Let’s face it: the journey of vehicle ownership is rarely a perfectly smooth ride. While the allure of a new (or new-to-you) SUV can be powerful, promising adventure, utility, and comfort, the reality often diverges. It’s a common tale among drivers, particularly as we age and our priorities shift towards reliability, manageable costs, and overall peace of mind.
Indeed, as many seasoned drivers can attest, buyer’s remorse is a very real phenomenon in the automotive world. You might make a decision based on initial impressions, only to find that over time, the vehicle reveals a host of issues that make you question your choice. This isn’t about mere buyer’s regret; it’s about a deep-seated wish to undo a significant purchase, especially when that purchase begins to burn through savings faster than anticipated, as certified financial planner Taylor Kovar aptly notes regarding the hidden costs of dream rides.
Our mission at MotorTrend has always been to arm you with the most authoritative and expert-driven insights, helping you navigate the complex landscape of automotive choices. In this in-depth analysis, we’re spotlighting nine SUVs that, according to experts and real-world owner experiences, frequently lead to a profound sense of regret. These aren’t just vehicles that missed the mark; they are models that have proven to be financial drains, mechanical headaches, or simply poor fits for the practical demands of everyday life, causing owners to wish they could ditch them in a second.
1. Nissan Armada
The Nissan Armada often presents itself as an attractive, full-size SUV solution, boasting an imposing presence and considerable interior volume. However, as Chris Pyle, an auto expert with JustAnswer, points out, its appeal can quickly diminish for owners, particularly for those approaching or in retirement. The primary critique often centers on the interior design, which, despite the ample physical space, manages to feel poorly utilized and less spacious than its dimensions suggest, leading to a frustrating user experience.
This inefficient layout means that practical aspects like cargo management, passenger comfort on long journeys, or even simple ingress and egress can become unexpectedly cumbersome. For families or individuals who genuinely need a large SUV for its utility, this design flaw negates much of the vehicle’s inherent advantage. What appears to be generous cabin space on paper translates into an awkward, less functional environment in real-world scenarios, directly impacting the vehicle’s versatility and owner satisfaction.
Beyond the ergonomic missteps, the Nissan Armada also suffers from less-than-stellar fuel efficiency. In an era where fuel costs are a significant consideration for any budget, and especially for retirees on fixed incomes, this becomes a critical factor. The robust engine, while capable, demands a considerable appetite for fuel, translating into higher operating costs over the vehicle’s lifespan. This aligns precisely with Kovar’s observation about vehicles that “burn through savings faster than they’re burning gas,” turning a supposed dream ride into a financial burden.
Ultimately, the combination of a disappointing interior experience—where volume doesn’t equate to usability—and burdensome fuel costs makes the Nissan Armada a frequent contender on lists of regrettable SUV purchases. Owners often find that the initial allure of a large, capable SUV is overshadowed by the daily frustrations and the ongoing financial drain, leading many to wish they had opted for a more thoughtfully designed and economical alternative. It’s a prime example of how superficial appeal can mask fundamental shortcomings that only become apparent with sustained ownership.
Car Model Information: 2011 Nissan Armada SV
Caption: 2023 Nissan Armada
Manufacturer: Nissan
Aka: Nissan Patrol
Production: 2003–present
ModelYears: 2004–present
Class: Full-size,sport utility vehicle
BodyStyle: SUV
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Categories: 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, All articles with unsourced statements
Summary: The Nissan Armada (originally badged as the Nissan Pathfinder Armada) is a full-size SUV manufactured by Nissan for the North American market, since 2003 for the 2004 model year.
From 2003 to 2015, the first-generation Armada was assembled in Canton, Mississippi based on the Nissan Titan. From mid-2016 onwards, the second-generation Armada is built in Yukuhashi, Kyushu, Japan. It shares the same platform as the Nissan Patrol, with American-specific modifications, and went on sale in mid-2016 as a 2017 model. A luxury version of the Armada has been sold as the Infiniti QX80 (originally QX56).
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Brand: Nissan Model: Armada
Price: $8,985 Mileage: 149,775 mi.
