22 Cars Canadians Regret Buying New

35,000+ smart investors are already getting financial news, market signals, and macro shifts in the economy that could impact their money next with our FREE weekly newsletter. Get ahead of what the crowd finds out too late. Click Here to Subscribe for FREE.

Buying a new car should feel exciting, but for many Canadians, the reality doesn’t live up to the promise. Whether it’s poor fuel efficiency, lackluster performance, high maintenance costs, or rapid depreciation, some vehicles end up being more frustrating than freedom. From SUVs that guzzle gas to sedans with underwhelming engines, these models often leave owners wishing they had gone with a different choice or even a used option. Here are 22 cars Canadians regret buying new:

Dodge Journey

The Dodge Journey was once pitched as a family-friendly SUV, but Canadians quickly learned it lacked the refinement and performance expected in today’s market. With a weak four-cylinder base engine delivering sluggish acceleration and outdated interior features, it struggled to compete. Fuel efficiency was also below average, hovering around 11.2 L/100 km city driving, and while its initial low price tag made it appealing, buyers found themselves dealing with reliability issues, high maintenance costs, and poor resale value. For many, the Journey felt like a compromise rather than a long-term investment.

Chevrolet Spark

The Chevrolet Spark looked like a budget-friendly urban commuter, but buyers often regretted the purchase after realizing its limitations. With a 1.4-liter engine producing only 98 horsepower, acceleration was painfully slow, especially on highways. Fuel efficiency was decent at 7.0 L/100 km combined, but the cramped interior and barebones technology made it feel dated compared to rivals. Safety ratings were also underwhelming, leaving buyers concerned about long-term value. Despite its low upfront cost, many Canadians found the Spark lacking in both comfort and performance.

Nissan Sentra

The Nissan Sentra is known for affordability, but newer owners have complained about lackluster performance and questionable build quality. The 2.0-liter engine puts out just 149 horsepower, which makes highway passing sluggish. Fuel economy is decent at 7.1 L/100 km combined, but the car suffers from noisy cabin acoustics and uninspired handling. Many Canadians regret buying it new because it depreciates faster than competitors like the Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic. While cheap upfront, it doesn’t deliver the long-term satisfaction or value drivers expect from a compact sedan.

Jeep Compass

The Jeep Compass promised rugged style, but most Canadians found it didn’t live up to the Jeep reputation. Its 2.4-liter engine felt underpowered, delivering 177 horsepower but struggling with acceleration and uphill climbs. Fuel economy averaged 9.0 L/100 km combined, worse than rivals, and the interior technology and materials also fell short, especially given the price point. Reliability issues with the transmission and electrical systems also added to the frustrations. Buyers quickly realized they were paying a premium for the Jeep badge without the performance or quality expected, leading to widespread regret.

Mitsubishi Mirage

The Mitsubishi Mirage stands out for its low price and impressive fuel efficiency, about 6.5 L/100 km combined, but that’s where the positives end. With a tiny three-cylinder engine producing just 78 horsepower, acceleration is painfully slow, making highway driving a stressful experience. The interior feels cheap, with minimal tech and uncomfortable seating for longer drives. Many Canadians regret buying it new because while it saves money upfront, it lacks the durability, performance, and resale value found in better-built small cars. Ultimately, the Mirage feels like a compromise rather than a long-term solution.

Ford EcoSport

The Ford EcoSport was marketed as a compact SUV for urban drivers, but it left many Canadians disappointed. The base engine, a three-cylinder producing 123 horsepower, felt underpowered, and even the optional four-cylinder upgrade struggled with acceleration. Fuel economy wasn’t competitive, averaging 9.0 L/100 km combined, while the interior space was cramped and the side-hinged rear door frustrated buyers. High MSRP compared to better-equipped rivals made the EcoSport hard to justify, and buyers regretted choosing it new as resale values dropped quickly, as competitors offered better fuel efficiency, tech, and overall driving experience.

Chrysler 200

The Chrysler 200 was discontinued in 2017, but many Canadians still regret buying it new when it was available. Although it offered a V6 option with 295 horsepower, most buyers opted for the base four-cylinder engine, which was sluggish and noisy. Transmission reliability issues were common, leading to costly repairs, while fuel efficiency hovered around 9.0 L/100 km combined, which wasn’t impressive for its class. Depreciation hit hard, resale values tanked quickly, and although it had sleek styling, the poor reliability and lackluster performance made it one of the most regretted purchases in its segment.

