Buying a car is one of the biggest purchases most Americans will make—and no one wants to drive off the lot only to wind up stranded months later. While glossy ads and expert rankings from sites like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds can offer insight, few opinions are more telling than those of mechanics who work under the hood every day. That’s why a group of seasoned pros at Accurate Automotive in Northglenn, Colorado, is sounding the alarm on several popular car models they say rarely survive past 100,000 miles.
If long-term reliability matters to you—and it should—these are the cars mechanics say you may want to avoid.
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1 | Mercedes
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In a viral TikTok posted in January 2024, Accurate Automotive mechanics shared a list of car brands that likely won’t reach 100,000 miles without having major issues. The first on their list? Mercedes-Benz.
Mercedes-Benz vehicles are known for luxury, but common issues include failing air suspension systems (like AIRMATIC), electronic malfunctions, oil leaks, and transmission problems, particularly in older models.
That said, several drivers came to the brand’s defense in the comment section, noting that their cars had surpassed 100K miles on the road with no issues.
2 | Jeep
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When asked the same question, another Accurate Automotive mechanic said “any Jeep” is unlikely to get to 100,000 miles.
According to Consumer Reports’ 2024 list of the “Top 10 Least Reliable Cars,” several Jeep models have the worst issues. For these rankings, cars are scored using feedback from members, with experts then studying 20 errors ranging from minor nuisances to significant problems. The severity of each problem is then weighed to create a predicted reliability score between 1 and 100.
Jeep Wrangler, for instance, has a reliability rating of 27 out of 100. While it’s an iconic off-road SUV, it’s susceptible to rust, steering, and suspension problems that require repair work, often before reaching 100,000 miles.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Grand Cherokee L are also tied with one of the lowest rankings at 22 out of 100.
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3 | Audi
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Another mechanic in Accurate Automotive’s video cited Audi as being unlikely to get you to 100,000 miles.
While this is just one opinion, in a follow-up video, an employee named Alex is asked to rate the Audi A4, noting that he likes the interior and performance, but that mechanically, these cars “can be a struggle after 100,000 miles.”
Audi cars often face excessive oil consumption, timing chain tensioner failures, DSG transmission issues, and carbon buildup in their direct-injection engines, all of which can lead to costly repairs if not addressed early.
4 | Chevrolet
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Chevys are also unlikely to reach 100,000 miles, according to the mechanics. CR’s list of least reliable cars certainly has a Chevrolet that made it into the bottom ten.
In fact, the Chevrolet Colorado has a reliability rating of 15, making it the third worst-quality car in 2024.
However, it’s worth noting that, in 2023, the Chevy Equinox did have a high reliability score among domestic brands, according to CR.
5 | Any high-end brand
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Finally, one Accurate Automotive mechanic offers a broader assessment of cars that won’t last 100,000 miles, pointing to high-end, luxury cars. Seeing as these are top-dollar vehicles, you would think you’d be guaranteed a bit more longevity with a bigger investment, but that’s not always the case.
Per CR’s recent data, several drivers have had issues with luxury car brands, including Mercedes, Volvo, Audi, and Cadillac.
However, Lexus, Porsche, and BMW have often been listed as some of the most reliable.
To get the most out of your car, stay on top of maintenance
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When considering a vehicle purchase, it’s crucial to research and understand the long-term reliability of the make and model you’re eyeing. While these cars may offer appealing features, their potential for costly repairs before reaching 100,000 miles makes them worth a second thought.
Regardless of what car you own, however, Accurate Automotive employees say keeping up with oil changes and regular maintenance are the best ways to extend the life of your vehicle.
Content shared from bestlifeonline.com.