When you're buying a used car, reliability, quality and dependability are a critically important factor to evaluate. After all, you want to avoid the expense, hassle and lost time of a car sitting in a repair shop all too often.
The problem is that real hard and objective data can be difficult to come by. This isn't information the car manufacturers readily share in a comprehensive way. Perhaps they're a little "sensitive" about it.
Instead, it's third parties that compile various data points and often come up with conflicting results. So, I've taken a different approach for more recent used cars, using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
And this is then followed by previous ratings for even "older" used vehicles for those looking for vehicles in those time frames. Indeed, used car reliability and dependability varies over time.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Reliability Ratings
I asked ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence app, to rank the car makers overall for their 3- to 5-year-old vehicle reliability. (For individual models, I'd recommend RepairPal's great site.) ChatGPT's last knowledge cutoff date was in September, 2021, so this works out fairly well for the current time frame.
The following are the results, along with ChatGTP's brief description of each brand:
1. Toyota: Toyota consistently ranks high for reliability, offering dependable vehicles known for longevity and low maintenance costs.
2. Lexus: Lexus, Toyota's luxury division, combines reliability with luxury and quality, making it a top choice for dependable upscale vehicles.
3. Mazda: Mazda is known for producing reliable and engaging vehicles, offering a balance of reliability and driving enjoyment.
4. Honda: Honda consistently delivers well-built and dependable vehicles, making it a strong contender in the reliability category.
5. Subaru: Subaru's all-wheel-drive technology enhances reliability, making it a reliable choice for various driving conditions.
6. Audi: Audi, a luxury brand, offers a mix of performance and features; reliability can vary, affecting its overall ranking.
7. Cadillac: Cadillac, a luxury brand under GM, has a varied reliability record; some models have concerns, while others are dependable.
8. Acura: Acura provides reliable and well-engineered luxury vehicles known for their quality and dependability.
9. Kia: Kia offers dependable vehicles at budget-friendly prices, making it an attractive choice for reliability.
10. Lincoln: Lincoln offers luxury and comfort; reliability varies by model and year, impacting its overall ranking.
11. Buick: Buick focuses on comfort and luxury, with some models offering good reliability and durability.
12. BMW: BMW combines performance and luxury; while offering a thrilling driving experience, reliability can vary by model.
13. Porsche: Porsche is known for high-performance sports cars and luxury SUVs; maintenance costs can be high, affecting its ranking.
14. Genesis: Genesis, Hyundai's luxury division, emphasizes quality and reliability in its luxury vehicles.
15. Hyundai: Hyundai has improved reliability and build quality in recent years, offering dependable vehicles at affordable prices.
16. Volvo: Volvo is known for safety and dependability, with a focus on durability and comfort.
17. Nissan: Nissan's reliability can vary by model, impacting its overall ranking; some models have a strong track record.
18. Land Rover: Land Rover produces rugged SUVs with off-road capabilities; reliability has been a concern, affecting its ranking.
19. Ram: Ram trucks are known for their capability, but reliability can vary by model, especially for older ones.
20. Ford: Ford has some models praised for reliability, while others may vary, affecting its overall ranking.
21. Tesla: Tesla offers electric vehicles with advanced technology; reliability can vary, and long-term ownership involves unique considerations.
22. Chevrolet: Chevrolet, part of GM, has a varied reliability record; individual models vary, influencing its ranking.
23. Fiat: Fiat offers compact and efficient vehicles; reliability can vary, and availability may be limited, impacting its ranking.
24. GMC: GMC offers a mix of trucks and SUVs; reliability varies depending on the model and year.
25. Volkswagen: Volkswagen has models known for reliability, though it can vary, especially for older models.
26. Jeep: Jeep is known for ruggedness and off-road capability; reliability can vary by model and year.
27. Mercedes-Benz: Mercedes-Benz is known for high-end luxury; costs and reliability can be factors to consider, depending on the model.
Reliability For Top Models In The Early 2010's
For vehicles a little older, here's an excellent study by J.D. Power in the earlier 2010's that is no longer online but was reported here at the time. It was based on consumer feedback after three years of ownership and dealt with specific models as opposed to an overall automaker. I think this can be very useful for car buyers looking for older vehicles who want to identify the top models for reliability by segment. Here are the results:
- Sub-Compact Car: Honda Fit
- Compact Car: Toyota Prius
- Compact Sporty Car: Mazda Miata
- MidSize Sporty Car: Ford Mustang
- Midsize Car: Ford Fusion
- Large Car: Buick Lucerne
- Compact Premium Sporty Car: Mercedes-Benz CLK
- Entry Premium Car: Lincoln MKZ
- Midsize Premium Car: Acura RL
- Large Premium Car: Cadillac DTS
- Compact Multi Purpose Vehicle: Scion xB
- Compact Crossover/SUV: Honda CR-V
- Entry Premium Crossover/SUV: BMW X3
- Midsize Crossover/SUV: Toyota 4Runner
- Large Crossover/SUV: Chevrolet Tahoe
- Large Pickup: Toyota Tundra
- Midsize Pickup: Toyota Tacoma
- Midsize Van: Toyota Sienna
- Midsize Premium Crossover/SUV: Lexus RX 350
- Large Premium Crossover/SUV: Lincoln Navigator
Most Reliable Automakers In The 2000's
For car buyers looking for models in the 2000's, this was a very interesting and hands-on reliability evaluation. Warranty Direct, an extended used car warranty administrator, looked at over 450,000 vehicles they covered in the United States and United Kingdom.
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They looked at the repair records of 3- to 9-year-old automobiles and tabulated all of their claim records. And what can be more definitive than real people, putting mileage on real cars and encountering real problems?
The results show the number of claims reported for every 100 vehicles (again, 3 -9 years-old) covered by Warranty Direct's policies.
And just so you understand what the numbers mean: Mazda, with a score of 8.04%, would mean that nearly 92 percent of the Mazda cars covered experienced no mechanical failure of any kind ... pretty darn good. In other words, the percentages below reflect what percentage of the vehicles that did have a mechanical problem. So, the more claims, the more widespread the problems.
Here are the results:
- Mazda - 8.04%
- Honda - 8.90%
- Toyota - 15.78%
- Mitsubishi - 17.04%
- Kia - 17.39%
- Subaru - 18.46%
- Nissan - 18.86%
- Lexus - 20.05%
- Mini - 21.90%
- Citroen - 25.98%
- Daewoo - 26.30%
- Hyundai - 26.36%
- Peugeot - 26.59%
- Ford - 26.76%
- Suzuki - 27.20%
- Porsche - 27.48%
- Porsche - 27.48%
- Fiat - 28.49%
- BMW - 28.64%
- Vauxhall - 28.77%
- Mercedes-Benz - 29.90%
- Rover - 30.12%
- Volvo - 31.28%
- Volkswagen - 31.44%
- Jaguar - 32.05%
- Skoda - 32.12%
- Chrysler - 34.90%
- Audi - 36.74%
- Seat - 36.87%
- Renault - 36.87%
- Alfa Romeo - 39.13%
- Saab - 41.59% br>
- Land Rover - 44.21%
- Jeep - 46.36%
Used Car Reliability Lessons
I think the main takeaway is that while some used vehicles have had fewer problems than some others, they all have potential problems going forward. So, it is extremely important for buyers to always do their due diligence. This would include:
- Doing more research online for your specific model.
- Getting the vehicle's history report.
- Asking for vehicle's maintanence records.
- Taking a test drive.
- Getting an independent pre-purchase vehicle inspection.
Even with all the above, there are no 100% guarantees, but by doing all of them you are putting the odds greatly in your favor for making a solid used car purchase.