Read more about: Beyond the Luster: 15 Luxury Cars That Dazzle Visually But Disappoint Behind the Wheel, According to Owners and Experts
2. GMC Yukon
The GMC Yukon has historically been a popular choice for those seeking a large, capable SUV with a commanding road presence. However, for a segment of buyers, particularly those looking ahead to retirement or valuing long-term financial prudence, it often emerges as a significant source of regret. Chris Pyle, an automotive expert, highlights several key areas where the Yukon can fall short of expectations, starting with its premium price tag that makes it “a more expensive option” right off the dealership lot.
This higher initial investment is just the beginning of its financial demands. Compounding the issue, the GMC Yukon can experience rapid depreciation, meaning its resale value plummets quickly after purchase. For owners who anticipate trading in or selling their vehicle after a few years, this translates into a substantial loss of equity. This depreciation curve makes it a less-than-ideal asset for those focused on preserving wealth or making a sound long-term investment, turning what seemed like a status symbol into a depreciating liability.
Furthermore, the operational costs associated with owning a GMC Yukon can be surprisingly steep. Pyle notes that it “can be pretty expensive to insure,” adding another significant recurring expense to the owner’s budget. This, coupled with its often-subpar fuel efficiency, creates a perfect storm for accumulating costs. The continuous need to fill a large tank, combined with high insurance premiums and potential maintenance expenses, can quickly erode the financial comfort of any owner, echoing Kovar’s warning about vehicles becoming “expensive driveway ornaments” due to their running costs.
Considering these factors—the high purchase price, rapid value depreciation, steep insurance rates, and poor fuel economy—it becomes clear why many drivers, particularly retirees, express regret over acquiring a GMC Yukon. The dream of a spacious, powerful SUV can quickly be overshadowed by the fiscal reality, making it a vehicle that demands a constant flow of funds. Its blend of high entry cost and ongoing operational expenses positions it as an SUV that many owners would gladly swap for a more economical and financially sustainable alternative.
Car Model Information: 2021 GMC Yukon Denali
Name: Chevrolet Tahoe,GMC Yukon
Manufacturer: General Motors
Production: 1991–present (Yukon),1994–present (Tahoe)
Class: Full-size SUV
Related: Cadillac Escalade,Chevrolet Suburban,Chevrolet Silverado,Hummer H2
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
Predecessor: Chevrolet K5 Blazer
Caption: 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe RST (fifth generation)
Categories: 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All articles with unsourced statements
Summary: The Chevrolet Tahoe () is a line of full-size SUVs from Chevrolet marketed since the 1995 model year. Marketed alongside the GMC Yukon for its entire production, the Tahoe is the successor of the Chevrolet K5 Blazer; the Yukon has replaced the full-sized GMC Jimmy. Both trucks derive their nameplates from western North America, with Chevrolet referring to Lake Tahoe; GMC, the Canadian Yukon.
Initially produced as a three-door SUV wagon, a five-door wagon body was introduced for 1995, ultimately replacing the three-door body entirely. The five-door wagon shares its body with the Chevrolet and GMC Suburban (today, GMC Yukon XL) as a shorter-wheelbase variant. Since 1998, the Tahoe has served as the basis of the standard-wheelbase GMC Yukon Denali and Cadillac Escalade luxury SUVs. The Tahoe is sold in North America, parts of Asia such as the Philippines, and the Middle East, plus other countries including Bolivia, Chile, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, and Angola as a left-hand-drive vehicle. The Yukon is only sold in North America and the Middle East.
The Tahoe has regularly been the best-selling full-size SUV in the United States, frequently outselling its competition by two to one.
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Brand: GMC Model: Yukon
Price: $57,999 Mileage: 29,548 mi.
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3. Volkswagen Touareg
The Volkswagen Touareg holds a somewhat unique position in the SUV market, often lauded for its European engineering, refined driving dynamics, and robust build quality. Indeed, Marguerita Cheng, a certified financial planner, recounts how her “clients liked the handling and durability” of the Touareg, suggesting that initial impressions were positive, focusing on the tactile quality of the ride and its perceived robustness. This initial appeal often draws buyers who appreciate a more engaging driving experience and solid construction than some mainstream competitors offer.
