My GarageAcura
2 model guidesAcura is Honda reliability with better sound insulation and nicer interiors. The J35 V6 that powers most of the lineup is one of the most durable engines ever…
Audi
2 model guidesAudi builds some of the best-driving and best-feeling cars in the used market — but ownership costs are high, and the 2.0T EA888 timing chain (gen 1–2) and…
BMW
4 model guidesA well-maintained BMW is a fantastic driver's car. A neglected BMW is one of the fastest ways to spend money in the used-car market. The single biggest…
Chevrolet
2 model guidesChevrolet's small-block V8s (LS-based and LT-based) are among the most durable, cheapest-to-fix engines on Earth. The compact cars are more mixed, and the…
Ford
3 model guidesFord reliability depends heavily on the powertrain. The Coyote 5.0L V8 and 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 are excellent. Early PowerShift dual-clutch…
GMC
2 model guidesGMC shares nearly all of its powertrains and platforms with Chevrolet. That means the LS-based small-block V8s are excellent, the newer AFM/DFM 5.3L and 6.2L…
Honda
5 model guidesHonda's naturally aspirated four-cylinders and J-series V6s are among the most reliable engines ever built. The main things to check on a used Honda are the…
Hyundai
2 model guidesHyundai has improved enormously over the past decade — but the Theta II 2.0T and 2.4L engines (2011–2019) have a well-documented engine failure history that…
Infiniti
2 model guidesInfiniti is Nissan luxury — which means the VQ35 and VQ37 V6s are excellent and the platforms are largely durable. Unlike Nissan's mainstream lineup, most…
Jeep
2 model guidesJeep Wranglers are among the most parts-supported vehicles ever built — a massive aftermarket means almost every problem has a known, affordable fix. Grand…
Kia
2 model guidesKia shares engines and platforms with Hyundai — so the same Theta II engine failure story applies to the 2011–2019 Optima, Sorento, and Sportage. Post-recall…
Lexus
4 model guidesLexus is Toyota reliability wrapped in a much nicer interior. The GX, LX, LS, and V8-powered SUVs are among the most durable luxury vehicles ever built.
Mazda
2 model guidesMazda's SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated engines are among the most dependable engines on the road. The chassis and interior punch well above the price.…
Mercedes-Benz
5 model guidesReliability depends on the model, engine, maintenance history, and previous ownership. Some Mercedes models are among the most reliable luxury cars ever built…
Nissan
2 model guidesNissan reliability comes down to two things: the powertrain and the transmission. The VQ35 and VQ37 V6s are excellent. The Jatco CVTs used across most of the…
RAM
1 model guideThe 5.7L HEMI is a durable, serviceable V8 — but the MDS (cylinder deactivation) 'HEMI tick' and lifter failure story is real on affected years. The 6.7L…
Subaru
3 model guidesSubaru's AWD system and boxer engines are unique in the mainstream market. Reliability is generally good — but two specific issues (head gasket failure on…
Toyota
7 model guidesToyota is the benchmark for used-car reliability. A properly maintained Camry, Corolla, or Tacoma can comfortably exceed 250,000 miles — but frame rust, oil…
Volkswagen
2 model guidesVW's engines are largely shared with Audi. The gen 3 EA888 2.0T (2013+), the VR6, and the newer TSI engines are dependable when serviced. The DSG dual-clutch…
Volvo
2 model guidesOlder naturally aspirated Volvos (S60/V70/XC70 with the 5-cylinder) are among the most durable Swedish cars ever built. Modern SPA-platform Volvos (XC60, XC90…