25 Cars You Should Avoid As A Young Professional
Looking forward to kicking the new year off with a new ride? Join the club. First, you must face the fact that buying a new car is not the easiest thing to do. For some, it might take a few minutes to know what they want. For others, it could take weeks or even months. When some young professionals buy a car, much like many other consumers in the world, they more than likely buy one that takes their lifestyle into account. Not only that, it should drive nicely.
Consumer Reports’ yearly auto statements are helpful, but there is nothing like visiting the car lots to give it a personal try. It is important that you do thorough research so that you can highlight the pros and cons before you buy. Perhaps you are starting a new job and looking for a new car to aid your professional routine. Knowing which cars are a complete waste of time from the beginning will help you make the most informed decision possible. Read on to find out which new cars you should avoid this year at all costs.
25. Lincoln MKX
Ex-customers find it sad to even see this vehicle on the list because some look at the MKX as a family car. This SUV was ideal for some, but Consumer Reports make the point that the My Lincoln Touch system is not easy to use and that the system is not the most reliable. Moreover, consumers do criticize the vehicle, saying that it’s an awkward drive. The list price is $38,260, and the automobile comes with a 2.7L V6 engine that produces 265 hp. However, its motor is known to shut down while driving. With that said, customers also say that the Lincoln MKX has a long way to go before it can be reassessed in line with the luxury SUV group that it fits in. Many feel that this car is just not worth the time or money.
24. Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 sounds good and looks good, but everything that shines ain’t gold. This $45,750 car has astonishing safety rankings. Nonetheless, it is nothing to write home to Momma about. Yes, it is considered a luxury SUV, and yes, it has got the old design that’s not high-quality enough to fit into this group from the start. If you are looking for some competitive edge, you will not find it with the Volvo XC90, especially as far as competing for technology is concerned. It has an inline 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that fires to life with the turn of a knob instead of pressing of a button. However, don’t be fooled. This isn’t much motor when you bear in mind that the XC90 weighs between 4700 and 5300 pounds. Comfort and a smooth ride are its only upside. Cross this one off your list of luxury SUVs and move on to the next.
23. Nissan Armada
This Nissan Armada is a big SUV that costs around $44,900. Yet, it does not get the same status as others like the Escalade, the Yukon or the Suburban. That’s because its fuel economy (13 miles per gallon,) is horrible and if you’re looking for comfort, look again. Also, Consumer Reports makes the point that the vehicle is extremely expensive to support and that it’s not all that dependable. Among competing SUVs, the Nissan Armada is measured to be the worst in terms of cost and reliability, which is why you just do not see that many of them on the highway. The Nissan Armada’s 5.6-liter, 32-valve Endurance V8 whips out 390 horsepower but might disappoint you at the fuel pump. In the city, it only gets 14 mpg, and on the highway, you’ll be fortunate even to get 19 mpg. If you’re young and professional, keep looking.
22. Jeep Compass
Are you into Jeeps? Well, the Jeep Compass may or may not be what you’re seeking to get. The Compass will come with a sole engine choice of a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 180 horsepower and 175 lb-ft of torque which is not bad. It’s only $19,940, but the criticizers are bound to be more dissatisfied since nothing much changed in this new design for 2017. The Jeep Compass has an extremely coarse engine and slothful drive. Some who have given this vehicle a try have said that the car is basic and has nothing worth noticing. In fact, some customers mentioned that they were horrified to even be in the Jeep Compass with hardly anything in it – it has labor-intensive window functions. It also has a cheaper look and feel, which is not always good. If you want to impress your friends and co-workers, this is not the vehicle for you.
21. Ford Edge
The Ford Edge is a crossover SUV that’s thought to be a great fit for someone that is starting a family. The cost is not that bad at only $28,950. With its base engine, the Edge gets 29 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city. However, the ride is not smooth and it drives bumpy. In fact, it’s described as jittery, and the MyFord Touch is hard to handle. It’s been labeled as off-putting and very poorly made. Furthermore, there is an outstanding amount of road noise reported with the Ford Edge. Some mention the noise is not much of a bother, but to others it’s a nuisance. The noise has been a bit of a deal breaker when it comes to this SUV so you’d best look elsewhere if you want a quiet ride.