However, this initial satisfaction frequently gives way to a deeper sense of regret over time. Despite its positive attributes in handling and durability, Cheng’s clients ultimately “ended up going Lexus for the future because of the technology features and better reliability.” This candid feedback highlights a crucial disconnect: while the Touareg might impress with its immediate driving characteristics, it often falls short in the critical long-term ownership aspects that matter most to discerning drivers and financial planners alike.
The implied shortcomings in “technology features” suggest that the Touareg either lacked intuitive, cutting-edge infotainment and driver-assist systems or that the existing ones proved temperamental. In today’s automotive landscape, where technology plays a pivotal role in safety, convenience, and overall user experience, a vehicle perceived as lagging can quickly become dated and frustrating. Furthermore, the explicit mention of seeking “better reliability” with Lexus points to an underlying pattern of issues, likely involving unexpected repairs or inconsistent performance, that ultimately led to dissatisfaction despite the earlier appreciation for its handling.
This narrative underscores a broader truth in the automotive world: initial impressions of performance and build can be deceiving if long-term reliability and modern technological integration are lacking. The Touareg’s journey from a praised performer to a regretted purchase for these clients serves as a potent reminder that a holistic view of ownership, encompassing both the driving experience and sustained dependability, is paramount. Many drivers find that the cost and inconvenience of persistent issues, or the frustration with outdated tech, eventually outweigh any initial enjoyment, prompting a desire to move on to a more dependable platform.
Car Model Information: 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 V6 TDI
Name: Volkswagen Touareg
Manufacturer: Volkswagen
Production: August 2002 – 2026
ModelYears: 2003–2026
Assembly: unbulleted list
Class: Mid-size,luxury car,crossover SUV
BodyStyle: SUV
Layout: Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Categories: 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All articles containing potentially dated statements, All articles needing additional references
Summary: The Volkswagen Touareg (German pronunciation: [ˈtuːaʁɛk]) is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV produced by Volkswagen since 2002. The vehicle is named after the nomadic Tuareg people, inhabitants of the Saharan interior in North Africa. The Touareg was originally developed with the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7 and as of October 2020, the Touareg was developed with the Audi Q8, the Bentley Bentayga and the Lamborghini Urus, which shares their MLB Evo platform and chassis. The first generation (2002–2010) offered five, six, eight, ten, and twelve-cylinder engine choices.
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Brand: Volkswagen Model: Touareg
Price: $6,999 Mileage: 183,087 mi.
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4. Land Rovers
Land Rovers, with their iconic styling and legendary off-road capabilities, often evoke a sense of adventure, luxury, and prestige. They symbolize a certain aspirational lifestyle, drawing buyers who desire both ruggedness and refinement. Yet, this aspirational quality often clashes sharply with the harsh realities of long-term ownership, making Land Rovers a frequent source of profound regret for many. Marguerita Cheng, a CFP, succinctly captures the core issues, stating that retirees and other clients were “disappointed in their Land Rovers,” pointing to two principal reasons: “High maintenance costs and a lack of reliability.”
These two factors are often the bane of luxury vehicle ownership, but they appear to be particularly pronounced with Land Rovers. The “high maintenance costs” are not merely a consequence of owning a premium vehicle; they often stem from complex engineering, specialized parts, and a need for highly skilled, often dealership-exclusive, technicians. Routine services can be exceptionally expensive, and when unforeseen issues arise—which, unfortunately, is a frequent occurrence—the repair bills can escalate rapidly, turning an elegant SUV into a significant financial drain that far exceeds expectations.
The “lack of reliability” further exacerbates the problem. Owners frequently report a litany of mechanical and electrical gremlins that disrupt daily driving, lead to prolonged downtime, and require repeated, costly trips to the service center. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it undermines the very purpose of a reliable mode of transport. For retirees, who might prioritize dependable transportation for travel or daily errands without unexpected financial shocks, a vehicle with a consistent reputation for unreliability can be particularly distressing, forcing them to reallocate precious savings towards repairs.
