7 Inexpensive Car Brands With the Most Reliable Wheels
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When car shopping, you tend to go with a budget in mind. Ideally, you’d spend that budget on a dependable, versatile vehicle to get you where you need to go without much trouble. After all, there are few more satisfying things than having the peace of mind that comes along with riding in a reliable runner that’ll last you until the wheels fall off.
For some makes and models, however, those wheels fall off a whole lot sooner than others.
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To help avoid those budget-blowing lemons, GOBankingRates asked a few automotive experts about the seven inexpensive car brands with the most reliable wheels. Here are the makes and models that made their list.
Honda
Honda cars, especially the Civic and Accord, are renowned for their dependability and longevity, according to Shawn Miller, the senior writer at Modified Rides.
“They offer a great balance of performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability,” Miller explained. “They also have high safety ratings and retain their value well over time.”
Geoff Cudd, founder of Find The Best Car Price, agrees Honda is an excellent choice. Particularly the Civic and Accord, which he feels offer reliability, strong resale value and cost-effective repairs.
“Honda manufactures a wide range of vehicles, from the Civic sedan to the Ridgeline truck,” said Melanie Musson, an auto industry expert with CarInsurance.org. “Honda vehicles are some of the most reliable available. They regularly reach high mileage with just regular maintenance. Hondas also retain their value, so owners will lose less to depreciation than they would with comparable vehicles.”
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Hyundai
“Hyundai has made significant strides in quality and reliability over the years,” Miller said.
“Hyundai has made significant strides in reliability and affordability, with models like the Elantra and Sonata providing great value and comprehensive warranties,” Cudd said.
“Recently, Hyundai made some tweaks to the appearance of their vehicles and made them leagues more attractive than their older, boxy, practical vehicles,” said Mark Beneke, the owner of Westland Auto, Inc. “This has created more attention from American consumers but not yet caused the initial prices to hike.”
“The Elantra and Sonata are standout models that offer a strong warranty (usually 10 years/100,000 miles), which provides peace of mind,” Miller continued. “Their cars are packed with features at a competitive price point.”
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Kia
“Like Hyundai, Kia has improved its reliability substantially,” Miller remarked, pointing out how models like the Forte and Optima are particularly dependable.
Cudd echoed this sentiment, stating that Kia’s Forte and Optima models offer affordability, reliable performance and long warranties.
“These vehicles are affordable and come with impressive warranties,” Miller said. “They also offer modern technology and stylish designs, making them a great value.”
Mazda
Miller reported that Mazada is a brand known for its reliable and fun-to-drive cars, like the Mazda3 and Mazda6.
“Mazda produces vehicles buyers can afford on a budget, and they’re known to provide problem-free service for years,” Musson said. “Another benefit of driving a Mazda is that if you need repairs, the parts tend to be less expensive than parts for other Japanese-made vehicles, like Hondas and Toyotas.”
“Mazda provides a balance of affordability and driving pleasure, with models like the Mazda3 and Mazda6 being known for their reliability and sporty feel,” Cudd said.
“Mazdas combine reliability with sporty performance,” Miller highlighted. “They have a reputation for being low-maintenance and offer a premium feel without the premium price.”
Subaru
According to Musson, Subaru regularly ranks among the most reliable vehicles.
“One of the benefits of driving a Subaru is that when you buy one new, the dealership treats you like a valued member of their inner circle for years. It’s a perk many owners name as what they appreciate most,” Musson said.
With models like the Impreza and Forester, Miller stated that Subaru is known for its robust and reliable vehicles.
“They come standard with all-wheel drive, making them a great choice for those in areas with harsh weather conditions,” Miller said, describing how Subarus also has a strong reputation for safety and durability.
“Subaru is favored for its all-wheel-drive capability and reliability, with the Impreza and Legacy being solid choices,” Cudd said.
Nissan
“Reliable models like the Sentra and Altima, are known for their practicality and longevity,” Miller shared.
“Nissans are generally affordable, fuel-efficient, and come with a good range of features. They are a solid choice for budget-conscious buyers looking for dependable transportation,” Miller said.
Toyota
Toyota is synonymous with reliability in the professional opinion of Miller and is the top car brand that comes to mind when blending dependability with affordability.
“Models like the Corolla and Camry are known for their long lifespans and low maintenance costs,” Miller said, noting that Toyota vehicles are built to last, often surpassing 200,000 miles with proper care.
“The Toyota Camry, for example, is a model that has been around for decades, and is consistently one of the most reliable models on the road,” agreed Ben Michael, director of auto with Michael & Associates.
“They tend to age gracefully and can easily get to 200 or 300,000 miles of usable life if you take decent care of them. You can also take your pick for how old to go, and generally get good value for the mileage,” Michael explained.
Like Honda, Toyota offers vehicles from sedans to full-size trucks, according to Musson.
“Even though their MSRP is competitive with similar vehicles, buyers can expect better reliability than most competitors,” Musson said, pointing out that Toyotas retain their value for years to come.
“They’re also equipped with more safety features than are required,” Musson added.” A 2019 Camry will sell for about $27,000, while you could get a 2015 model for as low as $15,000. The Camry isn’t the only reliable model either — that could be said about most of Toyota’s cars.”
“Their reputation for durability and excellent resale value make them a smart investment,” Miller added.
“These brands offer a combination of low ownership costs, strong reliability records, and excellent value, making them smart choices for budget-conscious buyers seeking dependable transportation,” Cudd said.
For those in the market for a new vehicle and on a limited budget, it would be hard to pass up any one of these brands.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Inexpensive Car Brands With the Most Reliable Wheels
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