While some car makes and models can last 400,000 or 500,000 miles, others might become money pits on four wheels as the odometer approaches 100,000 miles. Here are 15 examples.
BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is a luxury car brand known for its premium creature comforts, performance-oriented driving style, and build quality. But don’t expect anything but wallet-draining repairs after the 100,000-mile mark. Engine, electrical, and coolant leaks are among the flaws that might leave you with a case of buyer’s remorse.
Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima is a midsize sedan widely known for its strong list of safety features and comfortable interior. However, the Nissan Altima’s Achilles heel is the continuously variable transmission (CVT). If you’re looking for a used vehicle, avoid an Altima with a CVT.
Land Rover Discover
Land Rover Discovery SUVs are off-road capable, luxurious, and loaded with high-tech features. But there’s a reason some people joke that Land Rover has been turning regular, ordinary folks into DIY mechanics for decades. The problems start to grow as the SUV nears 100,000 miles.
Fiat 500
The Fiat 500 is a small car offering a quirky style and responsive handling. But its charm might not be enough to overcome its shortcomings as the odometer reaches 100,000 miles. Fuel leaks, poor brake performance, faulty seatbelts, electronic power steering issues, and oil leaks are common.
Ford Fiesta
The Ford Fiesta is known for its fuel economy and smooth handling – but there are also some cons. Electrical and transmission problems can rear their ugly heads as the car nears the six-figure mark on the odometer.
Chevrolet Cobalt
While some of the more recent model years have been kinder to Chevrolet Cobalt owners, you’ll want to avoid some earlier model years. Owners complain about fuel system and steering issues. So, while gas mileage is good, the seats are comfortable, and the sound system is pleasing to the ears, your wallet will get thinner as the miles accumulate.
Volkswagen Tiguan
RepairPal.com gives the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan a 3.0/5.0 reliability rating, putting it dead last out of 26 compact SUVs. However, the problem with earlier models is that the Tiguan usually develops severe transmission problems after reaching the 100,000-mile mark.
Chrysler 200
A midsize sedan that’s good on fuel, the Chrysler 200 may start to fall apart as it approaches the 100,000-mile mark. Problem areas include the transmission, the electrical system, and the engine.
Jeep Wrangler
When it comes to rugged off-roading SUVs, you have to put Jeep Wrangler on the list. They’re a favorite among enthusiasts for a reason. It’s just that the iconic off-roader can experience some expensive issues after 100,000 miles, such as with the suspension or steering.
Chevrolet Impala
Another vehicle that will give you nothing but trouble after the 100,000-mile benchmark is the Chevrolet Impala. Problems include transmission failure, excessive oil consumption, heater issues, power lock malfunction, and more.
Mini Cooper
MINI USA started selling vehicles on U.S. soil in 2002. The brand has a rich history — much of which is good. Mini Coopers offer a compact size, responsive engines, and a low center of gravity. However, as the odometer gets closer to the 100,000-mile mark, these vehicles also have a way of falling apart due to oil leaks, electrical issues, and other problems.
Tesla Model S
Don’t sleep on the Tesla Model S. It’s an important part of automotive history as far as electric vehicles are concerned with its leading-edge tech and strong acceleration. But you’ll need a new battery when the odometer nears 100,000 miles. And that’ll cost an arm and a leg.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is one of the most popular SUVs of all time. It helped define and revolutionize the space. And while they’re great vehicles for the most part, many don’t hold up well as the mileage on the odometer continues to climb toward the six-figure mark. Specific problems include transmission issues and engine concerns — which can cost thousands to fix.
Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevrolet Colorado is a mid-size pickup truck—one of the most popular models in the segment. But hold your horses if you’re thinking about buying a used one. Earlier model years experienced faulty fuel level sensors, engine stalling, braking issues, and power steering failure.
Chevrolet Cruze
Unfortunately, Chevrolet has another entry on this list…this time, it’s the Chevrolet Cruze. Problems include premature transmission failure, engine malfunctions, and electrical issues.
Be Wary About What You Buy New or Used
Most drivers would avoid a vehicle that they know would give them problems after 100,000 miles. While rigorous maintenance might help you prevent or delay some issues, sometimes the problems have little to do with how often you take the car in for service.
Whether you buy new or used cars, consider how long they’ll afford reliable service.
Look Elsewhere if You Want a Car That Won’t Drain Your Bank Account
Spending tens of thousands for a vehicle is one thing — but forking over a ton of money on maintenance and repairs is another. That’s especially true if you have a make and model known for being unreliable. Conduct research before buying. That can spare you from dealing with a 100,000-mile basket case on four tires.
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