The allure of the Land Rover badge, its perceived luxury, and its formidable capabilities often blind buyers to these underlying and pervasive issues. However, once the honeymoon period is over, the relentless cycle of expensive maintenance and frustrating breakdowns becomes the dominant experience. It’s a classic case where the emotional appeal of a brand is ultimately eroded by the practical realities of ownership, leading many to wish they had chosen a vehicle that offers a more consistent, less financially taxing, and truly dependable experience.
Car Model Information: 2023 Chrysler 300 S
Name: Opportunity
Insignia: Nasa mer daffy.png
InsigniaCaption: Duck Dodgers
MissionType: Mars rover
Operator: NASA
Website: [object Object]
CosparId: 2003-032A
Satcat: 27849
MissionDuration: ubli
DryMass: 185 kg
Power: Solar panel
LaunchDate: Coordinated Universal Time
LaunchRocket: Delta II Heavy
LaunchSite: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station,Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Space Launch Complex 17
LaunchContractor: Boeing
LastContact: June 10, 2018
Declared: February 13, 2019
Interplanetary: Infobox spaceflight/IP
Type: rover
Object: Mars
ArrivalDate: Spacecraft Event Time,Timekeeping on Mars
Location: Eagle (Meridiani Planum crater),Meridiani Planum,1.9462|S|354.4734|E|globe:Mars|name=Opportunity rover
Distance: cvt
Programme: Mars Exploration Program
PreviousMission: Spirit (rover)
NextMission: Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter
Programme2: NASA
PreviousMission2: Spirit (rover)
NextMission2: Curiosity (rover)
Categories: 2003 robots, 2004 on Mars, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, All articles with unsourced statements, Articles with short description
Summary: Opportunity, also known as MER-B (Mars Exploration Rover – B) or MER-1, and nicknamed Oppy, is a robotic rover that was active on Mars from 2004 until 2018. Opportunity was operational on Mars for 5111 sols (14 years, 138 days on Earth). Launched on July 7, 2003, as part of NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover program, it landed in Meridiani Planum on January 25, 2004, three weeks after its twin, Spirit (MER-A), touched down on the other side of the planet. With a planned 90-sol duration of activity (slightly less than 92.5 Earth days), Spirit functioned until it got stuck in 2009 and ceased communications in 2010, while Opportunity was able to stay operational for 5111 sols after landing, maintaining its power and key systems through continual recharging of its batteries using solar power, and hibernating during events such as dust storms to save power. This careful operation allowed Opportunity to operate for 57 times its designed lifespan, exceeding the initial plan by 14 years, 47 days (in Earth time). By June 10, 2018, when it last contacted NASA, the rover had traveled a distance of 45.16 kilometers (28.06 miles).
Mission highlights included the initial 90-sol mission, finding meteorites such as Heat Shield Rock (Meridiani Planum meteorite), and over two years of exploring and studying Victoria crater. The rover survived moderate dust storms and in 2011 reached Endeavour crater, which has been considered as a “second landing site”. The Opportunity mission is considered one of NASA’s most successful ventures.
Due to the planetary 2018 dust storm on Mars, Opportunity ceased communications on June 10 and entered hibernation on June 12, 2018. It was hoped it would reboot once the weather cleared, but it did not, suggesting either a catastrophic failure or that a layer of dust had covered its solar panels. NASA hoped to re-establish contact with the rover, citing a recurring windy period which was forecast for November 2018 to January 2019, that could potentially clean off its solar panels. On February 13, 2019, NASA officials declared that the Opportunity mission was complete, after the spacecraft had failed to respond to over 1,000 signals sent since August 2018.
Get more information about: Opportunity (rover)
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Brand: Land Rover Model: Land Rover
Price: $28,873 Mileage: 19,889 mi.
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5. Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser stands as an icon in the SUV world, revered globally for its unparalleled durability, legendary off-road prowess, and robust engineering. For decades, it has been the go-to vehicle for adventurers and those needing uncompromising reliability in the most challenging conditions. However, even legends can come with significant caveats, and for some drivers, particularly retirees or those seeking a more practical daily driver, the Land Cruiser can surprisingly become a source of regret, as noted by financial expert Marguerita Cheng.
