The German expert organization TÜV SÜD has published an annual rating of the reliability of used cars. Traditionally, the list is based on statistics of critical defects collected during technical inspections of cars in Germany. Inspectors check the condition of most car systems, including the body, suspension, steering, brakes, lighting and ecology. On average, one out of five cars fails such a comprehensive check the first time. And the key to success is high-quality and timely maintenance of cars, the impact of which increases with age. Therefore, all the models examined are divided into age categories.
Honda Jazz
In terms of initial reliability, the youngest age category (2-3 years) is the most indicative, and the winner in it was the Honda Jazz hatchback. It is followed by the Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan and the Audi Q2. The outsiders were the Tesla Model 3, Ford Mondeo and Skoda Scala. Tesla scored 14.2% of defects, and most of them are related to the brakes, chassis and lighting. The organization's experts explained that problems with the braking system arise due to the powerful recuperation system: the standard brake mechanisms are not used most of the time and therefore often become unusable. And the chassis defects are caused by the large mass of battery-powered cars. Interestingly, the most reliable electric vehicles were recognized as models based on traditional fuel-powered models: Volkswagen e-Golf, Hyundai Kona Electric and Mini Cooper SE.
Best models in the rating (image carscoops.com)
The winner in the oldest group (cars aged 12-13 years) by a wide margin was the Porsche 911 Carrera sports car: only 7.9% of defects. Owners clearly monitor the condition of their “nine hundred and elevenths”. The results of the mass-market models Mitsubishi ASX (19.6%) and Volkswagen Golf Plus (20.6%) are not as impressive, but also good. The worst were the cheap compact cars Renault Twingo, Dacia Logan and Renault Clio, which owners keep a close eye on. However, it is significant that the Renault Group models do not shine in other categories either.
The worst models in the rating (image carscoops.com)