5 Worst Cars To Buy When You Get a New Job
Landing a new job with a salary increase might seem like a ticket to a better lifestyle. But splurging on an expensive car with high maintenance costs can put you in the fast lane for big money headaches and drain your finances.
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While it’s tempting to reward yourself, don’t let the allure of a shiny new vehicle accompanied by major expenses cloud your financial future.
The following list reveals the worst cars, trucks and SUVs to buy when you get a new job. Results were measured on a 1 to 100 reliability scale performed by a Consumer Reports (CR) survey identifying the least reliable vehicles for 2024.
1. Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
The base model of the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid sells for around $55,000 and comes with a V-6 engine and a lithium-ion battery. While it appears to be the ideal family minivan, the Pacifica Hybrid is unreliable and ranked as the lowest in reliability scoring 14 out of 100 reliability points, according to Consumer Reports.
The Pacifica’s main problems happen with electric charging, electronics, the battery pack and its dual electric motors. If you don’t want to break down on your way to your new job or your kid’s soccer game, consider another model.
Learn More: 4 Cars That Cost More Used Than New
2. Volkswagen Taos
While the Taos offers impressive fuel efficiency and a roomy interior, it lags behind in agility, vehicle safety and driving comfort.
Priced from around $25,000 to $35,000, the German auto manufacturer’s smallest SUV was named the second least reliable car for this year by CR with a score of 18. Some major issues with the Taos include transmission, brakes and in-vehicle electronics, all of which can put a damper on everything from driving comfort to safety and functionality.
3. Ford F-150 Hybrid
The 2024 Ford F-150 Hybrid starts at $36,570, boasting a twin-turbo 3.5 V-6 engine, an electric motor and a 400-hp powertrain with a 700-mile tank, making it seem like an all-around great, robust vehicle. However, it ranked as the third-lowest vehicle by Consumer Reports. But why?
This pickup truck is host to a myriad of issues ranging from transmission problems, battery woes, electrical system failures, drive system occurrences and in-vehicle electronic complications.
4. Volvo XC60
Priced between $48,195 and $76,545, this luxury compact SUV lives up to the Volvo brand reputation for safety and is elegantly styled. However, it grabbed the fourth spot for unreliability, scoring 21 out of 100. You can’t argue that the XC60 has an attractive cabin, but it lacks storage space and the clunky infotainment system powered by Google leaves drivers wanting.
In terms of dependability, the XC60 survey reported several problem areas, including battery charging performance, climate control glitches, in-vehicle electronics and electrical component issues. Not a good choice when shopping for a vehicle you can count on.
5. 2024 Rivian R1T
The Rivian all-electric pickup starts at around $72,000. It has outstanding off-road capabilities, including excellent handling in rough terrain, great speed and towing abilities. Compatible with the Tesla charger, this midsize truck has a driving range of just under 300 miles.
But even with these great qualities, it’s not without defects. In fact, it earned the fifth spot on CR’s “top five worst list.” Many owners report charge errors at different voltages. One Reddit user said he had to have it towed in after “four days of ownership.” Another new car owner reported the charge failing “six days after delivery.”
Other flaws of the Rivian R1T include drive system malfunctions, climate control issues and body hardware flaws such as fasteners and underbody panels loosening after heavy impact. The R1T is also a bit behind the times in smartphone compatibility. There’s no Apple Play or Android Auto infotainment system.
Photo is for representational purposes only and may not reflect the exact car listed.
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