When you’re looking to buy a car, it helps to know which brands mechanics themselves tend to avoid. These are the automakers that professionals often see with frequent breakdowns, costly repairs, or ongoing mechanical problems. Knowing this can save you money and hassle down the road.

Mechanics base their preferences not just on styling or features, but on real-world reliability and maintenance costs they face every day. If you want a car that’s less likely to land in the shop, it pays to hear what the people who fix cars recommend steering clear of.

Jeep Grand Cherokee – frequent expensive repairs and electrical issues

If you’re thinking about a Jeep Grand Cherokee, be ready for some costly repairs. Electrical problems, like touchscreen freezes and Bluetooth glitches, happen often.

Models from 2011 to 2015 are known for serious issues—think transmission failures and engine stalling. These can hit your wallet hard, especially after the warranty ends.

Even though it’s praised for off-roading, the Grand Cherokee’s repair costs average around $666 a year. For frequent repairs, it might not be the best choice for your daily driver.

Fiat 500 – known for reliability problems and costly fixes

If you’re thinking about a Fiat 500, prepare for some common reliability issues. Suspension, steering, and engine problems pop up more often than you’d like.

Repairs can get pricey, especially as the car ages. While it’s fun and quirky, that charm doesn’t always translate to low maintenance costs.

You’ll find that Fiat 500 sits mid-pack for reliability but tends to need repairs more often than other small cars. Regular upkeep helps, but big fixes can still hit your wallet.

Land Rover Range Rover – high maintenance costs and common breakdowns

If you’re thinking about a Range Rover, be ready for pricey upkeep. Maintenance can average over $1,200 a year, way above many other SUVs. Over ten years, you might spend close to $20,000 on repairs and service.

Common issues include brake pulsation, electrical quirks, and frequent fluid changes. These problems can add up fast, eating into your budget. For a mechanic, that kind of constant work means it’s not the easiest ride to handle personally.

Tesla Model X – smaller service network causes repair hassles

If you own a Tesla Model X, you’ll notice the limited number of service centers available. This can mean long waits just to get an appointment.

Repairs often aren’t quick either, especially if you’re out of warranty. Problems like falcon-wing doors or suspension issues may require costly trips.

You might end up dealing with mechanics who aren’t fully familiar with Tesla’s tech. That can be frustrating when you just want your car sorted and back on the road.

Chevrolet Silverado (older models) – transmission and engine troubles

If you’re eyeing older Silverado models, be ready for some common headaches. Many from the early 2000s, especially 2003 to 2005, have issues with their transmissions. You might notice slipping gears or rough shifts that can get costly to fix.

Engine problems also show up, like excessive oil consumption and occasional failures. These trucks often need extra maintenance to keep running smoothly. So, if you want to avoid surprises, consider these factors before committing to those older Silverados.