Looks and Specs Only Go so Far...
An awesome appearance and great specs will only take you so far when it comes to owning a car. How does it perform? Is it easy to maintain? Unfortunately, a lot of modern motors struggle in that respect. They may seem cool at a glance, but they're actually a nightmare to look after. So on that note, we're going to run through some of those vehicles right here.
Ford Focus
For the longest time, the Ford Focus was a dependable car to own. It looked pretty nice, too! But as the production run went on, this vehicle slowly became a lot less reliable. The more modern versions are plagued with transmission issues — it's often described as a "ticking time bomb." Yikes!
Audi Q3
The Audi Q3 certainly has its fans. Yet even so, it's almost impossible to ignore this car's issues. Owners have raised concerns about malfunctioning electrical systems, dodgy steering, an unreliable start-stop function, and a troublesome engine. Dealing with all that sounds like a bit of a nightmare, right!
2024 Honda Ridgeline
Does the 2024 Honda Ridgeline look the part? Absolutely. But your positive opinion on this vehicle might shift if you decide to buy one! Yep, the Ridgeline is surprisingly poor off-road, and doesn't offer much feature-wise. The infotainment system could certainly be better. And the interior? Oof. It's not great, folks.
Fiat 500L
Interesting appearance aside, the Fiat 500L is a really frustrating motor to own. It has a laundry-list of issues! We're talking a faulty stop-start function, a malfunctioning dashboard, a troublesome infotainment system, and a less than ideal transmission. To call this car unreliable is a big understatement, folks.
BMW X3
Undeniably popular, the BMW X3 ticks a lot of boxes. But make no mistake, folks — reliability is still an issue here. This car has experienced problems with its engine, battery, infotainment system, brakes, and cooling system. It's also noisy on the road and vibrates at times, which isn't ideal.
Ford EcoSport
The Ford EcoSport is a visually pleasing vehicle. But that's about all it has going for it! This motor's known for its problems, leaving owners furious. The electrical systems, the transmission, and the engine are horribly unreliable, while the overall ride quality isn't that great, either. What a disappointment.
Volkswagen Jetta
Looking to buy a Volkswagen Jetta? Well, here's something to keep in mind — it might be wise to avoid the earlier models. You see, those cars were frequently flagged up for having engine and transmission issues. The interior proved problematic, too, thanks to iffy door handles and window regulators.
2024 Chevrolet Colorado
The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado is a real eye-catcher. Good luck missing this beast! But is it a good vehicle to own? That's up for debate. It doesn't make for the most comfortable ride, while the positioning of the steering wheel is a big problem, too. The Colorado's also very loud on the road.
Audi A4
For all the good things about the Audi A4, it can still leave you tearing your hair out at points. The premature wear on the suspension is an issue, as is the carbon buildup in the intake system. On top of that, the automatic gearbox and the infotainment can cause problems as well.
2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB
Looks aside, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB isn't the greatest of vehicles. The interior's both drab and cramped — an unwelcome combo! Plus, the infotainment could be a lot better. It's way clunkier than you'd expect. Would you be able to put up with those glaring issues in the long run?
Mini Cooper S
The Mini Cooper S certainly has that classic "Mini look." But this car isn't without its issues, folks. The high pressure pump and the water pump are both problematic, while other parts of the engine don't stand up to scrutiny, either. So yes, maintaining a Cooper S doesn't come cheap!
MG 3
The MG 3 has excellent handling, a nice interior, and an eye-catching body. It's not perfect, though. The car also has reliability concerns that could leave you in a spot of bother. Its clutch pedal, timing chain, and rear parking sensors are known to be iffy. The overall build quality is a worry, too.
Mitsubishi Shogun Sport
We won't beat around the bush here — the Mitsubishi Shogun Sport is as tough as it looks. It's an extremely durable vehicle that's ideal for off-road adventures. Yet a few other things could annoy you about it. The Shogun Sport doesn't make for a comfortable on-road ride, boasting an engine that lacks efficiency and power.
VW Atlas
The VW Atlas' awesome appearance feels like it's covering over a lot of cracks. This car has several reliability issues that could give you nightmares as an owner. Its engine, fuel system, brakes, electronics, and transmission have all experienced problems. The start-stop function is a concern as well.
2024 Jeep Wrangler
Unless you're going to be spending all your time off-road, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler isn't the greatest of choices. Its on-road performance and handling is pretty lame, it's not particularly practical, and its fuel efficiency could be better. There are reliability issues to contend with, too.
Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mitsubishi Mirage isn't a complete bust. For instance, its fuel efficiency is fantastic and it's pretty spacious. But you can't turn a blind eye to the car's problems, folks! The engine is both underpowered and loud, the interior feels very cheap, and the steering dynamics are off.
