The Most Reliable Used Cars: 5 Factors to Look For
The Most Reliable Used Cars in 2024: 5 Factors to Look For
Written by a Yugo (the worst car ever made)
Cheap and Reliable Cars
Everybody needs a reliable car. It’s no different in Texas, in fact it’s especially important here. We’ve got work to do, people to see, places to go!
No matter your reason, a reliable used car (or new) is essential, so that your daughter is safe, your wallet is fuller, and your stress level is lower.
But cheap, reliable cars sound too good to be true, doesn’t it?
Nobody wants to spend a large amount of money on a car only to have it break down frequently or require constant maintenance that adds up in cost.
But what makes a car reliable, and do you have to sacrifice style and features for reliability? In this article, Public Auto Auctions in Kyle, Texas explores what we think are 5 factors that greatly influence used car reliability.
1. Reliable Car Brands
First and foremost, the most reliable cars largely come from the most reliable car brands.
Some manufacturers have a reputation for building reliable cars, while others are known for producing models that are prone to breakdowns. There are many sites, like autolist, that list top brands.
Consumers can further research a manufacturer's reputation for reliability through online reviews, consumer reports, and just talking with your family and friends and mechanics about their experiences.
It is important to note that individual models within a brand may vary in reliability.
Quality car parts greatly contribute to reliable cars. Cars with high-quality parts tend to last longer and require less maintenance than those with low-quality parts.
Manufacturers that use top-quality components and have a rigorous quality control process tend to produce more reliable vehicles.
Public Auto Auctions in Kyle, Texas has some of the most trusted and reliable car brands on the lot. Lots of great cars, trucks, and more in our inventory here.
Read more about 3 very reliable car brands here.
2. Regular Car Maintenance
Good dependable used cars are regularly maintained. This is essential to the health of your vehicle.
Regular maintenance includes oil changes, tire rotations, tune-ups, etc. Remember that big book that sits in your dash and you never look at it? Don’t ignore it. 🙂
Scheduled maintenance is more a requirement than an “if you get around to it”. When cars reach mileages such as 80,000 or 120,000 miles for example, it may be time to replace certain parts.
Sticking to the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule can help ensure that a car stays in good condition. Remember, vehicles that are well-maintained tend to last longer and perform better.
3. Driving Conditions
In addition to regular maintenance, reliable used cars are affected by driving conditions. Cars that are driven in extreme conditions, such as hot or cold temperatures, or on rough roads, (all found here in Texas) tend to experience more wear and tear, which can lead to breakdowns.
Similarly, cars that are driven aggressively (quick stops or high acceleration) or are used for towing or hauling heavy loads like trailers and boats may require more maintenance and repairs.
4. Technology
Technology is often seen as a feature in used cars. More advanced smart connections, radio displays, sound systems, climate, heaters, power seats and other bells and whistles make a car more attractive and enjoyable but also means more parts that might break.
The most reliable used cars don’t always come with the latest gadgets.
While advanced features like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring can enhance a driver's safety and comfort, they can also introduce new potential points of failure, like your radio quitting on you (annoying) or your power windows failing (more annoying!)
More parts mean more maintenance. Sophisticated technology systems may require more frequent repairs, and parts may be more expensive and harder to find.
5. Age & Mileage
Finally, a used car's age and mileage impacts its reliability.
You’ll find vehicles that are 60-years-old through just a few years old and mileage from under 25,000 to over 200,000 at Public Auto Auctions. Thumb through our inventory of reliable auction vehicles.
Older cars with higher mileage are more likely to experience breakdowns and require more maintenance and repairs. However, this does not mean that older cars are unreliable.
A well-maintained older car can still be reliable. There’s no shortage of proud car owners cruising to well above 200,000 miles.
Even new cars fresh off the lot, if neglected, can become unreliable quickly.
In conclusion, a reliable car is one that is
- built by a reliable car brand and uses high-quality components
- is well-maintained
- is driven safely
- has a manageable level of technology
- and hasn’t reached the end of its lifespan
So, What Makes a Reliable Used Car?
While there is no guarantee that a car will be completely problem-free, taking these 5 factors into consideration can help increase the possibility of owning a reliable used car.
It is also important to note that a car's reliability can be subjective, as different drivers have different expectations and experiences with their vehicles.
Take the time to do your research and carefully consider your own needs and preferences before purchasing. Then start bidding, here’s our auction calendar!
Public Auto Auctions opened with a vision of helping small charities benefit from car, truck, boat, and RV donations. We have vehicles for every budget and need – from family minivans, to sports cars, to the occasional boat, camper, and motorcycle.
We run online-only auctions every Saturday, and we’d love to see you come by and kick some tires.
Give us a call (512)-398-5995 or register to bid