle. You want to consider costs when it comes to saving on car insurance , repair and maintenance, and gas.

You also want to consider the potential resale value. If you’re not satisfied with your vehicle, you may not get top dollar when you want to move on to a new car.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt . Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).