Most reliable cars have to prove themselves in the workshop and in everyday life.
According to data from the statistics portal Statista, in 2015 German car buyers purchased average 28.Spent 590 euros on a new car. For used vehicles the Germans put about 10.620 euros on the table. Here we are talking about quite high sums.
If a buyer invests so much money in a new car, he naturally wants to have something from the vehicle for a particularly long time. At best, it should reliably bring him from A to B, without breakdowns and defects spoiling the driving fun. But which car is really best and most reliable?
“The best and most reliable cars in the world come from Germany!” Even if import brands are catching up more and more, this widespread phrase still has its justification. In the DEKRA used car report, German carmakers took 18 of 27 podium places.
In the endurance test of the magazine “AUTO BILD” won the Volvo XC 60. The engine of the SUV also shows after 100.000 kilometers still in top shape. It is followed by the Hyundai i30 and the Audi A6.
Reliable cars are generally stable in value and do not show high wear and tear.
If you are looking for the best and most reliable cars, you need to be clear about one thing, where your requirements are. A small, zippy sports car can be no matter how reliable: it would not be a good choice for families. On the other hand Take a look at the car checks of well-known testing organizations and car magazines.
We can take care of the second point for you. In this guide, we clarify the following questions, among others: What is the best car brand? What are the best cars on the German market? Which Test winner are available in the different vehicle classes?
Best cars of different categories: The DEKRA used car report
Reliable used cars are rightly traded at a high price.
When it comes time to buy a vehicle, many people are clear: “I need an affordable, reliable car.”After all, the most beautiful, fastest or most practical passenger car is of little use if its constantly in the workshop, instead of getting its owner from A to B without any problems.
However, laymen in particular are often unsure when it comes to recognizing the most reliable cars. The DEKRA Used Car Report offers an comprehensive overview for those who are not well versed in the car market.
The basis for the results of the test organization’s investigation are the Defects, which are repaired within two years in as 15 million main inspections were documented. Such damage, for which the owner is usually responsible, for example worn tires, is not taken into account.
In order to find the most reliable cars the following assemblies examined:
- Engine and environment
- Chassis and steering
- brake system
- Body, frame and interior
- Electrics, electronics and light
The most durable cars show above-average values in the test.
In order to ensure statistical significance and to be able to present only the best cars, only those vehicle models are included in the test that were tested during the evaluation period at least 1.000 pieces were examined.
Moreover, the evaluation is not based on the age of the vehicles but according to mileage. According to Guido Kutschera, member of the management of DEKRA Automobil GmbH, this is, much more decisive. Most reliable cars should still perform well even with high mileage as few defects as possible have.
As winner of all classes once again goes to the Audi A6 from the used car report. For this car, the DEKRA Defect Index (DMI) with a value of 94.6. The DMI is calculated from the proportions of cars that have no relevant defects and those that have significant defects. The closer the value is to the maximum of 100, the better the car performs in the test.
Best cars from nine different vehicle categories can be seen in the following table:
| mini / small cars | Honda Jazz |
| Compact class | BMW 1 Series |
| Middle class | Volvo S60 / V60 |
| Upper middle class / luxury class | Audi A6 |
| sports car / convertible | Audi TT |
| Off-road vehicle / SUV | Audi Q5 |
| Van | Ford C-Max / Grand C-Max |
| small vans | Mercedes-Benz Vito / Viano |
| Transporter | Renault Master |
What are the most reliable car brands?
The Most reliable car brand in the DEKRA used car report – looking at the respective winners in the various categories – is Audi. Three first-place finishers are produced by the Ingolstadt-based carmaker. With BMW and Mercedes-Benz three other best-in-class cars come from Germany.
Most reliable cars according to the “AUTO BILD” endurance test
Best cars: Breakdowns are rare with the test winners.
Another meaningful test that shows whether a car really deserves the designation “reliable” is the endurance test of the magazine “AUTO BILD. Tested vehicles put down within one and a half to two years 100.000 kilometers back.
During this time the vehicle put to the test in all conceivable situations. It must prove itself both in city traffic, on the highway or in operation with a trailer.
Once the car has completed the mileage test, the complete disassembly of the car on the program. Not only the engine and the technology itself are examined, but also the wear and tear in the interior is documented.
In the driving operation is recorded by the testers, among other things, whether it comes to breakdowns. engine or transmission damage naturally pull the rating down sharply, also defective drive or functional parts as well as necessary workshop visits have a negative effect on the test rating.
