15 Cars That Might Be Expensive to Own After 100K Miles
As cars age, their reliability can diminish, leading to unexpected repairs and expenses. While many vehicles can last well beyond 100,000 miles with proper maintenance, some models are notorious for becoming money pits once they hit that milestone. Listed here are 15 cars that may drain your wallet after their odometers cross 100K!
Dodge Ram 1500 (2009–2015)
The Dodge Ram 1500 is very popular among truck enthusiasts but can quickly become a financial burden. Owners have previously reported issues with the transmission and engine components after some time. Repair costs can escalate rapidly, making this truck a potential money pit for unwary buyers.
Jeep Grand Cherokee (2011–2016)
While the Jeep Grand Cherokee is famous for its off-road capabilities, its reliability can deteriorate over time. Many owners have experienced problems with the electrical system and suspension components, which snowballed further into issues such as uneven wire tear and steering vibrations.
BMW 3 Series (2007–2012)
BMW vehicles are often associated with luxury and performance but can also lead to significant maintenance expenses. The 3 Series, in particular, tends to develop issues with its cooling system and electrical components. Cases of corroded terminals and leaking exhausts are one too many.
Volkswagen Jetta (2006–2010)
Due to a design flaw in the 09G transmission, the Jetta is one stressful car when it starts misbehaving. This can make the Jetta a potential money pit for those unprepared for unexpected expenses. Most owners have pointed this out, and some have even noticed some electrical faults down the line.
Nissan Altima (2007–2012)
To be fair, the Altima is one of the best cars for first-time drivers, as it has a pretty good track record and proper TLC. While the car is known for its fuel efficiency and comfort, unlucky owners frequently encounter issues with the continuously variable transmission (CVT) and engine performance.
Chrysler 300 (2005–2010)
The 8th generation Chrysler 300 struggles with powertrain issues, with users reporting random stalls when the tank is full. Of course, the engine is also not exempt because aging cars tend to struggle. Interestingly, the stalls stop once the extra fuel is used, but a tune-up is necessary over time.
Ford Explorer (2006–2010)
Before getting a used Ford Explorer, please do some due diligence. The car is notorious for transmission failure. After gaining some significant miles, this problem mainly affects the 2006-2010 generation. If the odometer has clocked 100K, we recommend looking up its service history lest you get conned.
Subaru Outback (2005–2010)
If you are familiar with an EJ253 engine from this era, you know what you’re signing up for. The first thing to expect is a blown gasket at about 150K, followed by transmission woes. Due to various nuances surrounding repairs, we recommend scouring Subaru forums for ‘tech support.’
Kia Sorento (2007–2012)
Engine failure is the main culprit attacking the popular Sorento. It comes highly recommended as a starter car, but start planning on an upgrade soon. Once the engine starts acting up, you’ll need a good bag to keep your trusty commuter running smoothly.
Chevrolet Traverse (2009–2014)
This generation of the Traverse has two main issues: the transmission and brakes. According to consumer reports, the car’s brakes wear out prematurely, lock up, or cause problems. As for the transmission, once you clock the six-figure mark, you’ll need some deep pockets.
Honda Odyssey (2005–2010)
The Honda Odyssey is often praised for its reliability as a family minivan. However, once it surpasses 100,000 miles, common issues include transmission failures and electrical problems. While Hondas are generally dependable, these specific concerns can lead to unexpected repair bills.
Toyota Highlander (2005–2008)
This vehicle is an oddball, considering its incredible track record. However, the Highlander has a snowballing syndrome once it ages, as the problems ping-pong from one end to the next. These range from cosmetic to performance issues and quickly pile up over time.
Nissan Pathfinder (2005–2010)
After hitting six figures on the odometer, the Pathfinder can be pretty maddening. First, the fuel gauge can be unreliable, forcing you to change the whole setup. Additionally, the starter is something you’ll need to be wary of, as its failure might be a symptom of more problems to come.
Audi A4 (2005–2010)
When people hear the name Audi, they picture peace, calm, and luxury due to the various sleek offerings in their catalog. Unfortunately, the A4 was marked by a distinct period of darkness that saw massive engine failures due to excessive oil consumption. If you see one listed with a 2.0 TFSI engine, avoid it!
Hyundai Santa Fe (2007–2012)
Finally, we have the Hyundai Santa Fe, a budget-friendly option for most people. Nonetheless, this car might not be the best long-term acquisition due to recorded engine and transmission failure cases. These hassles are caused by a design flaw that plagued the 2007–2012 models.