New report: These are the 10 least reliable cars (2026)

If new report these are is on your radar, this short guide cuts through the noise. Here is what is worth knowing, and how to put it to work today.

Key Takeaways

• When you start thinking about buying a car, there are a lot of things to consider , and getting the best deal isn’t just about the...
• Steps to take before you even start shopping Before you even start shopping for cars, the first thing you need to do is get your financing i...
• Then once you know how much they’ll give you, you have to figure out how much you can actually afford.

When you start thinking about buying a car, there are a lot of things to consider , and getting the best deal isn’t just about the sale cost.

Steps to take before you even start shopping

Before you even start shopping for cars, the first thing you need to do is get your financing in order , credit unions, local banks and online banks are typically where you’ll find the best offers. Then once you know how much they’ll give you, you have to figure out how much you can actually afford. If the monthly payments will be too high, then you need to borrow less and purchase less car.

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One of the biggest factors to consider when you’re buying a car is what the car will cost you to drive it - so all the expenses in addition to the actual sale cost.

This can be tricky since repairs can be unpredictable, which is why you must do some research on any car you consider purchasing. You don’t want to get distracted by the excellent deal you’re getting on a car and then figure out that every single little thing moving forward is going to cost you big bucks to fix and maintain.

Read more: Most reliable car brands

Reliability is a huge factor, because having a reliable vehicle can cut the cost of repairs way down over time. Unexpected car repairs can eat up a big part of you budget, so to keep the costs down, you want to make sure that you’re buying a reliable car!

With that said, below is a list of vehicles that you probably want to avoid buying.

Consumer Reports: The 10 least reliable cars

According to Consumer Reports’ 2016 Annual Auto Survey, here’s a list of the least reliable cars out there.

Fiat 500L

Cost as tested: $24,595 Trouble spots: Slipping or lock-up transmission, power equipment, drive system, in-car electronics

Ford Fiesta

• Cost as tested $16,595-$24,985
• Trouble spots Clutch replacement, rough-shifting or slipping transmission, noises and leaks, power equipment

Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon

• Cost as tested $60,100
• Trouble spots Steering vibrations, power equipment, in-car electronics

Ram 2500

• Trouble spots Steering vibrations, emissions controls and sensors, 4WD components, power equipment

Tesla Model X

• Currently in test.
• Trouble spots Falcon-wing doors, locks and latches, power equipment, in-car electronics, climate system

Chrysler 200

• Cost as tested $25,790-$33,620
• Trouble spots Slipping or lock-up transmission, rough shifting, drive system

Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL

• Cost as tested $69,790
• Trouble spots Slipping or rough-shifting 8-speed transmission, power equipment, in-car electronics, 4WD components

Jeep Renegade

• Cost as tested $27,525
• Trouble spots Drive system, transmission, power equipment, radio

Ford Focus

• Cost as tested $20,485-$40,990
• Trouble spots Clutch replacement, rough-shifting or slipping transmission, driveline vibrations

Cadillac Escalade

• Cost as tested $87,360
• Trouble spots Transmission replacement, rough shifting, 4WD components, power equipment, in-car electronics

Buying a car: A step-by-step guide to everything you need to know

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Final Thoughts

Before you check out, double-check new report these are against current offers and any coupons you can stack. Small habits like this add up to real savings over a year.

Originally published at clark.com.