8 New Cars Under $50,000 You’ll Probably Regret Buying

Just as financially savvy car owners should search out ways to save money on car insurance, wise car shoppers should strive to find a vehicle that offers them great overall value for their hard-earned money.

And while many consumers look to brand-new vehicles for their high-tech features and low maintenance and repair costs, unfortunately, not all new vehicles are reliable or offer great value.

That's why car shoppers who were looking to maximize their dollars should consider steering clear of these new vehicles in 2025.

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MSRP: $22,495

Reviewers for Edmunds have criticized the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta for being of poor value due to its outdated infotainment system and uninspired interior quality. They also took issue with its lackluster acceleration and confusing touchscreen controls.

This compact sedan has not fared much better with drivers, either, considering that it received a 25/100 reliability score from a Consumer Reports survey.

MSRP: $31,900

According to a survey from Consumer Reports, the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado has a dismal reliability score of just 15 out of 100.

Unsurprisingly, consumers have also filed numerous complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding issues with this midsize pickup truck's powertrain and engine, electrical system, and service brakes.

MSRP: $32,050

The 2025 Nissan Frontier scored a dismal 27/100 on a Consumer Reports reliability survey.

Reviewers for Edmunds found some of this pickup truck's screen menus and controls to be poorly laid out. They also criticized the 2025 Frontier's heavy steering and thought that it lacked rear-seat space compared to the other midsize trucks in its class.

MSRP: $32,690

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler has proven itself to be a notoriously unreliable SUV for consumers. The vehicle received only a 27/100 reliability score from Consumer Reports.

Reviewers for Edmunds also had issues with the SUV's lack of cargo space, excessive wind, tire noise while driving on the highway, and slow, imprecise steering.

MSRP: $39,035

Reviewers for Edumonds stated that this SUV's V6 engine suffers from lackluster acceleration, its interior has a confusing button layout, and that the vehicle offers drivers poor visibility.

As a Jeep, the highlight of the Grand Cherokee L is its off-road capabilities; however, SUV shoppers who simply need a practical daily driver without stellar off-road capabilities would be better off choosing a different SUV in this class, such as the Toyota Grand Highlander or the Hyundai Palisade.

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee L also received a pitiful reliability score from Consumer Reports of just 22/100.

MSRP: $40,050

The 2025 Ford Explorer has proven itself to be an unreliable SUV for consumers. So far, this vehicle has 10 recalls on file with the NHTSA.

These recalls pertain to issues with the SUV's engine and cooling systems, powertrain, and service brakes.

Consumers have also filed numerous complaints with the NHTSA regarding problems with this vehicle's electrical system, powertrain, forward collision avoidance system, and service brakes.

MSRP: $42,850

This luxury sedan scored a pitiful 29/100 in Consumer Reports' reliability survey. Reviewers for Edmunds also criticized the Genesis G70 for having terrible fuel economy, virtually no trunk space, and a cramped back seat.

Additionally, some owners complained on Edmund's review site that these vehicles were of poor manufacturing quality and were unreliable.

MSRP: $45,100

The 2025 Buick Enclave has received complaints from owners for being unreliable and needing repairs even after only driving a couple of thousand miles.

Consumers have also filed various complaints against the 2025 Buick Enclave with the NHTSA over issues with its electrical system, service brakes, and propulsion system.

For many consumers, one of the major reasons to buy a new car is to keep maintenance and repair costs low. Since newer vehicles are less likely to encounter maintenance issues, purchasing one could be a smart money move for car owners.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, the average driver travels around 13,476 miles each year. AAA also states that new vehicle maintenance and repairs come out to an average of $0.10 per mile.

And while that means that new vehicle maintenance comes out to around $1,330 each year, if a new vehicle is unreliable, those costs can easily skyrocket.