Stop Wasting Time on Fixing These 10 Cars (It’s Okay To Junk Them)
I worked as a mechanic for 15 years and during that time I saw my fair share of cars that were no longer worth fixing. In the long run, owners spend more keeping them on the road than the car is worth. This could be due to a wide range of issues, including reliability, expensive parts, or outdated technology. Over time, the car just becomes a money pit and it’s time to let it go. So, instead of wasting time and money… you should get rid of these 10 junk cars.
1. PT Cruiser
My wife owned a PT Cruiser when we first started dating and I made it my mission to ensure she got a new car ASAP. The car might have been seen as quirky or stylish at some point, but it’s wildly unreliable. Known for its overheating and suspension issues, the PT cruiser often spent more time on a tow trunk than it did on the road. Electrical problems and transmission failures also make repairs costly and frequent. Parts can be hard to find, and many mechanics dread working on them. Even well-maintained PT Cruisers struggle with performance and reliability. If you own one, it’s time to junk it and move on.
2. Town & Country
Oh, look! Another car my wife owned at one point. It was named among the worst cars to own on Top Gear (along with number one). The Chrysler Town & Country minivan may have been a family favorite, but its reputation for costly repairs makes it a poor long-term investment. Transmission failures are common, often requiring complete replacements that cost thousands. Electrical issues plague the power doors and windows, making them unreliable. Suspension and steering components wear out quickly, leading to expensive fixes. Even minor engine problems can turn into major headaches.
3. Anything Made By Saturn
Saturn vehicles were meant to be innovative, but their discontinuation in 2010 means replacement parts are increasingly scarce. Transmission failures and electrical system malfunctions are common issues. Many models suffer from excessive oil consumption and premature engine wear. Since GM no longer supports Saturn with new parts, repairs often require expensive aftermarket solutions. Their resale value is virtually nonexistent, making them a poor investment. Rather than throwing money into a discontinued brand, it’s smarter to junk it.
4. Pontiac Sunfire
You’ll see a few Pontiac vehicles on here. Many of them for the same reason as Saturn. They don’t make them anymore! The Pontiac Sunfire was an affordable compact car, but time has not been kind to it. The interior materials degrade quickly, leading to cracked dashboards and worn-out seats. Engine problems, especially with head gaskets and timing chains, are frequent. The automatic transmission is prone to failure, and fixing it can cost more than the car is worth. Rust is another major concern, especially in colder climates. With minimal value and high maintenance costs, it’s better off in the junkyard.
5. GEO Tracker
The GEO Tracker might have been fun for off-roading, but it’s a nightmare when it comes to repairs. The small SUV is notorious for weak transmissions and unreliable four-wheel-drive systems. Rust is a huge problem, especially on the frame and undercarriage. Parts are hard to find since the brand has been gone for decades. Safety features are outdated, making it a poor choice for modern roads. If you still own one, it’s time to say goodbye.
6. Dodge Stratus
Unfortunately, the Dodge Stratus was never known for its reliability, and that hasn’t improved with age. The 2.7L engine is infamous for sludge buildup, leading to catastrophic engine failure. Suspension components wear out quickly, making the ride uncomfortable and dangerous. Electrical gremlins cause issues with power windows, door locks, and dashboard lights. Transmission problems are costly, often exceeding the car’s value.
7. Chrysler Sebring
Another Chrysler vehicle – are you surprised? The Chrysler Sebring looked sporty, but under the hood, it’s a mechanical nightmare. Engine failures, transmission breakdowns, and electrical system malfunctions are all common. The convertible models suffer from leaks, leading to water damage and mold inside the cabin. Plastic interior components break easily, making the car feel cheap and fragile. Finding replacement parts can be a challenge due to the model’s poor popularity.
8. Chrysler Crossfire
The Chrysler Crossfire tried to blend American and German engineering, but the result was a disappointment. Parts are expensive and difficult to source due to its Mercedes-Benz underpinnings. Electrical issues and malfunctioning sensors are frequent problems. The cramped interior and poor visibility make it uncomfortable for daily driving. Engine and transmission repairs can quickly exceed the car’s value. Keeping one running is more effort than it’s worth.
9. Pontiac Aztek
Despite its cult following, the Pontiac Aztek is a disaster mechanically. The quirky design hides a host of reliability issues, including transmission failures and faulty electronics. The plastic body panels crack easily, leading to expensive cosmetic repairs. The cooling system is known for leaks, which can cause engine overheating. Suspension problems make for a rough ride, adding to its discomfort. Even nostalgia can’t justify keeping one on the road.
10. Original Smart Cars
The first-generation Smart cars were designed for city driving, but their mechanical issues make them a headache. The tiny engines struggle with reliability, often leading to costly repairs. The transmission is slow and clunky, making driving frustrating. Safety concerns also arise due to their lightweight design and poor crash-test ratings. Finding qualified mechanics to work on them can be difficult. Instead of trying to fix one, it’s smarter to junk it.
Let Go and Move On
If you are holding onto an unreliable car, it will drain your time and money. As a former mechanic, I’ve seen these 10 models in the shop more often than not. They’ve each grown to have a reputation for constant breakdowns and expensive repairs. So, instead of throwing money at a problem that will never be truly fixed, it’s best to get rid of these junk cars. You can scrap them and invest the money in a more dependable vehicle. In the long run, your wallet (and sanity) will thank you.
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.