10 New Cars Under $35,000 You’ll Probably Regret Buying

If you're looking to make smart car owner moves, you may be considering buying a new vehicle. After all, each year, new cars come with warranties, the latest creature comforts, better fuel economy, and upgraded safety features.

However, not every new vehicle on the market is worth your money. Some are flat-out unreliable while others are just bad quality.

Drivers who don't want to end up with a lemon or an unreliable vehicle set to go out of style as soon as it leaves the dealership lot should consider steering clear of these 10 new cars.

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MSRP: $21,590

According to some car reviewers, the 2025 Nissan Sentra accelerates at a snail's pace and has lackluster emergency braking performance. Reviewers have also criticized this small sedan for having an infotainment system with data graphics compared to other vehicles.

Consumer Reports found that only 44% of the Nissan Sentra buyers they surveyed would consider purchasing this vehicle again.

MSRP: $22,995

Some reviewers took the 2025 Volkswagen Jetta to task because of the cheap materials that line its interior cabin. They also took issue with its lackluster powertrain.

In addition, according to Consumer Reports, the Jetta fares poorly in terms of reliability, scoring only 25/100 in their analysis of the least reliable cars on the market.

MSRP: $24,135

According to Consumer Reports, only 45% of Toyota Corolla Cross buyers said they would purchase this vehicle for a second time.

To some, the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross is a boring vehicle to drive. The vehicle also lacks ample legroom space, which is plentiful in rival small SUVs.

MSRP: $26,810

The 2025 Subaru Legacy has received criticism for its poor acceleration, largely due to a base engine that some reviewers have described as "sluggish."

They also complained that this sedan's confusing touchscreen interface and engine start-stop system create an awkward driving experience.

MSRP: $26,900

The 2025 Jeep Compass did not make a good impression on reviewers, who blasted the small SUV for having a puzzling interior control setup and poor outward visibility. They also criticized this vehicle's noisy engine, which filled its cabin while driving.

Perhaps these issues are why 62% of Jeep Compass owners told Consumer Reports that they would never purchase this SUV again.

MSRP: $27,000

According to Consumer Reports, less than 50% of Nissan Altima owners said they would purchase this vehicle again.

The 2025 Nissan Altima has been criticized by some reviewers for its poor interior quality and unimpressive steering, which is slow to respond to driver inputs.

They've also taken issue with the midsize sedan's poor outward visibility due to its unnecessarily large roof pillars and the lackluster image quality of its backup camera.

MSRP: $29,515

The 2025 Ford Escape has been a popular seller for the Blue Oval, but the automaker plans on discontinuing this practical SUV in 2026.

The automaker hopes that by axing the Focus, it will be able to rev up sales for the Ford Bronco Sport, which is essentially a more rugged and superior version of the same vehicle.

With that in mind, purchasing a discontinued vehicle is not an ideal move for consumers. Its features can quickly become out of date in today's automotive marketplace, and finding reliable repairs for discontinued vehicles can be challenging.

MSRP: $31,400

Some reviewers have criticized the 2025 Dodge Hornet for its noticeable road noise and lagging fuel economy compared to rival small SUVs. They also took issue with this SUV's lack of storage space for smaller items.

It has also been noted that other SUVs in its class, such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, are more versatile. Shoppers seeking a practical small SUV to use as a daily driver might want to consider other options.

MSRP: $32,050

Car and Driver's reviewer was disappointed with the 2025 Nissan Frontier's cheap, plastic interior materials. They were also not fond of its cramped backseat and towing capacity, which lagged behind what other midsize pickup trucks offer.

The Nissan Frontier also scored a dismal 23/100 reliability rating from Consumer Reports.

MSRP: $32,690

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler may be the cream of the crop when it comes to automotive off-road adventures, but some reviewers have taken issue with what they described as the "practical drawbacks to owning a Wrangler."

They criticized the SUV's slow and imprecise steering, its lack of cargo space compared to other SUVs in its class, and the increased wind and noise it generates while driving on the highway.

Reviewers and consumers alike have made it clear that buyers should give these vehicles a hard pass. Many of them feature poor build quality, which can lead to poor reliability.

The average driver spends approximately $900 a year on repairs and maintenance, a number that can easily double or triple if they have purchased an unreliable vehicle.

Just like drivers who don't carefully examine their insurance policy won't save on car insurance because they might end up paying for extra coverage they don't need, shoppers who don't focus on a vehicle's reliability might end up throwing away their money down the road.