20. Land Rover Range Rover Evoque
Sure, Land Rovers are impressive at first sight, but one of their luxury SUVs just did not make it up to standard for 2017. The Land Rover Range Rover Evoque is looked at as being one of the most fashionable and wanted SUVs on the road. Lift the hood, you’ll see the SD4’s Ecoboost engine, which produces a 240 hp and 340 lb-ft of torque. Nevertheless, this $42,795 vehicle falls intensely short. As said by Consumer Reports, this model has a choppy ride. Others complain that it makes too much noise, especially in the cabin. Because it’s so noisy it does not make for a pleasant ride, and it also has terrible handling. Briefly, it’s not what you might expect from this vehicle, especially if you are a young professional and paying over $40,000.
19. BMW 7-Series
A little bit on the expensive side, this $81,500 cruiser is not the most sought after car these days. Regrettably, it appears that this year’s BMW 7-Series makes the list as one of the luxury sedans that young professionals should stay far away from. Those that have already taken a cool spin in the vehicle were not happy. Many agree that it was far from a smooth ride. The BMW 7-Series is not as luxurious and as lavish as one would expect, and its size and look make it a car that would turn off most young professionals. It was a type of vehicle that spent more of its time in the shop than it did in people’s garage, which is not the best impression. Its 4.4 and 4.8 liter N62 V8 engines are not the talk of the town. It turns out the engines’ oil seals leak. It appears that this car is not worth the money.
18. Dodge Avenger
The Dodge Avenger is automobile you want to avoid if you’re a young professional at all costs. Speaking of cost, this $20,595 car is inexpensive but its 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine with 173 horsepower is nothing to brag about either, although a 283 hp option is available. There are over 178 reports in 2016 that reported motor failure. Not only is it designed in a way that makes it look uncoordinated, but the layout is also not very functional. It’s the kind of vehicle that needs you to make certain adjustments. For instance, altering your expectations of what a vehicle should consist of. Customers say that the Dodge Avenger does not have much going for it, excluding the fact that it’s a new vehicle and it’s inexpensive. However, its low cost still does not compensate for its shortcomings. If you’re looking for something that looks less awkward, then dodge this one like a bullet.
17. Lincoln MKS
These Lincolns are not as in demand as they use to be. It appears that yet another Lincoln found its way on the list as one of the worst cars to avoid in 2017. Evade this one like the plague. Yes, it’s supposed to be a luxury sedan, but it fails in bringing the smooth ride you want. You might like the price which is $39,010 and its base 3.5L V6 engine with 240 horsepower. As said by Consumer Reports, this car does not feel or look much like a luxury sedan. This is not the best thing considering the idea that many individuals desire to drive a car like the Lincoln MKS for that precise reason only. Lincoln seems determined to shed their “old man” image, but the MKS is not helping their case whatsoever.
16. Ford Taurus
The Ford Taurus struggled during 2016 as does not actually attract a younger market in any way. They cost around $27,345 which is doable and is powered by a 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine. However, some customers find this engine to be a bit overloaded by the car’s mass. It is not the most comfortable car out there. In fact, this sedan is quite large for a young professional. At the same time, the cabin feels small. The Ford Taurus has unyielding infotainment systems and does not work appropriately for drivers to control when riding behind the steering wheel. Furthermore, it appears that the consistency of this automobile is not up to standard, which makes it one to evade at all prices. If you want to feel like you’re driving a police car, you’d be better off opting for the Dodge Charger.
15. Chrysler 200
This specific sedan does not do the best job in offering a young professional the qualities they might love. Yes, it is a business car, and some professionals might be happy that many companies will offer them at a steep markdown from $22,115. Even with a 184-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, it still lacks the refinement of its opponents. The problem with the Chrysler 200 is that those that have had a chance to drive it criticize the car because it is not a good drive. It’s not comfortable either, and it’s not as easy to move as you might imagine with a 4-cylinder engine that produces low horsepower. Despite the fact, the front seats are praised for spacious comfort, but tall passengers might find the rear seats a bit confined.
14. Scion tC
The beauty about this car is that it is sporty. It is inexpensive at $19,385 with a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine producing 179 horsepower. The engine is powerful enough for a bit of fun but overall the car is short on excitement. With that said, would a young professional like it? Probably not since it’s not a professional vehicle. The thing about the Scion tC is that many young people tend to pick it because of its sporty exterior. However, they find that it has a lack of driving pleasure. As said by the Consumer Reports, this vehicle is simply not all that pleasant. The car gives a hard ride and it is not the type of automobile many individuals believe they need once they get behind the wheel. Some discovered that the Scion tC didn’t drive fast enough on hills. Others claimed on turns and curves that it drives poorly. All these reasons are more are who the Scion brand failed and the tC was discontinued for 2017.