Best cars have one good long term quality On. The body should still be in good shape, the engine still bring full power and the Gearbox did not show any leaks. Also exhaust system, chassis and electrics must be as far as possible free of defects, so that a good evaluation can be made.
Most reliable cars bring you safely to your destination.
Here are the Top ten of the endurance test:
- Volvo XC 60
- Hyundai i30
- Audi A6
- Ford Focus
- Mazda CX-5
- Suzuki SX4 S-Cross
- Kia cee’d
- Mercedes A 180
- Škoda Octavia Combi
It stands out: According to this test, most reliable cars do not necessarily come only from Germany. With Mercedes and Audi are only two German vehicle manufacturers among the first ten places.
The Asian car manufacturers are catching up more and more. Hyundai and Kia come from South Korea, Suzuki and Mazda are based in Japan. The Czech manufacturer Škoda, the US-American brand Ford and the swedish company Volvo complete the top ten.
Most reliable cars wanted? Then you better do without these models
The magazine “AUTO BILD” shows not only most reliable and best cars. Also Vehicles from which buyers better keep their hands off, are examined. With the Renault Kangoo, the Chrysler PT Cruiser, the Fiat Doblo, the Ford Ka, the Renault Megane, the Merecdes M-Class and the Alfa Romeo 147, caution is advisable when buying.
42 thoughts on ” Most reliable cars in test – tips for all who value quality “
We have 3.5 years ago bought 2 new Skoda yeti. Both EU models…1.2 tsi after 67.000km gearbox damage.just so on goodwill…At 80.000km air-conditioning line worn through and therefore compressor defective..Then clutch smoked up…!
My 2.0 Tdi after software up date very lame ? Then at 88.000km gearbox damage ? With clutch and DMF
exchanged.. Now We are pretty pissed off with this workmanship…install cheap bearings…After all, the customer doesn’t notice until after the warranty….Could co…. Become the things yes hardly still los…Which affordable car holds then today still ?? Subaru..? Go away from diesel ! At 50km to work one way…! Just no 3 cylinder double turbo crap ! Greetings hardy
I drive an 18 year old Volvo V40.This car has never been broken.
Mileage 238000 !
I have an 8 year old Volvo S40, mileage 103000. Already had to change the diesel particulate filter 3 times and had engine problems several times. My conclusion: The earlier Volvos were still of good quality, from today’s Volvo models I will keep my hands off in the future.
Was also always enough fuel additive E. been present in the auxiliary tank?
A clogged DPF has nothing to do with bad quality.. Sounds more like diesel in city and short haul, any DPF will clog you&
drive the car, not carry it
Andreas has a Mitsubisi (yes that’s the base of the V40) and Thomas the most expensive version of a Ford Focus. This is just not comparable
My Volvo S80 D5 2004s has now 405.000km and zero oil consumption except wear parts it has never had anything and it is certainly still good for the next 400.000km…had a 740 GLE with 830.000km and have given it away with no major defects…..for me Volvo is the best car in the world.
Buy a Toyota and be happy. I drive myself a Toyota Avensis from 2006 and with 290.000km is still the first clutch/turbo/gearbox/shock absorber in it – the cars just do what they were designed to do – they drive. The described problems do not exist there. Two of my work colleagues have also switched from VW/Skoda to Toyota and since then very happy.
I can only agree. My corolla e 12 1.6 gasoline engine is now 15 years old. Has never been defective. Has now run 198000 km and except brakes and maintenance nix have to put in. Oh so we bought 2005 as a yearly car. When I hear the whining of work colleagues and acquaintances what they experience with VW, opel bmw and Co I can only grin.my brother and my father also drive toyota and are also very satisfied.at most from the diesels one hears rarely good but they are depending on the year of manufacture from PSA or BMW.
Hello Christian, you are right ! I used to drive only Honda in the eighties and nineties, and for some reason I then switched to VW Passat and had since then no decent car more.
I also think that the Japanese and the Koreans build the better cars
VW Passat 3BG 6 Variant TDI 101 PS mileage 390000 kilometers, year 2004. 1. Engine, 1. gearbox, 1. Clutch, 1. Exhaust, 1. wheel bearing, 1. Turbo, 1. Shock absorber………and runs and runs and runs (mileage up to 800000 are known)
Only regular maintenance 1 x yearly ca. 30000 kilometers with necessary additional work (brakes, brake fluid, timing belt every 120000 kilometers). Special repairs in 14 years of driving: 1 x right brake caliper, 1 x steering freewheel, 2 x axle boots, sensors and hose EGR valve, temperature sensor radiator.
