A ‘money pit' refers to something that gulps an inordinate amount of money to keep or repair. We usually apply the term to investments or properties, such as businesses, homes, or cars that require much more resources than expected, usually without proportionate returns or benefits. Imagine something that amounts to an endless drain on your time and money; that's a money pit.
When mechanics brand an automobile brand as a ‘money pit,’ it usually means the accused requires frequent and expensive repairs to keep them whole. They’ve seen the effects of wear and tear on these vehicles and concluded they ask for a lot more than their contemporaries.
Indeed, some may not agree with their position for the simple reason that individual experiences vary. These 13 are not necessarily bad cars but have reputations for being less reliable or more expensive to repair.
European Vehicles (After 100,000 Miles)
In America, the ability to keep going strong after 200,000 miles is usually the benchmark for the more reliable cars. However, we usually place these expectations on Japanese — and maybe — American cars. Conversely, European models struggle to last more than 100,000 miles because they usually prioritize performance and luxury over long-term reliability.
This also means more complex electronic and mechanical systems that increase the headache of maintaining or repairing them when they fail as the vehicle edges toward the 100k mile marker.
Dodge Ram (With the 1500 5.7L Engine)
CoPilot agrees that the Dodge Ram is “generally considered reliable” except for specific years. You probably want to avoid RAM models with the 1500 5.7-liter engine. These models have reportedly suffered from ticking sounds from the engine, lifters wearing out the camshaft, engine turning off while driving, engine not starting, and other minor issues.
Users also decried the reportedly poor power-to-MPG ratio, which you might find a huge letdown in a truck expected to perform well for towing purposes. CoPilot highlighted the 2003 Ram 1500 as having some engine issues, though minor, that can add up to ‘money pit' levels because the problems occur in many areas.
They said, “Owners got so sick of chasing down the issue of the check engine light being on so often for really no reason they started putting tape over it.” There have also been complaints about the poor power-to-MPG ratio, especially for a truck expected to perform well for towing purposes.
BMW
Many of you reading this will not take too kindly of us leaving out the BMW brand just because we already mentioned European models. Indeed, people don't call BMW a rich man's car just because they're expensive. It's more about the cost of maintaining the car and the lower probability of success.
The cost of BMW ownership is usually higher due to its rapid depreciation rate. You buy a Bimmer because you appreciate the finest German engineering and technology, even if those complex systems are more prone to failure and cost an arm and a foot fix. Interestingly, BMW and Porsche are the most dependable in the premium class, according to JD Power’s 2024 survey.
Jeep
While mechanics differ on the reliability of the Jeep brand of vehicles, it is low on the totem pole of the most reliable automobile brands. Certain models, including the beloved Wrangler and Gladiator, stand accused of susceptibility to rust and corrosion, revealing themselves on the door panels, hinges, and peeling paint.
In fact, Jeep and Fiat Chrysler (FCA) were the subjects of a class-action suit alleging that their corrosion warranties were a “sham.” It wouldn't be the first time Jeep braved a class-action suit over rust and corrosion issues.
The XJ (1984–2001) Cherokee, Grand Cherokee (various model years), and 2002–2012 Liberty was accused, along with the Wrangler, of rust problems on various vehicle components. Besides rust and corrosion, Jeep brands have been fingered for electrical and quality control issues, leading to more frequent breakdowns and premature wear.
Kia (Older Models)
Once upon a time, mechanics would tell you to give Kia a wide berth, but the brand significantly improved its reliability ratings in recent years. In fact, Kia ranked the highest in the mass market segment for the third consecutive year in JD Power’s 2023 vehicle dependability study.
The study found that most people who own one to three-year-old Kia vehicles have little to complain about their cars compared to other vehicles. In other words, Kia is a different animal from a decade ago when it used to rank below average in JD Power's VD Survey. So, the money pits are older Kia models. Avoid.
Chrysler
We love Chrysler as much as we’d love any company behind the latest Pacifica PHEV. However, the brand is no stranger to congregations of the worst car brands in terms of predicted reliability, owner satisfaction, and safety. Take the miniature Fiats, for instance. The brand, standing under the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) umbrella, often gets a seat among the world’s worst car brands.
It’s been number 1 on the Consumer Report’s list of the worst car brands, with the Fiat 500L earning the lowest overall score in the compact car class. Consumer Reports deputy editor commented that the car's rating got badly hurt by its “manumatic transmission.” Similarly, owners have not been too kind with their Chrysler 200 and Chrysler Sebring Convertible’s ownership experiences.