13. Lexus IS
In terms of extravagance automobiles, this is a small one in size but slightly larger in price around $37,825. The Lexus IS does not live up to the hype, especially for a young professional. Its horsepower ranges from 241 to 306. The engine is supposed to offer superior smoothness and receptiveness, however there are claims that at times it does not pack a punch. This car is nowhere near as lavish as it should be, it’s not as powerful as it needs to be and it’s not as easy to drive. This luxury sports car falls very short in terms of luxury sedans, and it seems that many people would agree with that sentiment if they were given a chance to drive this vehicle. All in all, the Lexus IS is not the best pick for 2017.
12. Dodge Dart
Some might say, never drive a Dodge, and it appears that loads of these are just piling up on the list for 2017. It’s not very sophisticated, especially for a young professional. However, it is low-priced at around $16,995. This car packs up to 36 highway mpg with its 2.0L Tigershark engine. It doesn’t do well on the freeway. It lacks power and gives fragile acceleration. The Dodge Dart is more exclusive than other cars in the compact group, and it offers much less room. Most would say that it is not the type of car you want to drive if you are looking for anything other than the utterly basic. As a young professional, this car might not be your cup of tea but then again, if you’re looking for something cheap and different then you could give it a go.
11. Honda Crosstour
This wagon is not one that a young professional will want to call their own. The price ranges from $16,461-$26,585 and even though that’s fairly low, it’s not the easiest car to drive. The Honda Crosstour doesn’t come with a simple operating system. In the eyes of most individuals, this car is an attractive automobile but that is as far as it goes. Then again, some drivers may desire a more thrilling design. Young professional drivers who are looking for an ultra-sporty crossover SUV must look elsewhere. Even though the Crosstour handles great on the highway, its changing aspects do not liken it to a sports sedan. The Honda Crosstour proposes a pick of two engines — a 3.5-liter V6 with 278 hp or a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 192 horsepower. However, the smaller engine has known to have spark plug misfirings and excessive oil consumption.
10. Chevrolet Spark
If you are not into subcompact cars, then the Chevrolet Spark may not be what you want. Yes, it’s a $13,000 subcompact vehicle with a 1.4L 4-cylinder, and everyone can tell that they’re not exactly lavish. Nevertheless, the Spark doesn’t quite make up for that in any other area. It’s not easy on the gas tank with a range of only 250-300 miles, plus the engine vibrates excessively. This car is missing that smooth drive that you might be looking to get and then some. If you are looking for something big, this is not it, simply because it’s minuscule. Last but least, the engine is fragile, and that makes it almost dangerous to drive around for anyone.
9. Jeep Patriot
Maybe you are a Jeep guy or gal or maybe not. Either way, there are many Jeeps on this list since they’re just not the best cars for young professionals. The Jeep Patriot is only $18,040 but it does not feature many updates from the earlier year’s model. The Patriot proposes an effective 158-hp 2.0L DOHC 16V four-cylinder engine efficient for delivering a strong 141 lb-ft of torque. Nevertheless, some reviewers are bothered that Jeep Patriot is not keeping up with the rivalry and that the Patriot may be missing some major technological updates going forward. The fact that there is limited space might be a huge turn-off to young professionals. It’s okay to drive, but then again the Jeep is nothing to brag about.
8. Jeep Cherokee
Yet another Jeep has landed on the list for 2017, even at the fair price of $23,595; it’s obvious to see that this company is not working overtime to make sure that their automobiles are notable. Yes, it has an optional 4.0L 242 hp V6 engine, but it is known to have engine oil leaks that come from the valve cover gasket. This vehicle is dull in a lot of ways. The Jeep Cherokee has an underpowered base engine, so that’s nothing to boast about. It also has poor fuel-efficiency, and it lacks a more advanced nature as other vehicles. Overall, it’s an inexpensive car that feels and looks just as cheap as you could anticipate from a car with nothing to offer a young professional.
7. Alfa Romeo Giulia
With 280 to 505 horsepower, this is not a bad car. However, it is too bad this had to be included it on the list because it looks amazing and performs well. Its 2.0L 4-cylinder engine is quite powerful. Nevertheless, pre-production instances of Alfa Romeo’s grand return to the American marketplace have been attacked by the automotive media for quality control problems, causing a PR catastrophe for FCA, the parent company. Some are still holding out hope that the Alfa Romeo Giulia will be able to work out the issues before then. With that said, if you’re a young professional, you might want to wait another year before you pick this $37,995 vehicle.
