The 10 Car Brands Owners Most Regret Buying

Buying a new car should be a source of excitement—but for some drivers, the joy of the ride quickly turns into disappointment. A new survey reveals which car brands most often leave their owners wishing they had chosen differently. From technical issues to poor resale value, here’s the list of the ten car brands most commonly regretted by their buyers.

Mazda – 61% would buy again

Mazda makes fun and well-designed cars, but some owners feel they lack the comfort and quality offered by competitors. Additionally, certain Mazda models have experienced rust issues and declining engine performance over time.

Acura – 61% would buy again

Acura, Honda’s luxury division, hasn’t managed to impress all owners. Many report that the brand falls short in terms of driving dynamics and tech features, with maintenance costs also proving to be higher than expected.

Audi – 60% would buy again

Despite its strong premium image, some Audi owners have dealt with costly repairs, technical glitches, and unstable software. Many models come loaded with advanced tech that doesn’t always function flawlessly.

Buick – 59% would buy again

Buick carries an older brand image, and while its comfort is often praised, many owners don’t find the vehicles worth a second purchase. Reliability has been inconsistent, and driving dynamics often lag behind competitors.

Ram – 56% would buy again

Ram trucks are a popular choice in the U.S., but high running costs, expensive parts, and mechanical issues have made many owners hesitant to buy another. Transmission problems, in particular, are a recurring complaint.

Chrysler – 55% would buy again

Chrysler has a reputation for building spacious vehicles, but issues with reliability, high fuel consumption, and poor build quality have led over half of its owners to regret their decision.

Nissan – 54% would buy again

Nissan has long been a popular choice, but some owners experience issues with reliability and resale value, leading them to explore other brands. Models like the Leaf have been criticized for limited range and battery degradation.

Volkswagen – 54% would buy again

Volkswagen has struggled with software problems and quality concerns in recent years, resulting in many owners deciding not to repeat their purchase. The ID series in particular has faced issues with electronics and software updates.

Mercedes – 53% would buy again

Despite its luxury image, Mercedes disappoints some owners with high maintenance costs and expensive repairs. Several models also face challenges with complex tech systems that don’t always work smoothly.

Jeep – 51% would buy again

Jeep is known for its off-road capability, but that doesn’t seem to be enough for many owners. A lack of reliability, high operating costs, and a generally disappointing on-road driving experience leave many saying they wouldn’t buy a Jeep again.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.