Cheng points out that a primary concern for owners is that the Land Cruiser is “a gas guzzler.” While its powerful engine and heavy-duty construction contribute to its rugged capabilities, they also necessitate a substantial fuel intake. In a world where fuel prices are volatile and long-term operating costs are a key consideration, this factor becomes a significant financial burden. For many, especially those who aren’t regularly traversing remote deserts or towing heavy loads, the sheer expense of keeping the tank full quickly overshadows its potential for extreme adventure, turning everyday commutes into costly expeditions.
Beyond its thirst for fuel, the Land Cruiser is also described as “difficult to handle.” This characteristic stems from its large physical dimensions, heavy curb weight, and robust, truck-like chassis. While these attributes are beneficial for stability and durability in off-road scenarios, they make for a less agile and more demanding driving experience in urban environments or during routine daily use. Parking can be a chore, maneuvering through tight spaces can be challenging, and the sheer effort required for daily driving can be fatiguing, particularly for drivers who prioritize ease of use and nimble handling.
Therefore, while the Land Cruiser undeniably offers exceptional capabilities, these come at a cost that extends beyond the sticker price. For many drivers, the trade-off between its legendary durability and its practical drawbacks—specifically, its significant fuel consumption and cumbersome handling characteristics—becomes too great. This disconnect between its intended purpose as an extreme utility vehicle and its role as a daily family hauler or retirement cruiser leads to regret, prompting owners to seek out SUVs that offer a more balanced and economically sensible approach to everyday driving needs.
Delving Deeper into Four More SUVs That Drivers Would Ditch, Exploring Their Chronic Issues and Long-Term Ownership Disappointments
Our journey through vehicles that often disappoint continues, moving from initial impressions to the chronic issues that truly test an owner’s patience and wallet. While the first five SUVs highlighted some common pitfalls, these next four models delve deeper into the systemic problems that make drivers genuinely regret their purchase decisions. We’ll explore how enticing aesthetics and brand promises frequently unravel into a frustrating reality of mechanical failures, high costs, and a general lack of dependability, turning a prospective dream ride into a significant source of automotive anguish.
Car Model Information: 2023 Chrysler 300 S
Name: Toyota Land Cruiser
Caption: 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser ZX (VJA300, Colombia)
Manufacturer: Toyota
Production: 1951–present
Class: unbulleted list
Layout: Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Categories: 1960s cars, 1970s cars, 1980s cars, 1990s cars, 2000s cars
Summary: The Toyota Land Cruiser (Japanese: トヨタ・ランドクルーザー, Hepburn: Toyota Rando-Kurūzā), also sometimes spelt as LandCruiser, is a series of four-wheel drive vehicles produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. It is Toyota’s longest running series of models. As of 2019, the sales of the Land Cruiser totalled more than 10 million units worldwide.
Production of the first generation of the Land Cruiser began in 1951. The Land Cruiser has been produced in convertible, hardtop, station wagon and cab chassis body styles. The Land Cruiser’s reliability and longevity have led to huge popularity, especially in Australia, where it is the best-selling body-on-frame, four-wheel drive vehicle. Toyota also extensively tests the Land Cruiser in the Australian outback – considered to be one of the toughest operating environments in both temperature and terrain. In Japan, the Land Cruiser was once exclusive to Toyota Japanese dealerships called Toyota Store.
Since 1990, the smaller variation of the Land Cruiser has been marketed as the Land Cruiser Prado. Described as a ‘light-duty’ version of the Land Cruiser by Toyota, it features a different design compared to the full-size model and, up until 2023, it remains the only comfort-oriented Land Cruiser available with a short-wheelbase 3-door version.
As of 2023, the full-size Land Cruiser was available in many markets. Exceptions include the United States (since 2021 where the smaller Land Cruiser Prado has been sold under the Land Cruiser name since 2024), Canada (since 1996), Malaysia (which receives the Lexus LX instead), Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Brazil, and most of Europe. In Europe, the only countries where the full-size Land Cruiser is officially sold are Gibraltar, Moldova, Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. The Land Cruiser is hugely popular in the Middle East, Russia, Australia, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, New Caledonia, and Africa. It is used by farmers, the construction industry, non-governmental and humanitarian organizations, the United Nations, national armies (often the pickup version), and irregular armed groups who turn them into “technicals” by mounting machine guns in the rear. In August 2019, cumulative global sales of the Land Cruiser family surpassed 10 million units.