6. Mitsubishi Outlander
Starting off at $23,495, this vehicle is still not a refined ride for a young professional. It’s rough and clumsy, it’s rigid, and the inside looks like it came with a $15 budget. The Mitsubishi Outlander has an optional 224-hp 3.0-liter V-6 engine. Plus, an all-wheel drive system and a paddle-shifted six-speed automatic transmission. However, both engines are defied by the Outlander’s weight—particularly the four-cylinder with all-wheel drive. When all said and done, this is not the car that you want to buy in 2017, especially if you are a young professional. Skip it and look for something a little more appealing, comfortable and something that you would want to call your own. Reviewers that have bought the car have even expressed dissatisfaction with the engines. Customers say that it has a sluggish acceleration and the fact overall, it’s just not a powerful car.
5. Dodge Journey
The Dodge Journey is a crossover SUV that does not have much to offer. Even though it’s a $21,145 car. believe it or not, it has an award-winning 3.6L PENTASTAR V6 engine with a packing 283 horsepower punch. The Journey’s resale value is a mark below some of the rivalry. Cars, for instance, like the Honda CR-V and the Toyota RAV4, naturally have a much higher resale value. The Journey does not have any reliability, it’s not fast, and it has a transmission that appears not to want to do what it’s supposed to do when downshifting. All in all, it’s not worth the price you will pay to drive this automobile. If you hate loud noises, you’ll loathe the Dodge Journey because these cars tend to be loud.
4. Ford Explorer
Since it was released in 1991, the Ford Explorer has been a favorite car despite its $31,660 cost. However, a lot has changed. Going into 2017, it is not one of the hot picks. The transmission is the source of a lot of the Explorer’s complications, with failures ensuing in repairs which are costly. The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine may be a treat and its 280 horsepower might be promising but the Ford Explorer is not without its flaws. Several users likewise complain about paint matters, which can cause things like rust on the body of the automobile. When considering an Explorer, it would be smart to do some thorough research before moving forward. Even though it’s great when it comes to safety, the Explorer is plagued by other problems that make it a very uncertain pick for the new year.
3. Audi Q5
The Audi Q5 is a compact SUV which is loaded with extravagant features and has an interior that is fantastic. It’s a $40,900 car with a top speed of 130 mph. Not to mention its powerful engine lineup, which makes the Audi Q5 a solid outstanding package. You’ll even love that the steering and suspension were well built, proposing exceptional comfort and handling. Sadly, going into 2017, the Q5 has several reliability problems. Consumer Reports gave the Audi Q5 its worst score for overall dependability. Some ex-purchasers will probably tell you to steer clear of this car entirely. Overall, in the past, it didn’t seem like the Q5 was defective whatsoever. However, times have changed, and this may not be the vehicle for a young professional going into the new year.
2. BMW X5
In 2000, The BMW X5 first came onto the scene. For years, it was known as the luxury SUV which was praised for its high-end interior and performance. The suspension was given praise for giving off a smooth, comfortable ride. However, it is still a pricey vehicle at $55,500 because of the BMW name. Those who have bought the car have many criticisms about the X5 going into 2017. Reliability problems are a major issue. The electrical system, all-wheel drive system, and drive shaft are all places of worry for the X5. Even its powerful 3.0L 6-cylinder engine is not without fault. Valve cover gasket leakages are typical after 60,000 miles. Indications will consist of oil drips under the automobile and burning oil odor from the engine section. With that said, young professionals might want to steer away.
1. Cadillac STS
Between 2005 and 2011, the Cadillac STS was the car you wanted to drive. When it was released, it garnered praise for its excellent handling and comfortable ride. It was offered with a choice of V8 and V6 engines, and both are equally expensive to repair when difficulties happen. It is now available with both power plants, as well as a boosted V-8 in the high-performance STS-V variant. The Cadillac STS was not given high marks for overall reliability by J.D. Power. Transmission, electrical, engine, and braking system complications are reported issues for this vehicle. Appraising for the Cadillac STS begins at $46,845. This is higher than its nearby competitor, the BMW 5-Series, nevertheless, lesser than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Also, the navigation system, fuel system, and cooling system are likewise typical problem places. With that being said, it is doubtful that young professionals will be interested in buying this car in 2017.