It’s a common assumption that brand reliability is consistent across both new and used cars. However, digging into the data reveals a more nuanced picture, especially when considering the Most Reliable Used Cars on the market. While new car reliability ratings offer valuable insights, focusing solely on them can be misleading when you’re in the used car market.
One key reason for this discrepancy is the age gap. Used cars often represent earlier generations of vehicles. This means they may differ significantly from current models in design and components. Automakers also evolve their lineups; for example, brands might shift focus from sedans to SUVs, impacting overall brand reliability averages over time. Consider Ford’s current lineup, now largely devoid of cars apart from the Mustang, showcasing this industry-wide shift.
Interestingly, some brands show significant shifts in reliability rankings between new and used models. BMW, for instance, scores high in new car predicted reliability, ranking eighth in recent reports. Yet, used BMWs might not reflect this top-tier position due to past reliability issues that are now being addressed in newer models. Conversely, Volvo demonstrates the opposite trend. While ranking a respectable seventh for used car reliability (for 5- to 10-year-old models), Volvo’s new car reliability ranks lower at 15th. This suggests that older Volvos have proven their long-term dependability.
Tesla’s reliability trend is also noteworthy. The brand shows similar rankings for both new (17th) and used (15th) car reliability. This indicates a positive trajectory for Tesla, a considerable improvement from a prior used-car reliability rank of 24th. It signals advancements in manufacturing and engineering, although there’s still room for further gains.
Despite these fluctuations, some brands consistently uphold their reliability reputation across both new and used vehicles. Lexus and Toyota consistently dominate the top spots in both new and used car reliability rankings. Conversely, Jeep tends to occupy lower positions in both categories. These consistent performers highlight the importance of examining brand-specific reliability data for both new and used cars to make informed purchasing decisions.
Reliability calculations are based on comparing the number of reported problems against the average for vehicles of the same model year. Newer cars often show narrower reliability differences because the average problem rate is initially low. However, as vehicles age, problem rates can diverge significantly, creating greater variation in reliability within the same model year.
As Elek from Consumer Reports points out, “Taking this longer view, looking at reliability over five to 10 years, gives a clear picture of what used-car buyers can expect.” Therefore, when seeking the most reliable used cars, delving into long-term reliability data is crucial for making a smart and dependable choice.
