There’s something for almost anyone in the current 2025 car market, whether you want a fuel-efficient hybrid or a full-size pickup truck. However, there are a few models and brands that car experts recommend you avoid.
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Auto expert, Chris Pyle advised staying away from electric car manufacturers with a smaller footprint than Tesla. “It is tough to find a place to service them when repairs are needed,” Pyle wrote. “They are often more expensive. [And] the insurance is crazy high.”
In addition to that warning, here are seven cars Pyle and other auto experts say to avoid buying for the rest of 2025.
Nissan Frontier
- MSRP: $33,560 to $47,120
The Nissan Frontier is a midsize pickup truck with standard V6 power. It also has a choice of cabin — Frontier King Cab or Frontier Crew Cab — and bed lengths. However, when it comes to car buying, it doesn’t make the top of some experts’ lists.
“The 2025 Nissan Frontier raises red flags due to recurring issues with the transmission and electrical accessories,” explained Andrew Franks, an expert in automotive and finance and the co-founder of Claimsline, a car accident management company. “These transmission issues can make driving somewhat uncomfortable, and even lead to near-sighted problems, as well as costly repairs.”
Jeep Grand Cherokee L
- MSRP: $41,030 to $67,035
The Jeep Grand Cherokee L, a larger version of the popular Grand Cherokee, is a midsize SUV that comes with a third-row seat. However, like many Jeep models, it comes with some lower reliability ratings.
“Setbacks in the suspension mechanics, the operating systems, the electronics in the vehicle and other components can give rise to many problems,” Franks wrote. “If I may add, issues with the body frame and disturbing sounds and loss of liquids can complicate things further for the owners with high maintenance costs.”
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Land Rover Discovery
- MSRP: $62,050 to $81,650
The Land Rover Discovery is a luxurious off-roader with third-row seating. It has a high-tech interior and rugged capabilities. However, the 2025 model has problems that may require frequent trips to the mechanic, and even Car and Driver rates it a 6.5/10.
“The Land Rover Discovery keeps on having issues both mechanically and electrically that are way too serious to overlook,” Franks pointed out. “While Land Rovers are often considered luxurious and capable of going off-road, unfortunately, they have a reputation of being unreliable.”
Pyle also pointed out that anything with Land Rover branding adds much more expense when it comes to doing normal maintenance on it, and when they break, the repair bills can be quite expensive as well.
Volvo XC90 Hybrid
- MSRP: $73,195 to $81,995
This midsize luxury crossover still has the same design as the previous ten model years, but it got a bit of a refresh at the beginning of 2025. Franks noted the model has been awarded for its style and features, but there are some issues relating to mechanical and electrical reliability.
“Being able to deliver a consistent performance is, for many, very important, and in this, the XC90 Hybrid has not been faring well,” he claimed.
Ford F-150 Lightning
- MSRP: $51,975 to $87,190
The fully electric, full-size Ford Lightning hasn’t been a favorite — the 2025 model is no different.
“The Lightning is not a consumer favorite, so much so that Ford is taking almost two months off from manufacturing the Lightning,” wrote Melanie Musson, an auto industry expert with CarInsurance.org.
“If you’re in the market for a truck for practical reasons, you need a gas- or diesel-powered model because it will perform as expected,” Musson explained. “However, if you’re in the market for a truck because you like the way it looks, you could be happy with a Lightning.”
Jeep Wrangler
- MSRP: $34,090 to $101,990
The biggest change for the 2025 Jeep Wrangler is that power windows and door locks come standard on the base Sport trim. This vehicle, which Car and Driver rates 7.5/10, is popular, but Musson pointed out it’s also notoriously unreliable.
“Although designed for off-road use, the components that make the vehicle tough and able to handle off-road conditions are prone to breakdown, and cost a lot to repair,” she explained.
Chrysler Pacifica
- MSRP: $44,445 to $61,780
Experts recommend staying away from both the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica and the hybrid alternative.
“The Pacifica Hybrid is getting more expensive in 2025 without receiving a significant update to eliminate the issues owners have faced over the past few years,” Musson wrote. “It essentially has two systems: a traditional gas-powered engine and an electric motor. That means there are more things that have the potential to go wrong, and they do.”
Pyle also noted that the Chrysler Pacific is prone to premature engine internal failures. This is when the engine experiences significant internal damage and malfunctions much earlier than expected.
Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m a Mechanic: 7 Car Models To Avoid Buying This Year
