8 Worst Used Cars to Buy in 2026

Usually, buying a used vehicle is the smart money move, since new cars depreciate rapidly the second you drive them off the sales lot, and going with a used one can save you significantly.

However, some cars are so difficult to deal with that you want to steer clear of them, even if they're used. You'll probably notice these vehicles show up in droves on the online resale market, so don't be fooled by what looks like a good deal.

Here are 8 of the worst used cars you can buy in 2026.

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Beyond the rushed production schedules of early Teslas, it's never a good idea to buy a used electric vehicle unless it has incredibly low mileage. That's because the car is powered by a battery and motor that will need to be replaced, so the best deal, ironically, is probably to buy it new. Between the quality issues and the costly repairs necessary to keep it running, it's best to stay away.

You'll probably see a lot of these cars floating around because Toyota refuses to give up on its hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. While the concept is cool, some fundamental logistical issues make owning this car a bad idea.

There are only 58 hydrogen fuel cell stations nationwide, and filling up a tank will cost nearly four times what it costs to fill a regular gas car. That's just not practical for just about anyone.

The Jeep brand isn't what it used to be, and it has one of the lowest reliability ratings from Consumer Reports. The Renegade has expensive repair costs and poor gas mileage. Since the car is built on the same platform as the Italian Fiat 500, you'll need hard-to-find European parts for repairs, so it's best to steer clear of it entirely.

While the car is cheap to manufacture and maintain, its overall quality is quite lacking. From the low-quality cabin build to the weak motor, this isn't a vehicle that can stand up to any rigorous driving or acceleration. There are better sub-compact cars out there that get better value.

Ford's first serious attempt to modernize their classic F-150 didn't produce great results. Issues abound from the wonky computer and electronics to the battery and hybrid charging system failing early on. While the idea of a hybrid pickup might seem good on paper, it's not worth the hassle at this point.

While Rivian has recently earned rave reviews, its original models from 2022-2023 are best avoided for now. Owners have complained about countless issues across almost every aspect of the car. The most infuriating aspect is the potential for costly repairs if the vehicle is involved in an accident.

Typical auto mechanics can't repair high-tech electric vehicles, making the cost considerably higher. Rivian also lacks the infrastructure of other big automakers, which compounds the issues.

The latest edition of the classic Chevy SUV has had plenty of issues since undergoing a redesign for the 2021 model year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration went so far as to launch a probe into General Motors over issues with the Tahoe and other vehicles that used the L87 V8 engine.

The 2021 model has been recalled over 16 times, not exactly a good sign when you're looking to buy a used one. Throw in the already-high costs of maintaining a large SUV, and it's best to pass on this one.

With the entire Altima line expected to be phased out in the coming years, it does not make much sense to buy any of them on the used market. Throw in Nissan's financial issues, and the company might not be around in its current form for much longer.

That means it will become significantly more difficult to find parts to repair the car, which will drive up repair costs. It's a negative spiral for the venerable Japanese automaker, but consumers should stay away for now.

Buying a used car can save money, but some vehicles come with reliability headaches, costly repairs, or limited practicality that outweigh the savings. Plus, many of these used car models will cost you more in insurance premiums, which is not the best idea if you're looking to save money on car insurance.

Even three-year-old used cars are selling more slowly in 2025, taking an average of 41 days to move off dealer lots, giving buyers more time to inspect and negotiate. Interestingly, used electric vehicles are selling faster than other types, averaging 34 days on the market. That means you should take your time and do your due diligence when purchasing a used car.