Mechanics Warn Drivers To Stop Buying These 5 Overhyped Car Models
Written by
Josephine Nesbit
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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Some cars get all the attention, but that doesn’t always mean it’s always positive. With an average transaction price for a new car at $49,814 as of November 2025, according to Kelley Blue Book (KBB), you want a vehicle you can rely on. If you’re in the market for a new car, car experts said drivers should steer clear of the overhyped car models below.
Also here is how to make your car last 300,000 miles, according to a mechanic.
Jeep Wrangler
- Starting price: $82,585
“People absolutely love the Jeep Wrangler. It’s iconic. It’s historical. You feel a connection to the America of yesteryear. They’re tough and built to go just about anywhere,” said Melanie Musson, auto industry expert at AutoInsurance.org. “But they’re also problematic.”
The starting price of a Wrangler is $82,585, per Car and Driver. And according to Musson, they have several common issues that she said you can almost plan on dealing with if you keep a Wrangler long enough. “The transmission tends to fail more often than in other vehicles. Steering has been an issue in the past with the infamous ‘death wobble.’ [Plus,] electrical issues plague the brand,” Musson explained.
And Chris Pyle, auto expert with JustAnswer, pointed out that the electric version coming out in 2028 probably won’t be any better.
“Wranglers are known for owners not caring about fuel mileage. Notice the large tires and add-ons that are heavy and not aerodynamic,” Pyle wrote in an email. “Jeeps are made to go off-road, crawling over rocks and going through water. You do not really want to get EVs submerged and all the electronics jiggled.”
Lincoln Navigator and GMC Yukon Denali
- Lincoln Navigator starting price: $91,995
- GMC Yukon Denali starting price: $80,000
“[The Lincoln Navigator and GMC Yukon Denali] are way overpriced, depreciate fast and there is so much space that is rarely ever used,” Pyle explained. The 2026 Lincoln Navigator starts at $91,995, according to Lincoln and the 2026 GMC Yukon Denali starts at $80,000, GMC reported.
“People buy them with big plans of hauling toys behind you and family trips. All to find out 99% of the time, there is just one person in the vehicle,” Pyle added. “You are paying a premium for space that is rarely used.”
Land Rover Range Rover
- Starting price: $113,300
The Land Rover Range Rover is popular among upper-class young drivers, according to Musson. Land Rover USA reported that the 2026 model has a starting price of $113,300.
“It has poor resale value because it depreciates quickly, in part due to its unreliability,” Musson explained. “CVT transmissions, in general, have not proven to be long-lasting, but the one in the Range Rover is even worse than average.”
She also pointed out that the luxury suspension often fails. This can lead to an uncomfortable ride, especially if the failure affects one side.
Ford Lightning
- Starting price: $52,375
“The idea of an EV truck is more pleasant than the reality. If you’re expecting to depend on an EV truck like you do a diesel or gas engine truck, you’re going to be disappointed,” Musson said.
Ford F-150 Lightning prices range from $52,375 to $87,590, according to Car and Driver, which is much higher than the Ford F-150, but its towing capacity definitely falls behind the gas-powered model.
“The Lightning has a lot of power and can be fun to drive, but its frequent issues will likely drive you crazy,” she added. “Electrical problems can range from a whole system breakdown to a malfunctioning tailgate. The suspension isn’t sufficiently robust to handle heavy use and tends to fail.”
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