The Top Most Reliable Used Cars You Can Buy

When evaluating reliable used cars several factors are taken into account. Here are some of the key items that to considered:

Consumer Reports ratings: Consumer Reports is a popular independent organization that publishes ratings and reviews on various products, including vehicles. They use a combination of owner surveys and their own testing to evaluate the reliability of vehicles.

J.D. Power ratings: J.D. Power is another popular organization that publishes ratings and reviews on vehicles. They conduct surveys with vehicle owners to determine the dependability of a vehicle.

Initial quality and long-term dependability: Initial quality refers to how well a vehicle performs during the first 90 days of ownership, while long-term dependability refers to how well a vehicle performs after several years of ownership.

Recalls: The number and severity of recalls a vehicle has had can also be an indicator of reliability.

Warranty coverage: A manufacturer’s warranty can be an indicator of their confidence in their product. Longer and more comprehensive warranties may indicate higher reliability.

Common issues: Reports of common problems or defects with a particular make and model can also be a factor in evaluating reliability.

Overall, the reliability of a vehicle is determined by looking at a combination of these factors, as well as any additional data available, to get a comprehensive view of how well a vehicle performs over time.

Reliable Used Cars

Here are some cars that have a reputation for being historically reliable based on various sources such as Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, and owner surveys:

Below Average Reliability

Here are some cars that have historically been reported to have below-average reliability ratings based on consumer surveys and industry reports. Consider that these are only based on reported data and individual experiences may vary.

While these cars have a reputation for either being reliable or unreliable, individual experiences may vary, and regular maintenance is still necessary for any car to remain dependable. To ensure peace of mind and protect against unexpected repair costs, it is advisable to consider purchasing an extended service contract that provides coverage for the drivetrain and transmission of a used vehicle that is no longer covered by the original factory warranty.

Extended Service Contracts

A used car extended service contract, also known as an extended warranty or vehicle service contract, is a contract that provides coverage for certain repairs and services on a used vehicle beyond the original manufacturer’s warranty. Here are some potential benefits of purchasing a used car service contract:

Peace of mind: A used car service contract can provide peace of mind knowing that certain repairs and services will be covered in the event of unexpected breakdowns or issues.

Budgeting: A used car service contract can help with budgeting for unexpected repairs by providing predictable monthly or annual costs instead of large unexpected repair bills.

Transferability: Some used car service contracts can be transferred to a new owner if you sell the vehicle, which can increase the resale value and make the vehicle more attractive to potential buyers.

Customizable coverage: Used car service contracts can often be customized to fit your specific needs and budget, allowing you to choose the level of coverage that works best for you.

Convenience: With a used car service contract, you can often have repairs and services completed at a wide network of authorized repair facilities, which can save time and hassle when dealing with unexpected breakdowns or repairs.

However, it’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any used car service contract before purchasing, as the coverage and exclusions can vary widely between contracts and providers. Additionally, the cost of a used car service contract can sometimes exceed the cost of expected repairs, so it’s important to consider your individual circumstances and the value of the contract before making a purchase decision.

Maintenance Costs

In addition to reliability, another important consideration is the maintenance cost. Based on general industry data and consumer reports the following vehicles historically have the highest and lowest maintenance costs.

Low Cost	High Cost
Toyota Corolla	BMW 7 Series
Honda Civic	Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Mazda3	Porsche Panamera
Subaru Impreza	Audi A8
Hyundai Elantra	Land Rover Range Rover
Kia Soul	Tesla Model S
Honda Fit	Jaguar XJ
Toyota Yaris	Maserati Quattroporte
Chevrolet Spark	Bentley Continental GT
Nissan Versa	Ferrari 458 Italia

Actual maintenance costs can vary based on several factors such as location, vehicle age, and upkeep history of the vehicle. It’s always a good idea to research and compare historical reliability and maintenance costs before purchasing a vehicle to make an informed decision that best suits your needs and budget.