The most and least reliable used cars up to 7 years old

The German company TÜV puts together rankings that should interest anyone who wants to buy a used car. This overview of vehicle reliability, known as the TÜV Report, is compiled based on the digital processing of the results of technical inspections, which include almost nine million cars. Although these data only concern vehicles operated in Germany, given that vehicles of the same brands and models are offered on the Czech market, they also offer valuable information for Czech motorists. The analysis results in a wealth of knowledge about 224 different car models, which can provide interesting data on their reliability. So what are the most and least reliable used cars up to 7 years old?

Average age of a used car?

The most and least reliable used cars and their average age? In 2022, the average age of cars in Germany passed the ten-year mark for the first time, showing that older cars tend to have a higher frequency of defects. During technical inspections, it was found that around 28.9% cars aged twelve to thirteen failed due to technical problems, while for vehicles aged two to three years, this was only 5.7%. Around one in five vehicles, corresponding to 20.5%, had "significant" or "dangerous" defects found during the inspection. In addition, a slight increase of 0.3 percentage points in these problems was recorded year-on-year, and the proportion of cars with minor defects also increased by 0.5 percentage points to a total of 11.2%.

✅ The most reliable cars under 7 years old

As the age of vehicles increases, we are seeing an interesting trend in performance ratings and reliability rankings, where Japanese automakers are beginning to dominate. This trend is particularly evident in older cars, where Japanese brands not only often rank at the top for their above-average reliability, but also for the quality and longevity of their components. Within the top ten models according to the latest ratings, Japanese cars appear with a clear predominance, with five of these top positions being occupied by cars from Japan. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors, including the strict manufacturing standards, emphasis on quality and innovation in technology that are typical of the Japanese automotive industry. This characteristic of Japanese vehicles offers consumers greater assurance of long-term reliability and minimal maintenance costs, which is especially attractive to those who prefer older and used models.

❌ Least reliable cars under 7 years old

At the other end of the reliability scale, we find a few regulars that often cause problems for users regardless of the age of the vehicle. Among these models, we find cars from brands such as Dacia, BMW 5 and 6 series, Seat Alhambra, VW Sharan and Ford Ka. These cars are known for their tendency to have more frequent and sometimes serious faults, which can be a significant financial burden for owners. Especially for cars from the prestigious Munich brand, the cost of repairs can be significantly higher compared to those from Romania. If the vehicle reaches six or seven years old, there is little chance that repairs will be covered by the warranty, which means that owners of these models should prepare for expenses related to maintenance and repairs out of their own pockets. Needless to say, such a car needs to be thoroughly checked experienced technician.

A physical inspection of a used car is important!

Physical inspection of the car before buying it experienced technician is an invaluable step that can save potential buyers a lot of money and future worries. This process allows you to uncover hidden problems and technical deficiencies that might be overlooked at a casual glance. Experienced technician is able to assess the overall technical condition of the vehicle, including the engine, transmission, braking system, chassis and other key components. His professional assessment can reveal potential risks, provide a realistic estimate of future maintenance and repair costs, and verify that the vehicle meets all safety standards. Last but not least, such an inspection can provide a strong negotiating argument when determining the final purchase price. Since buying a used vehicle is a significant investment, investing in a thorough inspection by an experienced professional is a wise and justified decision. This step is important, and it does not matter whether it is the most or the least reliable used car.

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