I’m a Mechanic: 6 Cars That Are Not Good for Commuting in Stop-and-Go Traffic
Daily commuting can be hard on any vehicle, but some cars are far worse than others when it comes to stop-and-go traffic. Constant braking and accelerating can put extra strain on engines, transmissions, brakes, and cooling systems. That can mean higher fuel costs, faster wear and tear, and costly repair bills down the road.
According to Alan Gelfand, mechanic and owner at German Car Depot, “stop-and-go city traffic is arguably worse for your vehicle.” This is especially true for cars that are made for off-road use. If your daily commute involves sitting in traffic, these are the kinds of cars Gelfand says to avoid.
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1. Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is very capable off-roader, but those same strengths are weaknesses when you are just commuting to work.
“The vehicle is very boxy and creates a lot of wind resistance,” Gelfand said. “Also, the tires are designed for off-road use and give poor gas mileage on the highway.”
If you’re not regularly hitting the trails, you could be paying for capabilities you rarely use at the expense of comfort and efficiency.
2. Dodge Charger and Challenger V8 Models
Muscle cars can be fun to drive, but they weren’t built for stop-and-go driving. Gelfand says V8-powered Dodge Chargers and Challengers can easily burn through fuel in stop-and-go traffic.
“Such powerful cars have bigger, more expensive tires and brake components, which can wear out more quickly in city driving,” he said.
Insurance may be costlier than for a regular performance vehicle driven on the highway.
3. Older BMW 7 Series
You might think you’re getting a deal on a used luxury sedan, but maintenance costs can be a different story. These cars have multiple electronics, several cooling components, and a high-end suspension, which can create a lot of heat in stop-and-go traffic.
"Heat is the enemy of high-end luxury cars as they age," he said. "Oil leaks, cooling system repairs, sensor failures and suspension component failures are very expensive to repair in these cars."
4. Range Rover
When it comes to comfort and prestige, Range Rovers deliver. However, they can be an expensive choice for daily commutes.
According to Gelfand, “Stop-and-go traffic puts a great deal of stress on a vehicle’s brakes, suspension, cooling systems, and electrical components.”
That’s why many second-hand Range Rovers are priced low, but their maintenance costs can be high.
5. Full-Size Pickup Trucks (Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado)
Big trucks like V8-powered Ford F-150s and Chevrolet Silverados make sense for towing and hauling, not for commuting. Gelfand says driving such cars empty in traffic will consume more fuel and wear out their tires and brakes faster.
“Additionally, your insurance will be higher than if you were driving a smaller SUV or car.”
6. CVT-Equipped Vehicles (Nissan Pathfinder)
Not all vehicles equipped with CVTs are problematic, but some low-performance vehicles can struggle with years of stop-and-go driving, Gelfand says.
He specifically mentioned vehicles like the Nissan Pathfinder, which may experience faster wear with frequent low-speed driving. Maintenance helps, but replacing a CVT can be expensive and make an older vehicle much more costly to own.
What’s a Better Commuter Vehicle?
If you spend hours driving in traffic each week, Gelfand recommends focusing on reliability and efficiency. He believes vehicles such as the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda3 and many hybrids are easier to maintain, less costly to operate, and better suited to the demands of everyday driving.
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This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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