When judging reliability on used cars you must factor in a large number or variable. For instance, while a car manufacturer may claim the highest reliability spot, it may only be because they make very few models, while a larger manufacturer with sixty or seventy different models of car could get a lower score even though many of their models exceed reliability of the smaller manufacturer. Also, you must consider whether you are going to look at foreign cars or pick your reliable automobile from a smaller pool of domestic manufacturers.
Top Rated Used Cars in Reliability
Honda Accord
According to Warranty Direct, the top car for reliability out of all of the cars from the last ten years or so is the Honda Accord a family car that is put together well, and the car holds onto its resell value well, especially if it was taken care of by previous owners. The first Honda Accord was introduced in 1992 and they are still making them today. This is a terrific car for the value besides being rated number one in safety.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is the second car on our list and this classy SUV feels like a sports car trapped inside the frame of an SUV. The car is extremely reliable, except for engine problems in the 2005 and older models mostly having to do the catalytic converter failure that makes the check engine light come on. However, the warranty from Subaru for the catalytic converter is for eight years or 80,000 miles so you may still be able to get that part replaced free of charge if it is under warranty. Otherwise it runs $500 to $700 to get it fixed.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
Every since 2001 the Mazda Miata has proven reliability in all areas including engine, transmission and driveline, steering, suspension, AC and heating and starting as well as being the plan for the modern roadster vehicle. The MX-5 Miata offers superior handling and powerful engines as well as an body style that is sleek and stylish and offers a unique look found in very few other automobiles. The Mazda MX1 Miata was most recently updated in 2009, so you may want to look at those models first if you can afford a car that new.
Mitsubishi Carisma
Okay, so there’s the name. A poor choice perhaps and when you look at the car it doesn’t really dress to impress and performance behind the wheel simply isn’t anything that you would write in your blog about. But now that we’ve alienated everyone who was thinking about the Carisma here are the good things and why it makes our list of the top reliable used cars. This hatchback will simply work and work and work and is consistently rated among the most reliable automobiles in the world. Bottom Line: The Carisma will last for as long as you want it to.
Toyota Yaris
Okay, so the Toyota Yaris might look more like an inflatable balloon heading for a Macy’s Day Parade than an actual car, but the fact is that you won’t find many more cars that receive this high of reliability rating. Not only that, but this supermini has a massive amount of room compared to other small cars and a great engine as well. The first Yaris was released in 2007, but four the last four years has been consistent in meeting or exceeding safety and reliability standards.
Used Cars to Stay Away From if you Want Reliability
While these are a few of the top picks of cars to think about if you are looking for reliability above all else, there are also cars that you simply should try to avoid if possible. These include cars that people experience problems with over and over again, and should be avoided if reliability is one of the factors you are using to pick a used car. Here are four cars that you simply should skip unless you are a world class mechanic that has all the free time in the world and lots of parts that you simply don’t know what else to do with.
Chevrolet Blazer
The Chevrolet Blazer has been plagued by problems no matter which year you look at and all having to do with the engine and the transmission and driveline. Mainly, the engine problems come from the failure of the Engine Oil Cooler Lines, and repairs can range anywhere from $200 to $500 for parts and labor depending upon whether you have a Rear Wheel Drive or a Four Wheel Drive. As for the transmission problems, the encoder motor on the transfer case often goes out, which is around a $600-$800 repair.
Lincoln Aviator
The Lincoln Aviator gets a bad rap by people that are rating used cars because the first model that came out, the 2003, was fraught with engine problems, repairs in the steering and suspension and braking problems as well as trouble with the accessories but it is important to note that if you are interested in buying one of the other two models that were made, the 2004 and 2005 models, that you should be fine as far as reliability. The 2003 model however, experienced problems with the IACV, the differential pressure feedback EGR sensor and a myriad of other problems with the engine as well as failure of the ball joints and Anti-Lock Braking System Failure. Some other problems were reported with the under the dash fuse panel and general electronic module.
Kia Sedona
Kia often claims to be one of the most reliable auto manufacturers but on some of the Sedona Models they unfortunately failed. The 2007 and 2008 Sedonas suffered from engine problems mostly stemming from the fact that the Serpentine Belt Idler Pulley would go out. However, there were some other engine problems reported and it is a good idea to skip these two years of the Sedona if possible. If you do decide to get one, and the pulley goes out the good news is, it is only about a $100 repair.