Yes, after 14 years it slowly starts to rust, but never broke down (except for car battery drained after half a year – lasted 11 years after recharging).
Quality from Audi. Q5? That’s not what you hear…(broken turbos, water pump and and and…)
It’s a pity that the really good quality of the Passat is coming to an end (discontinuation 2021)
If you know English, check out Scotty Kilmer’s videos on YouTube; he’s been fixing cars for 50 years and doesn’t mince words. When it comes to longevity, you can not get past Toyota and Honda. Germans are overengineered, tinkered with and also therefore too expensive to repair. We don’t want to talk about the French and Italians (Jeep also belongs to Fiat-Chrysler). About US cars also not. Remain the Asians. Renault messed up the quality of Nissan and will do the same now with Mitsubishi. But also very many Japanese are built for us Europeans in the meantime in cheap Europe and also that is a bad criterion. My Nissan Qashqai 2007 and my Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross 2018 are still directly manufactured in Japan. They just have a different work ethic. China will also catch up. Problem is our lobby and their big influence everywhere, where German cars usually perform best.
I drive since the year 2011 a Peugot 207 diesel 142000 km at the moment and have had so far also no real repairs. Yes a disc v. V-belt had to be changed once because what was broken out. Conclusion Peugot or. the PSA group builds in my opinion very good cars and the best engines.
Loy, that’s exactly how it is .
Honda Civic bj 1998 305000km top
Bruno. Exactly . I also drive a Honda Civic year 2000. 250000km. Also top.
No problems with engine, transmission, clutch, electrical and electronics.
A decent car doesn’t have a 3-cylinder engine, but always an even number of cylinders, 4 or 6, because we’re talking about longevity and reliability here, not fuel efficiency.
Monday model…( Audi A4 B7, Bj. 2006 Limo, 1.6 petrol engine:
13 years old, 125.000,-km run. In the last 3 years:
– Ignition coil (small matter)
– Clutch
– RPM dropped again and again (from start)
– Engine: 1. Cylinder – no more pressure, 2. Cylinder – gets little pressure, 4. Cylinder – burns oil, like crazy..
Sold today with engine damage…. well… not expected from Audi..
My next car will be Mazda CX-5.
I drive the CX 5 2.5 l gasoline engine, TOP vehicle&
Dacia gloomy prestige 1.2 TCe 125 4×2
Bj. 2015
My worst car I had in 40 years.
– After two years trunk full of water. Mechanic was gobsmacked at the gluing of the rear body, said he had never seen anything like it and suspected I had screwed on it / was fixed under warranty.
– After three years steering column switch defective. Have it paid for and fixed myself. If you take a closer look at the parts and think about the fact that the whole car could be built in such quality, you start to fear for your life.
– After three years the leather seats start to wear through and the backrest is torn at night.
– after two years timing chain defective, was sent home by the workshop with the words, “we don’t hear anything, just drive on”. After three years then really defective and should now pay after warranty 3000, – for the repair itself. Here is now end, the car goes to the press, am very disappointed in Dacia, such a car comes no more in the house.
With this car it is very obvious that they try to compensate the low price with repairs. I do not want to know what would come at 100tkm on me. But I will not let it get that far!
With the Romanian Auttomarke nothing else to expect.
My Nissan 100 NX with 1.6 l engine and 90 Ps was driven by me to 480.00 km driven with the first engine. When sold it still ran perfectly.
Mercedes M from 2006. 220000 km. Front sway bars 40Euro each. Shock absorber in the back, probably because of the 3to trailer. Door lock rear. Rear brake discs renewed, second brake pads, front still original discs and pads.
…drive a Mazda 2 de Bj.2009 , so far without significant problems ( km stand Current 268 000 ).
Have an Opel Astra BJ 2013 120 hp gasoline – am absolutely satisfied with it. 260000 km – only service nothing else
hello drive a Skoda Superb 2015 facelift 2.0 tdi 4×4 dsg 200000km without problems very reliable low consumption just a superb vehicle☺️
hello, drive for 11 years a fiat panda from 09/2009 never had problems except for the engine control, which has fiat and another workshop never get into the grasp. now the engine control always lights up and when reading out comes the info 2. ignition coil. but it has been renewed before with the 1. ignition coil.after the readout I hardly drive a few meters and already the sympol of the engine control lights up and the car no longer pulls properly at a certain speed.actually i don’t want to invest any more money just because the garage can’t guarantee that the fault will be fixed when a new engine control unit is installed.