Kia Forte

The Kia Forte initially drew Canadians in with an affordable price tag and long warranty, but many felt let down after buying it new. Its 2.0-liter engine produced 147 horsepower, leaving it underwhelming on the highway. Although fuel efficiency was reasonable at 7.4 L/100 km combined, the ride felt rough compared to competitors. Cabin noise and lower-quality materials made it less comfortable for long drives. While Kia has improved its vehicles over time, earlier versions of the Forte didn’t inspire confidence in reliability or resale value, leading to regret among first-time buyers.

Chevrolet Malibu

The Chevrolet Malibu once had strong popularity, but many Canadians regret recent models due to reliability concerns and fast depreciation. The base 1.5-liter turbocharged engine offers 160 horsepower but feels sluggish for a midsize sedan. Fuel efficiency is average at 8.2 L/100 km combined, but handling lacks the precision of rivals like the Honda Accord. Interior materials feel cheap for the price, and technology integration isn’t as seamless as competitors. Owners often reported transmission issues, adding to frustration, and while spacious, the Malibu doesn’t deliver the reliability or driving experience expected in this category.

Jeep Renegade

The Jeep Renegade attracted buyers with its quirky design and Jeep branding, but performance didn’t impress. The 2.4-liter engine delivered just 180 horsepower, and acceleration was sluggish. Fuel efficiency averaged 9.5 L/100 km combined, which was worse than competitors. Many Canadians complained about reliability issues with the transmission and electronics, and the compact SUV also depreciated quickly, leaving buyers underwater on financing. While it looked adventurous, it lacked the off-road capability expected from Jeep and didn’t match rivals in comfort or value, leading many to regret buying it new.

Nissan Kicks

The Nissan Kicks is marketed as a budget-friendly crossover, but many Canadians regret buying it new. Its 1.6-liter engine pushes just 122 horsepower, making highway driving sluggish and uninspiring. Fuel economy is solid at 7.2 L/100 km combined, but the lack of all-wheel drive, unusual for a Canadian crossover, left many buyers disappointed in winter conditions. The cabin feels basic, with minimal tech compared to rivals, and although it is affordable upfront, depreciation is steep, and performance limitations quickly become apparent, leaving owners wishing they’d chosen a more capable small SUV for similar money.

Volkswagen Passat

The Volkswagen Passat once promised a mix of German engineering and comfort, but Canadians soon realized the reality didn’t live up to expectations. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine offered 174 horsepower, but the ride quality felt bland compared to competitors. Fuel economy averaged 8.1 L/100 km combined, which was fine, but reliability issues, especially with electronics and transmissions, drove up ownership costs. High depreciation hit hard, and resale values fell quickly. While spacious inside, it lacked the excitement and durability people expected, leaving many regretting buying it new and realizing the Honda Accord or Toyota Camry offered far better value.

GMC Terrain

The GMC Terrain looked appealing with its bold styling, but buyers quickly grew frustrated with underwhelming performance and fuel costs. The base 1.5-liter turbocharged engine produced 170 horsepower but felt sluggish when fully loaded. Fuel economy hovered around 9.2 L/100 km combined, not great for its class. Reliability complaints included engine and transmission issues, and tech features often felt glitchy, and many Canadians regretted buying it new as resale values dropped sharply compared to competitors like the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V. The Terrain’s premium pricing didn’t match its long-term quality or performance.

Hyundai Accent

The Hyundai Accent was once seen as an affordable entry-level car, but many Canadians regretted buying it new. The 1.6-liter engine produced 120 horsepower, which was sufficient in the city but weak for highway passing. Fuel economy was decent at 7.4 L/100 km combined, but the car depreciated quickly, making resale values unattractive. The interior felt outdated compared to its rivals, which offered better technology and comfort. Although Hyundai’s warranty was a plus, the Accent simply didn’t deliver long-term satisfaction. For many, it became clear that spending slightly more on a compact rival offered far better value.

Dodge Grand Caravan

Once a staple of Canadian families, the Dodge Grand Caravan lost its appeal by the time production ended in 2020. Its 3.6-liter V6 offered 283 horsepower, giving strong performance, but fuel economy suffered, averaging 12.4 L/100 km city driving. Interiors were basic compared to rivals, and safety features lagged behind. Reliability concerns, including transmission problems, were common, and depreciation hit hard. Many Canadians regretted buying it new, as competitors like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna offered more comfort, tech, and resale value. For families, the Grand Caravan felt more like a compromise than a lasting solution.

