9 Affordable Car Brands Whose Engines Won’t Last a Cross-Country Road Trip

There’s the subtle art of car buying where customers try to balance affordability and longevity. It’s a delicate measure between the two, especially if there is a cross-country road trip planned for that vehicle in the near future.

Many times, drivers with families are looking for enough storage and seating, good gas mileage, and a reasonably comfortable ride to make it all the way to their final destination while also saving money . Unfortunately, this means not double checking what’s under the hood to see if the car has the ability to travel coast to coast.

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GOBankingRates reached out to several automotive experts to find the affordable car brands whose engines won’t last a cross-country road trip. Here’s what cars they said you should avoid buying for your next excursion .

Fiat

“Fiat vehicles, like the 500, are known for their fun design but often fall short in engine reliability and durability,” said Shawn Miller, senior writer at Modified Rides .

“Fiats are inexpensive and best for short-distance commutes,” said Melanie Musson, an auto industry expert with CarInsurance.org . “They’re one of the least reliable car brands, and they’re notorious for having issues when driven for a lot of miles. Overheating is one of the most common problems with Fiats when you’re on a road trip.”

Miller also shined a light on the fact that Fiats have frequent issues, including overheating and electrical problems, which are not what you want to be dealing with on your summer vacation.

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Kia

The Kia Rio and Forte are at the top of the list for Ben Michael, the director of auto at Michael & Associates .

“This is because these cars consistently make the list of top most dangerous cars to drive according to death reports,” Michael said. “Though they are pretty standard sedans, they have proven to be less safe than other sedans, and it’s not worth putting your safety at risk.”

And it’s not just when you’re driving that you have to worry about these cars. “They have also proven to be some of the easiest cars to steal,” Michael said. “On top of that, their engines aren’t as well-equipped to handle cross-country road trips as most other comparably-affordable cars.”

“Kia’s recent models are much more reliable, but older versions might not withstand the rigors of a long road trip,” said David Max, a professional auto locksmith with Car Key Leicester , who recommended opting for a post-2015 model if possible.

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Ram

Ram trucks are unlikely to give you any problems on long road trips during the first five years of ownership, according to Musson. “After that, many Ram components reach their lifespan and start failing,” Musson said. “You could have problems with U-joints, leaf springs, transmission, air conditioning and electrical components.”

Mitsubishi

According to Miller, Mitsubishi’s “affordable models like the Mirage have been criticized for their underpowered engines and frequent mechanical issues, making long trips a gamble.”

It’s best not to opt for this brand of car at all and find a model with an engine that can withstand all the mileage you plan to rack up.

Rivian

“Electric vehicles haven’t been around as long as gas-powered cars, and while they have a promising future, you might not want to take a Rivian on a long road trip,” Musson said.

There are a few reasons for this, according to Musson. “First of all, charging infrastructure could be problematic, depending on where you want to go,” she explained. “Second, Rivian is one of the least reliable EVs, and finding an EV mechanic on the road can be impossible.”

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Chevrolet

Most notably, the Chevrolet Spark, which does not do so great in terms of performance out on the highways and backroads, is best avoided for long road trips.

“Chevrolet compacts are great for everyday driving, but their engines might struggle with the demands of a long road trip, leading to potential breakdowns,” Max said.

“The Chevrolet Spark is budget-friendly but often cited for engine and transmission problems,” Miller explained. “It’s better suited for city driving rather than long hauls.”

Nissan

Nissan has an impressive track record, just not when it comes to cars like the Versa, which is not optimal for cross-country driving.

“The Versa is economical, but its engine performance and overall build quality can be questionable,” Miller said. “It has a history of CVT transmission failures, which can be problematic on extended trips.”

“Nissan offers a range of vehicles, but some models are better suited for short distances,” Max said. He also suggested car buyers research and choose wisely if considering a Nissan for their trip.

Dodge

While you might be having some wanderlust to go on a journey, the Dodge Journey would be a nightmare to handle on the road. “The Journey’s outdated design and frequent reports of engine troubles and breakdowns make it less reliable for cross-country adventures,” Miller said.

“Dodge is better known for its larger, more powerful vehicles,” Max said. “Smaller models like the Dart may not be the best choice for a journey that covers thousands of miles.”

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Jeep

“Jeeps are an American classic, but they’re prone to suspension issues on long trips. They also have problems with fluid leaks, which can put a stop to a road trip in a hurry,” Musson said.

And Jeeps’ problems aren’t isolated to fluid leaks. “Engine issues aren’t common, but there is a higher chance with a Jeep than with other vehicles, and having those problems on the road can ruin a trip,” Musson explained.

“These brands offer budget-friendly options, but their engines and overall reliability may not withstand the demands of a long road trip,” Miller said. “Always consider a thorough inspection and research before embarking on such journeys with these vehicles.”

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 9 Affordable Car Brands Whose Engines Won’t Last a Cross-Country Road Trip