Which Brands Make the Best Used Cars?
Some car brands are more reliable than other rolling off the lot, and some have a stronger track record on the secondary market. Finding a reliable used car isn’t easy, but there are several automotive brands known for making high-quality cars and trucks for the long haul. We combined industry statistics and our real-world experience to create a list of the top ten most reliable car brands to buy used.
The Highest-Qualty Car Brands Ranked 1-10
We looked dozens of resources ranking used car reliability, which offered up dozens of ranking criteria, brand rankings, and industry metrics. We also noted just how much used car reliability differed from new car reliability rankings from sites like Consumer Reports.
We settled on Consumer Reports’ top ten list, which also included a reliability score.
Why Some Car Brands Are More Reliable
The top performers share a few traits that contribute to make them more reliable. Lexus, Toyota, and Honda make small, conservative changes whenever they redesign a specific model, often using the same parts and technology. This reduces unpredictable issues associated with all-new systems or part configurations.
Related: Don’t Skip A Pre-Purchase Car Inspection
Quality Issues Vary, Too
It’s worth noting that individual models from these manufacturers may be more less reliable on average. For instance, Audi’s Q series is notably problematic, but the manufacturers’ other models hold up much better. The same is true for BMW, Subaru, and other brands.
Younger automotive brands tend to experience more issues, too. The Tesla Model S, for example, has experienced several issues with the engine, technology features, and structural issues right off the lot, problems that make it a poor candidate for the resale market.
Trust Your Car To a Reliable Mechanic
Garfield Auto has helped thousands of Northern Michigan families stay on the move for decades. We work on all makes and models, foreign or domestic, and we have a reputation as Traverse City’s best BMW, Audi, and Volkswagen mechanic. See what old-fashioned customer service and experienced mechanics can do for your ride; schedule your appointment today!