Most Dependable Cars

Purchasing a new car is an investment that you will have to live with for several years.  There are very few people who have the means or the desire to purchase a new vehicle every few years, so of course it’s important to choose a vehicle that is dependable.  Sure, it might seem like a great idea to pick a vehicle based on how cool it looks driving down the road, but if it falls apart after only a year or two, then you’re back where you started, without a vehicle.  For this reason, a dependable vehicle is often a better investment than a flashy one. 

Most Dependable Brands And Models

Each year, JD Power and Associates completes testing of cars to determine which have been the most dependable over the past three years.  In 2007, JD Power released their picks of the most dependable cars from 2004, and it’s no surprise to most what brands and models were considered to be the most dependable cars over the past three years.  The most dependable cars on the road today in the mid-size sedan class are the Buick™ Century and Regal, as well as the Mercury™ Sable.  In the mid-size sport category, the most reliable cars were determined to be the Ford™ Mustang and the Toyota Camry Solara.  Not surprising was that Lexus™ had the most dependable vehicles in three classes including mid-size luxury, full-size luxury, and luxury sport.  This allowed Lexus to be named the most dependable manufacturer of cars.

Dependability In Older vs. Newer Models

Whether you are considering purchasing a new car or one that is slightly used, dependability should be your number one selection criteria.  Some of the most dependable cars in the last five years are not newer right-off-the-lot cars, but those that have seen a few miles.  Just because it’s an older model car does not necessarily mean it’s less dependable.  In fact, many recommend that instead of purchasing a new model during its first year of production that you wait a few years.  During these years, the auto manufacturer has time to work out any defects that might show up, and they can perfect the car, so it becomes one of the most dependable cars. 

What To Look For To Make Sure Your Car Is Dependable

Purchasing a dependable car isn’t just about finding a car that won’t leave you stranded on the side of the road.  It’s about finding a car that can stand the test of time in a variety of ways.  When looking for the most dependable cars, choose those that have good warranties.  You never want your vehicle to break down, but in the event that it does, the warranty will help cover the cost of repairs.  Some of the least dependable cars have short warranties.  Another thing you should expect in a dependable car is excellent craftsmanship.  A dependable car should look good for several years.  The paint shouldn’t start to chip off after a few summers sitting in the hot sun.  Not only should the exterior hold up, the interior should be easy to maintain.  If the electronic system starts to malfunction after just a few months, then perhaps this isn’t the most dependable car you can afford.

What To Avoid

Vehicles now have to go through strict tests before they become available to the public, so it’s not as risky as it used to be to buy a new make or model of car during its first year of production.  With that being said, it’s often better to choose a vehicle that has been on the market for a few years.  You should also never assume that just because a vehicle is high priced it would be more dependable.  In fact, some of the least dependable cars are some of the most expensive.  Quantity doesn’t always equate to quality.  Additionally, you should avoid cars that have been involved in an accident.  Used cars often sell for much less if they have been involved in an accident.  Unfortunately, if you are buying a used car from a private party, they may not always disclose this to you.  It’s best to get the vehicle’s VIN number and check out the vehicle history.  www.carfax.com is the best resource on the web for checking vehicle history on older model cars.   

Whether you are in the market for a brand new model car or one that is a few years older, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice dependability to get a payment you can afford.  With the proper research, you can avoid the least dependable cars, and instead, choose a car that will keep you happy for many years.  It might not be the ultimate car of your fantasies, but if you choose an undependable model, your dream car many soon become your nightmare car. 

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