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Brand: Toyota Model: Land Cruiser
Price: $28,873 Mileage: 19,889 mi.
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6. Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass, a compact SUV, often projects an image of adventurous capability in a more manageable package. However, many owners discover that beneath this appealing exterior lies a vehicle plagued with significant issues, so much so that it can quickly become a source of profound exasperation. If the goal is to avoid a constant stream of automotive headaches, the expert consensus leans heavily towards steering clear of this particular SUV across various model years.
One of the most frequently cited problems centers on its transmission systems. Both the continuously variable transmission (CVT) and the 9-speed automatic transmissions in the Jeep Compass are known for exhibiting troublesome behavior. Owners commonly report frustrating symptoms such as herky-jerky shifting, which severely detracts from the driving experience, and in more severe cases, these transmissions can experience catastrophic failure, leading to costly and unexpected repairs.
Beyond its transmission woes, the Jeep Compass often disappoints in other critical areas of vehicle performance. Many drivers complain about poor engine performance, which translates to a less engaging and often underwhelming driving dynamic that struggles to keep up with everyday demands. Adding to the list of grievances are issues like excessive oil consumption, a problem that can lead to unexpected maintenance and potential long-term engine damage if not carefully monitored.
Furthermore, the electrical system in the Jeep Compass has also been a source of significant frustration for owners. Such electrical quirks can manifest in various ways, from minor inconveniences to more serious operational malfunctions that compromise the vehicle’s reliability and safety. These persistent and varied issues ultimately paint a picture of an SUV that, despite its initial compact appeal, frequently fails to deliver on the fundamental promise of dependable and cost-effective transportation.
Car Model Information: 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport
Name: Jeep Compass
Caption: 2019 Jeep Compass
Manufacturer: Jeep
Production: 2006–present
ModelYears: 2007–present
Class: Compact crossover SUV
BodyStyle: SUV
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout
Chassis: Unibody
Categories: 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, Articles with short description
Summary: The Jeep Compass is a compact crossover SUV, introduced in 2006 for the 2007 model year. The first generation Compass and Patriot, its rebadged variant, were among Jeep’s first crossover SUVs. The second-generation Compass debuted in September 2016 in Brazil and at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November 2016, sharing a modified platform with the Renegade. It is positioned between the smaller Renegade and the larger Cherokee globally or the Commander in South America. The third-generation Compass debuted in May 2025, built on the STLA Medium by Stellantis, shared with other PSA Groupe vehicles.
Get more information about: Jeep Compass
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Brand: Jeep Model: Compass
Price: $20,725 Mileage: 111,103 mi.
Read more about: 15 Vehicles Owners Wish They’d Never Bought: Your Essential Guide to Avoiding Automotive Regrets
7. Nissan Pathfinder (2013–2020)
The Nissan Pathfinder, a popular SUV that has carved out a niche in the family hauler segment, is another vehicle that, despite its widespread appeal, frequently leads owners down a path of regret. While it promises versatility and comfort, the reality of long-term ownership reveals a pattern of problems that can severely diminish satisfaction and escalate costs, prompting many to second-guess their initial buying decision.
A primary point of contention for many Nissan Pathfinder owners, particularly within the 2013 to 2020 model years, is the infamous continuously variable transmission (CVT). This transmission, a recurring theme in several regrettable Nissan models, is notorious for a range of issues. Owners often experience rough shifting, disconcerting shuddering during acceleration, and even overheating, which can compromise the vehicle’s performance and reliability, especially under load or during prolonged drives.
To the considerable chagrin of some Nissan Pathfinder owners, these persistent CVT problems can culminate in the need for a complete transmission replacement. Such a repair is not only a significant financial burden but also leads to considerable downtime, disrupting daily routines and plans. The high cost and inconvenience associated with these failures frequently outweigh any initial benefits or perceived value of the vehicle, making the Pathfinder a prime candidate for buyer’s remorse.
