Some brands make more reliable vehicles than others, so choosing an automaker with a good reputation is essential to enjoying a high-quality vehicle.
Save Money Without Sacrificing Quality
With proper Lexus service, for example, a used car from this manufacturer will typically outlast the competition.
Buying a used car is a great way to save money at the dealership, but it’s only a cost-effective solution for drivers who choose reliable brands. With proper maintenance and periodic Lexus service, used Lexus vehicles are the best. Buyers might be surprised by others on the list.
This article will examine the top contenders according to experts at the nonprofit research and advocacy group Consumer Reports and explain what helps them stand apart from the competition.
Top Contender: Lexus
Consumer Reports used data collected from current owners of five- to ten-year-old vehicles to determine rankings for every popular automotive brand, with Lexus ranking number one at 75/100 points.
Experts believe Lexus cars remain reliable due mainly to the automaker’s history of conservative redesigns. Instead of unveiling brand-new systems frequently, Lexus incrementally improves its entire lineup of sedans and SUVs.
The Consumer Reports study compared the reported number of problems with used cars to the average for each model year. With regular Lexus service, the top-performing brand’s vehicles have fewer issues than any other.
Runner-Up: Toyota
Toyota takes a close second at 72/100. This ranking should come as no surprise to people familiar with the brand, which has a reputation for reliability.
What not all drivers realize is the connection between the two top-performing automotive manufacturers. Toyota Motor Corporation owns the Lexus brand. Although it is run independently, most people conceive of it as the luxury off-shoot of the more mainstream Toyota brand.
Like Lexus, Toyota makes vehicles that are known for going the distance. Toyota also manufactures a broader variety of vehicle types than Lexus, including full-size trucks. Drivers looking for used work vehicles tend to choose Toyota over Lexus for that reason despite the lower reliability rating.
Mazda Takes a Distant Third
While the difference between Lexus’ and Toyota’s reliability ratings is just three points, Mazda takes a distant third at 59/100. It’s also worth noting that the brand had only half a dozen vehicles that qualified for inclusion in the study.
Mazda sits between Toyota and Lexus on the luxury scale in most consumers’ minds. The automaker has a reputation for manufacturing vehicles with some premium qualities at lower prices than its actual luxury competitors, which can be appealing.
Final Verdict: With Regular Lexus Service, the Luxury Automaker Wins Out
Drivers looking for the most reliable used car should know that with regular visits to the Lexus service department, the popular luxury brand will, on average, outlast the competition.
Consumer Reports uses data from the general public to grade vehicles and automotive brands, offering an inherently unbiased view of what to expect. Just keep in mind that every car is also different, so buyers still need to do their research before heading to the dealer.
This post may contain affiliate links. Meaning a commission is given should you decide to make a purchase through these links, at no cost to you. All products shown are researched and tested to give an accurate review for you.