Nissan
Like the Jeep, opinions are divided over Nissan's reliability. We decided the Japanese brand should take a number on this list because everyone agreed the parts are not as readily available as other Japanese brands like Toyota. It's easy for this alone to transform any car into a ‘money pit’ in more ways than one.
The mechanics we talked to also noted that some Nissan models suffer from suspension problems. There's also the much-publicized issue of exploding sunroof in 2008–present Nissans. It's normal (though unacceptable) for sunroofs to rattle and even leak like other car windows, but the uptick in reports of the sunroof randomly exploding was concerning.
It doesn’t help that Nissan’s panoramic sunroof is expensive glass. Apparently, Nissan resorted to using thinner glass because the weight impacted the almighty MPG. Nissan got sued several times over this problem. Bloomberg reported that drivers in four states won a class-action suit against Nissan North America Inc. for failing to disclose its panoramic sunroofs can spontaneously shatter.
Land Rover
Like BMW, the British-made Land Rover brand of vehicles is often considered a ‘rich man's ride” due to their high cost of maintenance and repairs. Land Rovers reportedly start digging at your wallet as early as around 37,000 miles. While the vehicle’s age, mileage, and driving habits ultimately determine maintenance costs, it has an average annual repair and maintenance cost of around $9,000.
CarEdge estimates you’d spend around $18,569 on repairs and maintenance in the first ten years, amounting to $6,525 more than the industry average for luxury brands. It also has a 41.71% chance of needing serious repairs in that time. Well, the people who buy Land Rovers usually don’t mind the cost.
Jaguar
Like the Land Rover, Jaguars are often a luxurious expense. Mechanics will advise you to avoid Jaguars (used models, especially) if you're not ready to deal with the premium price for the specialized care and maintenance, thanks to the vehicle’s high-quality materials and advanced technology.
Jaguar recommends servicing every 5,000 miles. That's how often you should keep your wallet handy for those premium services. Some higher-end models, like the F-Type, usually cost more to maintain.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is another European luxury brand that often requires specialized technicians to work on them. People are attracted to their refined quality and overall classy profile. Nothing has changed in the consensus that Mercedes features premium materials inside and out. So, parts and labor are generally more expensive than Toyota parts.
They’re not necessarily unreliable; you just need more cash to keep them running, ergo, money pits. CarEdge notes it costs an average of $15,986 to maintain and repair a Mercedes in their first ten years of service. That's more than the industry average for similar cars by $3,942. However, the reality might be much different in Germany, where parts and labor are cheaper.
Audi
Audi is another German brand that specializes in blending luxury and performance, a combo that involves highly complex mechanics and premium materials. These can turn the cars into money pits, not only when they break down but also as they age.
Owners often rely on imported parts when they need to fix their cars and, therefore, have to deal with shipping and tax expenses in addition to the actual cost of the goods.
The good news is that contrary to popular belief, Audi owners don't have to service their cars at dealerships to avoid voiding the warranty. The warranty should remain intact if they enlist the services of qualified mechanics, use original parts, and keep an up-to-date logbook.
MINI
The irony of BMW’s MINI is that they’re fun to drive but expensive to maintain. It may not wear the Bimmer’s logo, but a Redditor aptly described the experience as “driving and maintaining a BMW.” Just because they’re not BMWs doesn’t make them non-premium brands. The MINI Cooper, for example, has higher-than-average repair costs of around $846 for multiple model years, according to RepairPal.
Many Redditors have unsavory tales to tell about the Cooper. One said they “break down within the first week of driving them” and “the repairs are unbelievably expensive, while another said his' “went straight into the shop after five months” due to a broken high-pressure fuel pump, cracked alternator belt, and a leaky gasket “buried deep in the car.” The 2007–2010 models were specifically mentioned as the worst years.
Volvo
CoPilot admits Volvo requires relatively high repair and maintenance costs, even though it performs admirably in reliability compared to luxury brands like Cadillac and BMW. A fan who’s owned six different Volvo models of different years admits it’s cheaper to fix them yourself than at the dealership.
Note that this is coming from a Volvo fan well-versed in Volvos. He noted that the electrical system (especially the taillights), timing belts, fluids, front signals, sunroofs, and front-end alignments require the most maintenance. Volvo is a paragon of automotive safety, but their repairs don't come cheap.