Beyond the pervasive transmission concerns, the Nissan Pathfinder has also been linked to various engine issues and fuel system problems. These additional mechanical complexities contribute to a broader picture of unreliability, forcing owners into frequent and often expensive trips to the service center. The combination of these chronic mechanical and fuel-related issues transforms what was meant to be a dependable family SUV into a source of constant frustration and unforeseen financial strain for its owners.
Car Model Information: 2023 Nissan Pathfinder SL
Name: Nissan Pathfinder
Caption: 2022 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD (R53, US)
Manufacturer: Nissan
Production: 1985–present
ModelYears: unbulleted list
Layout: unbulleted list
Class: unbulleted list
Chassis: unbulleted list
Predecessor: unbulleted list
Successor: unbulleted list
Categories: 1990s cars, 2000s cars, 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles
Summary: The Nissan Pathfinder is a range of sport utility vehicles manufactured by Nissan since 1985. Until the third-generation model, the Pathfinder is based on Nissan’s compact pickup truck platform which it shares with the Navara/Frontier.
The Pathfinder was marketed as the Nissan Terrano (Japanese: 日産・テラノ, Hepburn: Nissan Terano) outside North America. Beginning in 2004, the vehicles were marketed globally as the Pathfinder.
In 2012, the R52 series Pathfinder was released as a three-row crossover SUV based on the unibody Nissan D platform, moving away from the body-on-frame chassis format. The role of a mid-size body-on-frame SUV in Nissan’s global lineup was passed to the Terra/X-Terra, which was released in 2018 and based on the D23 series Navara.
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Brand: Nissan Model: Pathfinder
Price: $33,900 Mileage: 18,055 mi.
8. Jeep Cherokee (2014–2019)
On the surface, the 2014–2019 Jeep Cherokee often presents itself as a compelling used SUV option, captivating buyers with its rugged styling, the inherent off-road pedigree suggested by the iconic Jeep badge, and a tech-packed interior designed to appeal to modern sensibilities. This initial allure creates an expectation of a versatile and capable vehicle, yet for many, the reality of ownership begins to set in once the initial honeymoon period wears off, revealing a less desirable truth about its long-term viability.
As one of the vehicles categorized as one that owners often wish they’d never touched, the Jeep Cherokee, particularly within these model years, has developed a notorious reputation in the used car market. This reputation is built on a foundation of widespread owner reports detailing a consistent pattern of problems. While initially seeming like a smart purchase, these models have unfortunately become known for the expensive repairs that frequently plague owners, diminishing the vehicle’s perceived value over time.
These pervasive issues contribute significantly to poor resale value, making it a challenging asset for those who might consider trading in or selling after a few years. The financial impact of ongoing repairs, coupled with a depreciating asset, turns the dream of Jeep ownership into a practical nightmare for many. The cumulative effect of these factors translates directly into disappointing reliability, undermining the core expectation of dependable transportation and leading to considerable owner dissatisfaction.
Indeed, vehicles like the 2014–2019 Jeep Cherokee often harbor chronic issues, including transmission failures, engine problems, and various electrical quirks. These persistent mechanical and electronic gremlins can quickly transform what initially appeared to be a budget-friendly used SUV into a significant financial disaster. The constant need for repairs, coupled with the unreliability of the systems, serves as a stark reminder that superficial appeal does not always equate to long-term ownership satisfaction.
Car Model Information: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo
Name: Jeep Cherokee
Caption: Fifth generation (KL)
Manufacturer: Jeep
Aka: Jeep Liberty
ModelYears: unbulleted list
Class: unbulleted list
Layout: unbulleted list
Chassis: unbulleted list
Categories: All-wheel-drive vehicles, Anti-Indigenous racism in the United States, Articles with short description, Compact sport utility vehicles, Crossover sport utility vehicles
Summary: The Jeep Cherokee is a line of sport utility vehicles (SUV) manufactured and marketed by Jeep over six generations. Marketed initially as a variant of the Jeep Wagoneer (SJ), the Cherokee has evolved from a full-size station wagon (before the SUV description came into use) to one of the first compact SUVs and into its latest generation as a crossover SUV.
