Cars are expensive to purchase, but the costs don’t stop there. If you spend a lot to maintain and repair your car, the bills can continue to pile up.
Consumer Reports recently used member surveys to gauge the repair and maintenance performance of hundreds of thousands of cars on a score of zero to 100, with 100 representing the most reliable.
If you're trying to get ahead financially and avoid costly maintenance and repairs, you might want to avoid the following 15 car brands.
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1. Cadillac
Reliability score: 45
Cadillac is a luxury brand that is now entering the world of electric vehicles with models such as the Lyriq and Celestiq. However, it doesn't get top marks for reliability.
One way to offset the high maintenance and repair costs for a Cadillac or any other brand on this list is to shop around and try to save money on car insurance .
Own a car? Here's 7 warning signs you're paying too much for car insurance. 2. Nissan
Reliability score: 45
Nissan offers a wide variety of sedans, SUVs, and trucks. However, Consumer Reports notes that reliability varies widely from vehicle to vehicle in its lineup.
That lack of consistency should be a factor when deciding which Nissan to buy.
3. Genesis
Reliability score: 44
According to Consumer Reports, Genesis — Hyundai’s luxury brand — is somewhat of a “mixed bag” when it comes to reliability.
The publication also says controls in newer Genesis cars have become overly complicated.
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4. Audi
Reliability score: 43
Audi is a luxury brand known for styling, performance, and cutting-edge technology across its fleet of sedans and SUVs.
However, as with brands like Cadillac, it's unsafe to assume that luxury automatically translates to reliability.
5. Chevrolet
Reliability score: 43
Chevrolet offers everything from SUVs and trucks to its famous Corvette. The brand also sells a mix of traditional gas-powered vehicles and electric vehicles.
Sadly, the automaker doesn't earn great scores in terms of reliability.
6. Dodge
Reliability score: 42
Dodge is now down to two SUVs — the Hornet and Durango. Both the Challenger and Charger models have been discontinued.
Although reliability rankings are not great, there is one reason for excitement: Dodge plans to roll out an electric muscle car at some point in the future.
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Reliability score: 40
Aside from the beloved Mustang, Ford is moving away from cars and focusing on SUVs and pickup trucks.
Consumer Reports member surveys indicate that the reliability of Fords is below average.
8. Lincoln
Reliability score: 38
Lincoln was once known for its luxury sedans, but the brand now offers only SUVs.
The brand’s models appear to share some of the same reliability issues as the Ford models they’re based on.
9. GMC
Reliability score: 36
Consumer Reports refers to GMC vehicles as "rebadged, slightly more upscale twins to Chevrolet’s SUVs and trucks."
Unfortunately, the brand’s models have many of the same reliability issues as Chevrolets.
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10. Volvo
Reliability score: 28
Volvo is well-known for its safety features. However, its gas-powered models are getting a bit long in the tooth.
In addition, Volvo’s reliability ratings are nothing great.
11. Jeep
Reliability score: 26
Thanks to its rugged design, the Jeep brand has deep consumer loyalty. It includes the iconic Jeep Wrangler and SUVs like Cherokee and Wagoneer.
Unfortunately, according to Consumer Reports, fuel economy and reliability issues have dragged the brand’s score lower.
12. Volkswagen
Reliability score: 26
Consumer Reports cites Volkswagen’s controls on its vehicles as a potential issue. The publication notes that such controls have gone from being some of the best in the industry to some of the worst in recent models.
In addition, Consumer Reports describes reliability as “mostly below par.”
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13. Rivian
Reliability score: 24
Rivian is the youngest brand on this list. The fact that it released its only two models in 2021 may be a factor in maintenance and repair costs as the company goes through potential growing pains.
Rivian’s two models on the market include the R1T electric pickup truck and the R1S electric SUV.
14. Mercedes-Benz
Reliability score: 23
Consumer Reports says Mercedes-Benz vehicles perform well on many tests. That's the good news.
Unfortunately, the brand lags badly when it comes to reliability.
15. Chrysler
Reliability score: 18
Chrysler finishes last when it comes to maintenance and repairs.
The brand — which is owned by automaker Stellantis — is down to just one vehicle, the Chrysler Pacifica minivan. According to Consumer Reports, the model’s plug-in hybrid version is the source of reliability concerns.
Bottom line
It's difficult to save money if you're driving a vehicle that requires constant payment for costly maintenance and repairs.
A smart car owner move is to think twice before purchasing the cars on this list. Even if you get a good deal on the purchase price, those savings can quickly evaporate if you're always running to the nearest mechanic for fixes.
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).
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