Whether you•re shopping for a new car or perhaps a used one, reliability is a top priority for a lot of. Newer cars tend to last longer than used ones, but you will find variations among models for the same model year.
If you•re searching for good, reliable cars, it•s vital that you do some research before you buy. But exactly what is a reliable car? Typically, it•s one which holds up more than some time and includes lower odds of having issues or needing repair. The cars using the least problems may not be the cheapest, however, you may be able to have more bang for your buck if you•re planning on keeping your next vehicle for quite some time.
The average cost of car maintenance
Regardless of which model you decide to buy, maintenance is essential to maximizing the toughness for your automobile. If you don•t take care of the manufacturer•s recommended maintenance schedule, your automobile may not last as long because it should.
The average cost to maintain an automobile depends upon the brand name. Mobile vehicle repair company YourMechanic shows the Chrysler Sebring because the most expensive car to maintain at $17,100 over 10 years, or $1,710 annually. In contrast, the Toyota Prius costs just $4,300 over that same time, which breaks down to $430 every year.
It•s worth noting, however, that new cars won•t need an excessive amount of maintenance outside the basics, such as oil changes and tire rotation. Like a vehicle ages, though, you will probably pay more to help keep it running smoothly.
Understanding cost to own
It•s common for car buyers to pay attention to the sales price when deciding whether they•re getting a great deal. But the cost of owning a car goes beyond that upfront cost. Together with maintenance, there are many additional factors which go into the cost to own a car with time.
Those elements include:
- Finance charges, including interest and fees.
- Taxes and costs.
- Repairs.
- Car insurance.
- Fuel.
- Registration fees.
Many skillfully developed make it possible to check vehicles by showing just how much shiny things cost over five years. The most reliable cars normally have a lesser cost simply because they don•t require as much maintenance and repairs.
Kelley Blue Book provides data about vehicle values and also the five-year cost to possess specific models. Use it or perhaps a calculator from another company in the market to obtain an idea of how reliable a car is.
Most reliable cars of 2022
It can take hours to analyze each brand name to find good, reliable cars. But fortunately, skillfully developed did a lot of the work for you.
J.D. Power breaks down probably the most reliable models in the 2022 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study according to 177 specific issues that can plague vehicle owners. Here are nine cars for your consideration using the fewest problems.
1. Nissan Leaf (Top-rated compact car)
The only fully electric car on the list, the Nissan Leaf isn•t as flashy like a Tesla or luxury electric vehicles (EVs), but it•s also cheaper, making it a good option if you•re on a budget. You might want to consider upgrading to a 62.0-kWh battery power, which gives an estimated 226 miles of driving on the full charge. Should you stick with the basic 40.0-kWh battery, you•ll get just 149 miles.
2. Volkswagen Passat (Top-rated midsize car)
Technically, the Buick Regal won the crown which are more dependable midsize car, but Buick discontinued the model following the 2022 model year. In second place, the Volkswagen Passat provides a large amount of trunk space along with a smooth driving experience. But in contrast to other models in its class, fuel economy estimates are subpar.
3. Toyota Avalon (Top-rated large car)
Both the exterior and interior are sleek on this model, and you•ll get a comfortable and robust ride using its V-6 engine. The Avalon is also one of the few vehicles in its class to offer all-wheel drive, though which include is just on the four-cylinder version. And if you would like better fuel efficiency, you could look at a hybrid model.
4. Chevrolet Equinox (Top-rated compact SUV)
Despite its size, the Equinox is roomy on the inside. But beyond reliability, it•s not among the best in other locations compared with your competition. Also, there aren't any new major changes to the 2022 model, therefore it may not make sense to pay a premium for that latest model.
5. Toyota 4Runner (Top-rated midsize SUV)
While the 4Runner sticks out in the crowd on reliability, reviews aren•t great for other aspects of the model. The vehicle•s design hasn•t been updated in years, its fuel economy is poor and also the handling and ride may leave you wanting more. That said, its towing and off-road capabilities can continue to make it a solid option for rugged outdoor enthusiasts.
6. Chevrolet Tahoe (Top-rated large SUV)
The Tahoe not only ranks as best for reliability in the class but also excels overall. The brand new 2022 model continues to be fully redesigned, creating a huge interior space, including cargo. The handling is also impressive, considering the model•s size.
7. Toyota Sienna (Top-rate minivan)
The Sienna includes excellent fuel economy for its class, thanks to its fully redesigned hybrid engine. It also provides a roomy, upscale interior. However, some experts complain it offers less cargo space than other minivans, and the engine power may leave some disappointed, especially when passing on the highway.
8. Nissan Frontier (Top-rated midsize pickup)
The Frontier excels in reliability and its handling, but it ranks one of the bottom in its class overall. Even with several updates for that 2022 model, the towing and hauling capacity is less impressive than its rivals, its interior technology is subpar and it is driver assistance features are almost nonexistent.
9. Ford F-150 (Top-rated large light-duty pickup)
The Ford F-Series traces its roots to the 1940s, giving the manufacturer sufficient time to perfect it. As a result, the F-150 is probably the very best in its class overall, not just in reliability. Its towing and hauling capabilities are unmatched, it features a powerful engine and the handling is smooth. What•s more, car buyers can expect a totally redesigned model in 2022. The only real complaint among experts is that it•s less comfortable because the Ram 1500.