drive Mitsubishi Lancer Station 1,6 year 2004 as first owner
a gasoline engine with 424 000 km without significant problems.
experience not really. A colleague drives a Toyota Aygo with 280000 as first owner. Has not been a big deal and has also excited me. Also the boxer engines from Subaru have my trust…
Drive for almost eight years a Toyota Avensis gasoline, year 2004. I never take special care of my cars,oil,water,that’s it. Now after 15 years the water pump – the first one – broke down. That was all in the almost eight years! I used to be a total Passat fan. What they cost me in new axle boots alone was equal to the purchase value of the Avensis. Not to mention the timing belts, water pumps, air conditioner defects, wishbones. And I don’t want to talk about the unfair behavior of this company towards the German customers! The Avensis has convinced me completely! Ugly as the night, but the most reliable thing I have ever driven!
Renault laguna 2, BJ 2003, am the first owner, 190.000 driven. Once changed timing belt and alternator. Everything else is top.
The Toyota as the largest VW competitor is not mentioned, is significant. For years Toyota has been pressed newspapers like AB and AMS.
Toyota is still at the top. The hybrid powertrain is proven to be the best, most reliable, longest lasting and most robust concept on the market.
I wonder where then the satisfied customers of VW Opel.& Co are probably. I do not know any and I really know many who dt. Cars drive.
Toyota has absolutely convinced me as a brand. Third in a row is also a real winner
With this information about buying used car, I can make the right decision. It is not always easy to make a decision. Especially if you don’t know exactly what the possibilities are.
I am looking for a used car to get from A to B faster. However, there is a myriad of choice on the Internet and important when buying a car is trustworthiness. It can happen quickly that you run into the hands of a fraudster. Therefore, it is even more important to me that I can buy my future car with peace of mind. While searching for a used car provider, I came across this site.
Citroen C4 Grand Picasso 2009 Diesel 2.0 with manual transmission. With Sunroof aaaahh!! “Do comes the sun, durururu. “. I bought the great car new with 0 km and sold it with 268000 km after 10 years with gritted teeth.
With normal maintenance there’s 0 problems with it. Even drove once 20 km with gasoline on an empty stomach instead of diesel, no noticeable decrease in performance afterwards. I do not think that the car world will ever again allow such a successful concept on the road.
Thanks for sharing this article about the most reliable cars. My uncle was recently at the dealership because he is looking for a new car. Good to know that the evaluation of used cars is done by mileage and not by age.
I drive a Passat 2,0 B6 TDI Variant CR with 140PS and am at 353 tkm.
First clutch,, dual mass flywheel, turbo, exhaust and engine. Until now only wear and tear and that with caravan operation. Ok it has also only 1,3 t and that only in the last three years. But also in and through the Alps to Croatia. (the tailgate begins to rust away) At 60 km one way to work I sometimes come to 4.6 liters per 100km when driving by the book in the flat land. ; )
Since before I drove an Audi A4 B5 1.9 TDI, except for two air flow meters, a water pump otherwise also only wear and that to 437 tkm. I changed to Passat because I needed a green sticker and the space is better than the A4.
Audi 80 type 86 1,8 gasoline to 287 tkm handbrake cable rusted due to lack of use, At the end the cooling system was tight (due to lack of maintenance) and I needed a diesel anyway for a longer way to work.
Sometimes I just think a lot of people don’t know how to drive a car and stand in front of red lights with the clutch depressed or don’t warm up the car before giving it a go.
Thanks for sharing this article about reliable cars. My car needs repair. I will be looking for an auto repair shop that can fix my car.
Thanks for sharing these car tests. I would also like to buy a new car. I think it is important that the mileage is not so high.
I drive vw t4 timing belt change V-belts are yes 3 pieces with all what associated parts water pump umlengrollen etc otherwise only wear parts 2.5 liter diesel 88 hp 310003
and year of construction 2001
I also have the Audi A6. I bought it used and have never been to an auto repair shop before. But now I’m going to make an appointment and have everything checked out. I was unsure when I bought it. I made a good deal.
I drive a Chrysler PT limited 2.2 CRD year 2002 and am very happy after 19 years with the car.
Except for the usual wear parts such as brake parts, battery , wheel bearings in the front was so far nothing major accrued.
Chassis rubbers were exchanged against PU bushings and the complete exhaust system on high-grade steel converted.
The Comonraildiesel of Mercedes purrs like on the first day and with at present 150 000 km straight times broken in.
The car was said to have many defects that I could not confirm in any way.
It runs and runs and shines like on the first day, care is just everything up to the high passenger car age.