Across the country, more car owners are speaking up about major regrets after buying new vehicles in 2025.
From faulty engines to sky-high payments, buyers are realizing too late that their expensive cars have turned into financial headaches.
One frustrated owner summed it up perfectly: “You guys told me don’t get a Kia. Told me don’t get a Kia. What did I do? I got a Kia.”
She said her 2024 Kia Telluride began falling apart almost immediately.
Within weeks, the passenger door handle came loose, the dashboard started malfunctioning, and her speedometer froze at zero while the power steering failed intermittently.
Zac Rios Highlights the Problem
Zac Rios, the creator behind a popular YouTube channel that focuses on personal finance and consumer advice, recently released a video titled “Why So Many Regret Buying a Vehicle in 2025.”
It quickly resonated with thousands of viewers who shared their own experiences of buyer’s remorse.
Rios showcased countless examples of people stuck with unreliable cars and massive payments.
He called it a “solid deinfluencing moment” for anyone tempted by high-end SUVs or luxury badges that promise comfort but result in long-term stress.
He included stories from frustrated owners across different brands.
One GMC Yukon Denali owner said her SUV refused to start when she was trying to take her kids to school.
A Hyundai Palisade owner explained that her vehicle had already received a new engine, alternator, radiator, heater core, and transmission within five months.
Another driver said her new Chevy Equinox developed both engine and computer problems less than a month after she bought it.
When a Reward Becomes a Burden
Many buyers in the video admitted they bought new cars to reward themselves for milestones, such as finishing school or landing a new job, only to be overwhelmed by debt.
One new nurse said she purchased a second car even though she was still paying off her first one. Her combined payments totaled more than $1,500 a month.
Rios described it as a common mistake: “A lot of people reward themselves with a financial burden, which just adds more stress into their life overall.”
One Toyota Highlander owner said, “My car payment currently is $1,100 a month. I wish I was joking.”
Another man admitted paying $1,600 a month for his dream BMW M3, explaining only that “it looks mean.”
The Long Loan Trap
Rios also pointed to data showing how stretched car buyers have become. Nearly one in five new buyers now pays over $1,000 a month, and 22% are locked into seven-year loans or longer.
More than a quarter owe more than their cars are worth, with an average of $6,754 in negative equity.
“That affordable monthly payment can become a lifelong trap if life ever changes for you,” Rios said.
Even dependable brands are seeing inflated prices. One Toyota RAV4 hybrid was listed for nearly $50,000, which Rios called “insane” for what used to be an affordable family SUV.
A Mechanic’s Warning
To reinforce the point, Rios featured a professional mechanic who listed some of the most regretted SUVs: the Buick Encore, Jeep Compass, Ford Expedition, Jeep Commander, and Chevy Traverse.
“I regret buying these. I will never ever buy another one,” the mechanic said, quoting his customers.
The Simpler Option
Rios closed his video on a hopeful note. One woman sold her new SUV and replaced it with a 20-year-old car that had no monthly payment.
“There has not been one moment in this last year that I have ever regretted not having a car payment,” she said.
Rios agreed, saying financial freedom and peace of mind matter more than appearances.
“The less financial stress you could put on your life, the better life you’ll have,” he said.
In 2025, the message from Rios and countless regretful car owners is clear: simplicity and reliability are worth far more than a shiny badge or a brand-new warranty.