Reliability should be one of the primary considerations when purchasing a vehicle, as this factor impacts how long and at what value the car will last for. It also has an effect on its resale value.
On YouTube, a Toyota expert discusses four categories that determine how reliable any given car brand is; these should be taken into account by most new and used car buyers alike when making their purchasing decision.
Brand Reputation
Brands known for their reliability can greatly expand sales and market share, as customers trust that their vehicles will stand the test of time and extended use. It is wise to consult various car reliability rankings from independent sources as well as manufacturers; such rankings are determined through owner surveys and mechanical tests.
Honda B-series engines have long been praised for reaching 300,000 miles with proper care, leading to Acura — Honda’s luxury vehicle division — receiving equal reliability scores in Consumer Reports’ survey. Acura’s NSX performance car has earned one of the best reliability scores available despite being relatively new – this may be partly attributed to high oil and coolant capacities that help manage thermal stresses on its engine, giving more ammunition against such stressors.
Maintenance Costs
When selecting their next car, many consumers want to know which brand is the most reliable. This can have an impact on many aspects, from price and resale value to longevity; some cars simply outlive others!
Engineers have devised clever engineering that allows an engine to properly manage thermal stresses. Unfortunately, it’s not always an easy feat, since engines must endure harsh environments of hot and cold cycling with oil constantly flowing around their interiors.
The best engines are meant to last, which can depend on how often and for what type of driving they are used. Taxi fleets tend to purchase vehicles with more durable engines than individual buyers due to longer drives, thus decreasing engine cycle counts – something which can drastically extend an engine’s life span.
Buying a Used Car
Over 1.42 billion cars are on the road worldwide, from old beaters that barely start to luxurious vehicles with long lifespans. Yet despite such vast variety, two measures stand out as key indicators of consumer perceptions: product excellence and cost of ownership.
Other dimensions of brand reputation, such as customer-company interaction and social and environmental responsibility, do not have significant impacts on car brand attachment. However, one key feature that can have an emotional effect on customer brand attachment is the engine itself.
Consumer Reports’ comprehensive reliability ratings based on member surveys showcase how a model performs over time, offering invaluable information for several hundred makes and models across 20 trouble spots (cooling systems, electric motors and batteries). Our used car list highlights those models which have shown exceptional reliability over time and should continue performing reliably over the coming years.
Buying a New Car
Purchase of a new car can be considered second only to purchasing a house in terms of transaction size and ownership period, as well as emotional impact; it can reaffirm and communicate an individual’s sense of self-worth and increase pride of ownership.
Consumers generally possess an in-depth knowledge of what sets brands apart. While marketers attempt to differentiate them based on secondary factors such as lifestyle or emotional imagery, most consumers base their brand perceptions on two holistic measures: product excellence and total cost of ownership.
Engine reliability is one of the primary considerations when purchasing a new vehicle. Regular maintenance and limiting extreme use are effective ways to prolong an engine’s lifespan; however, even reliable engines may experience problems; how often this occurs will depend on its design and construction.