Named after the Cherokee tribe of Native Americans in the United States, Jeep has used the nameplate in some capacity since late 1973 when American Motors Corporation (AMC) introduced the 1974 model year line.
Production of the Cherokee ended in February 2023. The Cherokee nameplate has since been used by the Grand Cherokee and its extended version, the Grand Cherokee L.
Get more information about: Jeep Cherokee
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Brand: Jeep Model: Cherokee
Price: $9,485 Mileage: 126,077 mi.
9. Dodge Journey (2009–2020)
The Dodge Journey, spanning model years from 2009 to 2020, entered the market as an ostensibly practical and affordable crossover, often appealing to families seeking a versatile and budget-conscious vehicle. Its promise of spaciousness and utilitarian features made it an attractive proposition for many buyers. However, similar to other SUVs that frequently inspire buyer’s remorse, the Journey’s initial appeal often gives way to a litany of mechanical and financial disappointments once the realities of long-term ownership set in.
Much like the Jeep Cherokee from the same problematic category, the Dodge Journey has developed a notorious reputation within the used car world. This widespread notoriety stems from thousands of owner reports highlighting a consistent pattern of expensive repairs. What might seem like an economical purchase upfront can quickly become a significant drain on finances, with unexpected maintenance costs accumulating far faster than anticipated and eroding the perceived savings.
These recurring repair expenses directly contribute to the Journey’s consistently poor resale value. For owners hoping to recover some of their investment, the steep depreciation combined with the cost of ongoing fixes can be particularly frustrating, turning the vehicle into a liability rather than a reliable asset. This financial burden is a key component of the disappointing reliability, as the vehicle consistently fails to live up to the essential expectation of dependable daily transport without constant intervention.
Moreover, the Dodge Journey, typical of many vehicles that fall into this ‘regret’ category, often harbors chronic issues, which frequently include transmission failures, engine problems, and various electrical quirks. These systemic flaws not only lead to inconvenient breakdowns and extended repair times but also escalate operating costs dramatically. What starts as a seemingly sensible purchase for many families ultimately devolves into a source of persistent frustration and significant financial strain, causing many owners to wish they had explored more reliable alternatives.
Avoid These 9 SUVs If You Don’t Want a Case of Buyer’s Remorse
Car Model Information: 2018 Dodge Journey SE
Name: Dodge Journey
Caption: 2012 Dodge Journey
Manufacturer: Dodge
Aka: Fiat Freemont,Dodge JC (Japan),Dodge JCUV (China)
Production: 2008–2020
ModelYears: 2009–2020,2011–2015 (Freemont)
Assembly: Toluca, Mexico
Designer: Ryan Nagode
Class: Mid-size crossover SUV
BodyStyle: SUV
Platform: Mitsubishi GS platform
Related: Chrysler 200,Chrysler Sebring,Dodge Avenger
Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout
Engine: ubl
Transmission: Ultradrive#40TES/41TES
Wheelbase: 2890 mm
Abbr: on
Order: flip
Length: 192.4 in
Width: 72.2 in
Height: 66.6 in
Weight: 3818 lb
Predecessor: Fiat Ulysse,Fiat Croma
Successor: Dodge Journey (2021)
Categories: 2010s cars, 2020s cars, All-wheel-drive vehicles, All articles with dead external links, All articles with unsourced statements
Summary: The Dodge Journey is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Dodge brand for model years 2009 to 2020 over a single generation, with a facelift for the 2011 model year. The Journey was styled by Ryan Nagode, and was marketed globally in both left- and right-hand drive, including as the Fiat Freemont.
Internally identified as the JC49, the Journey shares FCA’s global D-segment platform with the Dodge Avenger and a nearly identical wheelbase to the outgoing short-wheelbase (SWB) Dodge Caravan.
Having debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Journey subsequently appeared at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. All models were manufactured in Mexico at FCA’s Toluca Assembly facility, with just over 1.1 million manufactured before production ended in 2020.
Get more information about: Dodge Journey
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Brand: Dodge Model: Journey
Price: $10,995 Mileage: 134,942 mi.
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