Buying a car is a sizable investment. Besides the upfront cost of the vehicle, you also need to factor in fuel and insurance. As well as maintenance, services, and repairs costs.
The last thing you want after handing over your hard earned money on a vehicle is to be stuck with a lemon.
Which is why it’s important to choose a car brand which is known for being reliable.
Consumer Reports’ conducts an annual survey with its subscribers. To determine which car manufacturers are the most reliable. As well as which have the most problems. The results are based on 17 different potential problem areas. Data has been collected dating back to 2000 from over 500, 000 vehicles. The depth of the survey means the long-term results are reliable and trustworthy.
It’s no surprise that Asian manufacturers again dominated the list. 7 from the top 10 most reliable car manufacturers coming from Japan or South Korea.
Lexus led the way, with Audi, BMW, and Mini representing the European manufacturers in the top 10.
With Asian cars being voted reliable and durable year after year, let’s take a look at the 10 most reliable Asian car brands.
Asian car manufacturers have a long history as being the most reliable vehicles on the market. Often taking out the top spots for the most reliable cars.
No surprise at the top of the list is Lexus, with Toyota taking out the second place. It means Lexus and Toyota have been the number 1 and 2 most reliable Asian car brands for seven straight years. This makes them hands down the most reliable car manufacturer not only in Asia but in the world.
Kia is the first brand represented outside of Japan. They are based in South Korea. Hyundai and Genesis also are South Korean brands on the list.
Surprisingly, right at the bottom of the list, the least reliable car brands were found to be Tesla, Cadillac and Volvo.
Asian car manufacturers have a long history as being the most reliable vehicles on the market. Often taking out the top spots for the most reliable cars.
No surprise at the top of the list is Lexus, with Toyota taking out the second place. It means Lexus and Toyota have been the number 1 and 2 most reliable Asian car brands for seven straight years. This makes them hands down the most reliable car manufacturer not only in Asia but in the world.
Kia is the first brand represented outside of Japan. They are based in South Korea. Hyundai and Genesis also are South Korean brands on the list.
Surprisingly, right at the bottom of the list, the least reliable car brands were found to be Tesla, Cadillac and Volvo.
1. Lexus Manufactured in: Japan (Luxury vehicle division of Toyota)
Source: https://thenewswheel.com/behind-the-badge-origins-lexus-name-logo/
2. Toyota Manufactured in: Japan2. Toyota Manufactured in: Japan
3. Mazda Manufactured in: Japan3. Mazda Manufactured in: Japan
Source: https://carfromjapan.com/article/industry-knowledge/subaru-logo-significance-and-gradual-evolution/
4. Subaru Manufactured in: Japan4. Subaru Manufactured in: Japan
5. Kia Manufactured in: South Korea
6. Infiniti Manufactured in: Japan (Luxury Vehicle division of Nissan)
7. Hyundai Manufactured in: South Korea
8. Genesis Manufactured in: South Korea (Luxury Vehicle Division of Hyundai)
9. Acura Manufactured in: Japan (Luxury Division of Honda)
10. Nissan Manufactured in: Japan
Now that we’ve taken a look at the most reliable Asian car brand let’s also take a look at the least expensive brands to repair.
CarMD annually publishes the average repair cost for check engine problems.
The data is used by ranking in-use vehicles and brands. It is based on how frequently the check engine light problems occur. They also then check the average cost of repairs for each brand and vehicle. The price includes labour and parts.
The study was conducted in the US, and all prices have been converted to the AU$ equivalent.
Let’s take a look at the 2018 results for the cheapest Asian car brand repairs, with 5 Asian brands making the top 10.
Mazda came in well ahead of the second-placed Kia, being almost $50 cheaper.
The non-Asian brands rounding out the top 10 included Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Chevrolet and Volkswagen.
According to CarMD, the car with the lowest repair cost is the 2017 Hyundai Tucson.
Source: https://www.amazon.com/Hyundai-2017-Tucson/dp/B01FRM1TGE
The average cost of repair is just US $66.67 (AU$ 94). This means that if you do encounter any problems, they will usually be very cheap to fix.
Let’s take a look at the vehicle in each category over the past year which had the fewest repair incidents. As well as the lowest average cost for repairs
Compact: 2016 Honda Civic
Source: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/2016-honda-civic-touring
Minivan: 2017 Toyota Sienna
Source: https://www.cars.com/research/toyota-sienna-2017/
Midsize: 2017 Honda Accord
Source: https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/accord-2017
Full-sized SUV: 2017 GMC Acadia (Non-Asian vehicle)
Wagon: 2017 Subaru Crosstrek
Ute: 2017 Ford F-150 (Non-Asian vehicle)
Source: https://www.auto123.com/en/new-cars/technical-specs/hyundai/accent/2017/sedan/l/
Source: https://www.motortrend.com/cars/honda/odyssey/2016/
Source: https://www.caranddriver.com/hyundai/sonata-2017
Source: http://www.motortrend.ca/en/cars/toyota/4runner/2017/
Source: https://www.amazon.com/Honda-2016-CR-V/dp/B011ENQI0C
Once again, Asian cars have dominated the best vehicles. With 9 from the top 12 vehicles being an Asian car brand. Only Utes and full-size SUVs had better vehicles in their category.
For compact, minivan, midsize vehicles Asian car brands provide the most reliable and affordable option. With the fewest repair incidents as well as the lowest average cost for repairs.
Mazda seems to be one of the best Asian car brands for both reliability and repair cost. Kia is also another great option. It is the fifth most reliable option on the list. But it has the second cheapest average repair cost. Making it a good balance of reliable and affordable to maintain.
Toyota has manufactured the most reliable Asian car brands for 7 straight years with Lexus/Toyota. Its repair costs are significantly more expensive than Mazda. They cost on average 38% more to repair than Mazda.
Toyota is also the brand which is least likely to display a check engine light. It’s true that repair costs are higher. But, drivers are less likely to experience any problems which need any repairs.
Acura and Hyundai were the second and third Asian car brands least likely to have a check engine light.
Honda was just outside of the top 10 most reliable Asian car brands. But it also has rather expensive average repair costs. This makes it a brand which is not recommended for reliability and affordability.
Toyota represents the best value for price, reliability, maintenance, and affordability.
If you are looking for a reliable vehicle, then choosing an Asian car brand is a smart choice. Manufacturers such as Toyota, Lexus, Mazda and Kia are consistently at the top of every survey result. Making them the best choice for reliability, and costs of repairs for over half a decade.
Is it time to service your Asian car brand? Looking for a reliable and affordable RACQ approved auto electrician? Sandgate Auto Electrics are here to help. Speak to our friendly team today for a free quote or to book a service. Call (07) 3269 3158 or contact us online.
