Even expensive new cars cost a lot of money, so few things are more disappointing than quickly realizing you don’t like them. It’s not always the car’s fault, either. Of course, sometimes it happens that electronic devices are started by ghosts, but people also buy cars that are too small for their needs, find that they cannot justify the fuel economy, and other reasons. You would like to think that you figure all those things out before you buy, but you also never really know.
That’s why our friends at Consumer Reports regularly survey its members and ask if they would buy their cars again. It’s not a perfect balance, and it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy any of the cars on the list. At the same time, though, the car that performs poorly here is one that you might want to think twice about and make sure you’re happy with before you buy it. Maybe dig a little deeper or go back for a long test drive. After all, it never hurts to be sure about your purchase before spending $50,000 or more on a solid item.
Let’s see which cars Consumer Reports says should be a little more careful before pulling the trigger.
Audi Q4 E-Tron
Percent Would Buy Again: 48%
Overall Score: 72/100
The Audi Q4 E-Tron scored very well and is competitive in its segment, but it seems that owners weren’t happy with the value it provided for the money they spent. It’s also possible the sub-300-mile range does the job, too. Whether they really want it or not, new car buyers really like to see numbers that start with the number three.
Nissan Altima
Percent Would Buy Again: 48%
Overall Score: 75/100
The Nissan Altima looks great, performed well in its Consumer Reports road test and also has a strong overall score. However, it seems that the value of money is where ownership starts to fall. It may still be worth saving a little money, but consider test driving some of Altima’s competitors first to be sure.
Audi Q8 E-Tron
Percent Would Buy Again: 47%
Overall Score: 58/100
The refreshed Audi Q8 E-Tron offers more power, better range and a fun way to test the 86 marks. But again, however, it is reduced in the value of money part. We guarantee that’s not the only complaint people have about the car on this list, but we won’t pretend it’s bad. The Q8 E-Tron doesn’t have more than 300 miles of range, either.
Infiniti QX60
Percent Would Buy Again: 46%
Overall Score: 74/100
As we said, the cars on this list aren’t bad, and again, we have a car that performed well in Consumer Reports’ road test. It also maintains a good quality score and is placed ahead of several other crossovers in its segment. However, more than half of all owners would not buy one again, again citing value for money.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Percent Would Buy Again: 45%
Overall Score: 65/100
Although you may buy a Nissan or Infiniti because it’s a good deal, Mercedes has always been one of the brands you buy because you’re willing to pay less for a better car. If you want a luxury sports sedan with a classy cabin, the C-Class certainly delivers, but not everyone likes the controls, and 55% of owners wouldn’t buy one.
Toyota Corolla Cross
Percent Would Buy Again: 45%
Overall Score: 66/100
With a name like the Corolla Cross, it’s easy to see why people buy this car. The crossover for people who love the Corolla of crossovers. It also starts at less than $25,000, which makes it a tempting purchase in a country where the selling price of a new car is around $50. However, owners disagreed with the Corolla Cross’s driving experience, comfort and value.
Nissan Sentra
Percent Would Buy Again: 44%
Overall Score: 78/100
The Nissan Sentra is one of the cheapest new cars you can buy, and surprisingly, you can get one for thousands of dollars below MSRP. With a road test score of 83, it should also impress on a test drive. However, owners complained a lot about comfort and value, suggesting that it might be worth looking at Honda, Hyundai or Toyota instead even if they are a little more expensive.
Mazda CX-90 PHEV
Percent Would Buy Again: 41%
Overall Score: 51/100
The Mazda CX-90 looks nicer and sportier than most three-row sedans, so this one is painful to watch, but about 60 percent of owners probably aren’t wrong. Predicted reliability was negative, as was the assessment of shareholder value. Hopefully, Mazda fixes the reliability issues soon because the CX-90 really has a lot of potential.
Volkswagen Taos
Percent Would Buy Again: 39%
Overall Score: 50/100
Based on Consumer Reports’ ratings, almost any small crossover would be a better buy than the Volkswagen Taos, but its road test scores are also good. Also, predicted reliability is also poor, and owners had issues with both driving experience and value for money, as well as the comfort of the Taos although that is not the main concern.
Jeep Compass
Percent Would Buy Again: 38%
Overall Score: 58/100
If you like a Jeep Wrangler or a Grand Cherokee, oddly enough, the Compass isn’t going to scratch the same mark. In fact, it starts at over $25,000, making it less expensive than its bigger, better-known siblings. If you legitimately want a Compass, that might be a good deal, but if you want a Jeep, there’s a good chance you’ll be as disappointed as 62 percent of owners in the survey.
Jeep Grand Cherokee PHEV
Percent Would Buy Again: 34%
Overall Score: 45/100
Jeep Grand Cherokee PHEV owners love how their SUV looks, as well as how comfortable it is. In fact, they usually like how it drives, too. However, with only 13 out of 100, they don’t think it’s worth the money. By comparison, only three other cars on this list had a significant number below 40, with the Audi Q8 E-Tron and its score of 32 coming in close. Make sure you like a plug-in hybrid before you buy one because just over a third of owners say they would buy one again.
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