Chevrolet Trax

The Chevrolet Trax appealed to Canadians looking for an affordable small SUV, but it underperformed in nearly every area. The 1.4-liter turbocharged engine produced just 138 horsepower, making acceleration sluggish, and although fuel economy was reasonable at 8.1 L/100 km combined, the interior space was cramped, and ride comfort felt rough compared to rivals. Technology and materials inside didn’t justify its price, and reliability complaints added frustration. Depreciation was steep, leaving many owners feeling stuck with a vehicle that didn’t hold its value, as many realized they could have bought a more reliable competitor for similar money.

Ford Fusion

The Ford Fusion was a stylish sedan with good handling, but many Canadians regretted buying it new due to poor long-term reliability. The base 2.5-liter engine produced 175 horsepower, and fuel economy was 9.5 L/100 km combined, which was mediocre compared to rivals. Transmission issues plagued owners, and electronic malfunctions added to repair costs. Depreciation also hit hard after Ford discontinued sedans in North America, and despite offering all-wheel drive as an option, the Fusion lost relevance quickly. Buyers found themselves with a car that looked good but didn’t deliver on durability or long-term value.

Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep Cherokee offered strong off-road branding, but Canadian buyers soon learned its real-world performance fell short. The base 2.4-liter engine delivered 180 horsepower but felt underpowered, while the optional V6 hurt fuel efficiency, averaging 11.2 L/100 km combined. Transmission reliability issues were widely reported, along with costly repairs. Interior tech lagged behind competitors, and depreciation was steep compared to the Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V. While it carried Jeep’s rugged image, the Cherokee didn’t deliver enough value for urban or suburban drivers, leaving many owners regretting their purchase within just a few years.

Buick Encore

The Buick Encore was marketed as a luxury small SUV, but many Canadians felt let down after buying it new. The 1.4-liter turbocharged engine produced just 138 horsepower, resulting in sluggish acceleration. Fuel economy averaged 8.6 L/100 km combined, which wasn’t impressive given the lack of power, and the interiors felt more cramped than luxurious. Tech features were outdated compared to rivals. Depreciation was steep, leaving owners underwater on financing. Buyers realized quickly that the Encore didn’t justify its premium price tag, especially when more capable and reliable options existed at lower costs.

Toyota C-HR

The Toyota C-HR attracted buyers with bold styling, but Canadians soon regretted its lack of practicality. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder produced 144 horsepower, making acceleration sluggish. Fuel economy was fair at 8.1 L/100 km combined, but the absence of all-wheel drive proved a major drawback in Canadian winters, disappointing many. The sloping roofline also cuts into rear-seat comfort and cargo space, and while Toyota’s reliability reputation helped, the C-HR depreciated faster than other Toyota models. Owners realized they were sacrificing practicality for looks, and many regretted not choosing a more versatile small SUV like the RAV4.

Subaru Ascent

The Subaru Ascent was designed as a family-friendly three-row SUV, but buyers quickly found drawbacks. The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine offered 260 horsepower, but fuel economy was underwhelming at 11.6 L/100 km combined. Reliability complaints surfaced around the transmission and electrical systems, frustrating owners who expected Subaru’s usual dependability. Interior materials didn’t always match the price point, and depreciation was steeper than expected for the brand. While it had all-wheel drive and strong safety features, many Canadians regretted buying it new, wishing they had chosen a more refined competitor like the Honda Pilot.

Chevrolet Impala

The Chevrolet Impala was once a Canadian favorite, but by the time it was discontinued in 2020, buyers were already regretting new purchases. Its base 2.5-liter engine offered 197 horsepower, while the optional V6 delivered more power but hurt fuel efficiency at 11.0 L/100 km combined. Interiors felt dated, and technology lagged behind competitors. Depreciation hit especially hard after discontinuation, leaving owners with poor resale value. While spacious and comfortable, the Impala couldn’t compete with more modern sedans like the Toyota Camry, making it one of the most regretted purchases in its final years.

21 Products Canadians Should Stockpile Before Tariffs Hit

If trade tensions escalate between Canada and the U.S., everyday essentials can suddenly disappear or skyrocket in price. Products like pantry basics and tech must-haves that depend on are deeply tied to cross-border supply chains and are likely to face various kinds of disruptions

21 Products Canadians Should Stockpile Before Tariffs Hit

This Options Discord Chat is The Real Deal

While the internet is scoured with trading chat rooms, many of which even charge upwards of thousands of dollars to join, this smaller options trading discord chatroom is the real deal and actually providing valuable trade setups, education, and community without the noise and spam of the larger more expensive rooms. With a incredibly low-cost monthly fee, Options Trading Club (click here to see their reviews) requires an application to join ensuring that every member is dedicated and serious about taking their trading to the next level. If you are looking for a change in your trading strategies, then click here to apply for a membership.