2024 Cadillac Escalade
The 2024 Cadillac Escalade is an absolute beast on the road. But this might surprise you — despite the vehicle's hulking size, the interior isn't that spacious. In fact, it's often been described as cramped. Oof. The seats aren't that comfortable, either. Talk about adding insult to injury!
Tesla Model 3
Is the Tesla Model 3 a bad motor? Not at all — it performs like a dream and boasts some excellent tech. Owning one can be very tricky, though. Major software glitches aren't unheard of, while the suspension can show early signs of wear and tear. Repairing a Model 3 doesn't come cheap, either.
Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Land Rover Discovery Sport could easily be called the Discovery Slug instead. Boy, is this vehicle underpowered! The transmission is problematic as well, with several drivers complaining about its response time. There's a real lag in that area. Owning one might give you sleepless nights.
MG ZS
Struggling to tear your eyes away from the MG ZS? We don't blame you — it's a fine-looking car. But this motor has its problems. The suspension, engine, and electrical systems are prone to issues, while the lack of on-board refinement is a big annoyance, too.
Fiat 500
If you want to get your hands on a reliable modern motor, then it might be wise to swerve the Fiat 500. Don't be fooled by that cute exterior, folks — these things can be a nightmare! The battery, the clutch, and the gearbox are just some of the problem areas. Premature rust is also a concern.
Toyota Mirai
The Toyota Mirai certainly has the look down. It's a ridiculously slick car! Mind you, it can also be a real pain to own. Why's that? Well, this vehicle runs off a hydrogen fuel cell system. Not only is that very expensive, but there aren't many hydrogen refueling stations scattered around the country. Most are found in California.
Smart EQ Fortwo
Is the Smart EQ Fortwo fun to drive on city streets? Absolutely. It's got excellent acceleration and doesn't take too long to charge. But we'd be remiss to ignore its issues. This EV has awful range, a harsh suspension, and virtually no interior space. The brake pad wears down quickly as well.
Mini Cooper
Is the Mini Cooper an icon? You bet. But does that make it a fun car to own? Not quite! This motor has its issues, folks. The headlights are lame, the engine's unreliable, and it isn't particularly practical. On top of that, there are additional maintenance concerns, too.
2024 Audi Q5
The 2024 Audi Q5 is a nice motor to look at. But that's about it! If you buy one, you'll quickly notice that the interior is very cramped. Cargo space is at an absolute premium here. Not even the heated steering wheel can make up for that.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer
To call the Jeep Grand Wagoneer huge feels like a major understatement. This thing is absolutely enormous! And boy, is that bad news for your wallet. The Grand Wagoneer guzzles gas very quickly. The miles-per-gallon figures will leave owners tearing their hair out.
Smart EQ Forfour
Much like the Fortwo, the Smart EQ Forfour is also fun to drive around city areas. They share similar problems, though. The Forfour has bad range, limited trunk space, and an iffy suspension. But that's not all. This EV takes an age to charge, too — something that can't be said about the Fortwo.
2024 Tesla Model S
On the outside, the 2024 Tesla Model S looks fantastic. But inside? Yikes! The interior's shockingly dull, with little to get excited about. If that isn't enough, it's also quite cramped. The overall driving experience suffers as a result, and that's not great news for owners.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
What do you get if you buy a Volkswagen Golf GTI? A headache, in all honesty! Yep, this car isn't that fun to own. The interior feels cheap and there's not a great selection of features. The infotainment system is needlessly complex.
Porsche Taycan
If you look past the Porsche Taycan's awesome appearance, you might be shocked by its deficiencies. This EV has a problematic battery that's prone to overheating, limiting its charge. There are software issues and build quality concerns to contend with as well.
Polestar 2
The Polestar 2 has disappointed a lot of people, folks. It's not a great performer, offering an uncomfortable ride to passengers. Reliability is an issue, too — for instance, the infotainment system is known to freeze and glitch. Frustrated owners have our sympathies!
Jaguar F-Type
For a car that looks this good, the Jaguar F-Type deserves so much better. The engine, cooling system, warning lights, infotainment, and other electrical components are pretty unreliable. And you'll need deep pockets to maintain it. The last thing an owner wants to hear, right?
Chevrolet Blazer EV
The Chevrolet Blazer EV is not an owner-friendly car. This thing has so many issues! It's an iffy performer, it has an unreliable infotainment system, and the charging sessions don't always go smoothly. Phantom braking is a problem as well.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
While no doubt stylish, the Jeep Grand Cherokee isn't the easiest motor to own. Issues are known to crop up with the door locks, the infotainment, the power windows, and the air suspension system. The transmission is another area of concern.
Through: AuHaidhausen