Being healthy is a privilege, especially as a retiree — a time to relax and fully enjoy life. Just as maintaining good health is crucial during these years, driving a reliable SUV is important for staying mobile and stress-free. Unfortunately, not all SUVs offer the dependability retirees need.
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With vehicle reliability declining, many SUVs now come with high maintenance costs, reliability issues and safety concerns, causing more frustration than enjoyment. To avoid wasting hard-earned money on costly repairs, here’s a list of SUVs retirees should avoid buying in October 2024, ensuring more time on the road and less time in the repair shop.
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Polestar
With its sleek design and solid driving performance, Swedish Polestar is a brand that looks great on paper. But when it comes to reliability, it’s a different story. In the latest J.D. Power quality study, Polestar ranked near the bottom, with about 316 issues per 100 vehicles. Common problems like software glitches and electrical system failures — issues and expenses you really don’t want in an electric car — cause a lot of headaches.
For a premium-priced vehicle, these recurring issues can be frustrating. If you’re looking for a smooth, worry-free ride, Polestar might not be the best option for now.
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Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas, a midsize SUV, may look good and offer plenty of space, but it struggles with reliability. Common problems include transmission issues, electrical faults and engine troubles, all leading to unnecessary, expensive repairs. On top of that, it has a lower-than-average resale value and higher maintenance costs, making it a less practical choice for those seeking a dependable SUV. There are more reliable options available for the price.
In a 2023 report by RepairPal, Land Rover was ranked as one of the most expensive brands to maintain, with the Discovery playing a significant role in driving up that rating due to its frequent and costly repairs.
Land Rover Discovery
While Land Rover is known for luxury, the Discovery in particular, is notorious for frequent mechanical failures and high repair costs. In a 2023 report by RepairPal, Land Rover was one of the most expensive brands to maintain — your retirement savings shouldn’t be spent this way. Owners report issues with the suspension, engine and transmission, leading to pricey repairs retirees would rather avoid.
With an average annual repair cost of $1,174 and a low reliability rating (31st out of 32 brands), Land Rover remains a risky choice.
Chrysler
Due to frequent recalls and low predicted reliability scores, Chrysler’s reputation for reliability has taken a hit. Across FCA brands, Chrysler leads with 17 recalls, raising red flags about potential costly repairs and safety risks. Ongoing issues with key components like engines, transmissions and electrical systems continue to plague the brand.
Plus, with an average of 151 days to sell a vehicle, the high market supply suggests that demand might falter – likely tied to these persistent reliability concerns.
Tesla
Tesla’s reliability issues are back in the spotlight with the recall of 23,000 Cybertrucks due to faulty wiper motors and trim problems. This isn’t the first time Tesla has faced quality concerns — earlier recalls, including one for accelerator pedal defects, have also raised eyebrows about the brand’s quality control.
Since Tesla’s inclusion in studies like the 2022 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study, the brand has consistently ranked near the bottom, underscoring the persistent production challenges that affect its vehicles’ dependability.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 SUVs Retirees Should Avoid Buying in October 2024
