For some, buying a car is an ordinary event, for others it is the main day of the outgoing decade. In both cases, your fate is in the hands of an “iron” mechanism for the coming months or years.
Author of the article: Yaroslav Alchevsky 06/25/2020 0 0
Choosing a budget car sometimes brings complete torment instead of joyful emotions. Prices increase with each page viewed, from ad to ad. For those who dream of choosing something “decent” and inexpensive, a top list of indestructible cars has been created.
Compact passenger cars, or B-class rules
The nimble and agile “kids” will bring a lot of benefits in the city labyrinths. Maneuverability, efficiency, small dimensions - this is what is incredibly valuable in the cramped parking lots of shopping malls and in the heavy traffic jams of a metropolis.
Chevrolet Aveo
The car market is filled with advertisements for the sale of this unpretentious car. The body of the Chevrolet Aveo is not galvanized, but is resistant to rust thanks to high-quality painting. The cars are equipped with a 4-cylinder in-line engine - a successor to the traditions of the reliable engine from the Opel Cadett E model.
Chevrolet Aveo
Refueling with good fuel will delay cleaning the injectors until 70-80 thousand mileage. The design of the front suspension is also repairable: silent blocks and ball joints can be replaced without removing the arms.
Honda Jazz: Japanese policeman
Something between the B-class and the microvan segment. Particularly popular on the secondary market is the Honda Jazz II, produced since 2008 for seven years. Under the hood are 16-valve units with a timing chain drive.
Honda Jazz
The demand for models with a manual transmission is greater than for cars with a CVT. The hard plastic in the cabin looks rustic, but is resistant to wear.
Hyundai ix20: stylish Korean
Under the hood is a time-tested engine from Hyundai Getz. Spare parts are inexpensive. The suspension is harsh, but reliable: in the front - independent, with a strut and stabilizer, in the rear - a semi-independent beam.
Hyundai ix20
Plastic protection for the wheel arches of the Hyundai ix20 minimizes the unpleasant consequences of moisture and sand getting on the car's wings.
Mazda 2
The first generation car was not imported to the CIS countries, so it is very rare to see it on sale. The second generation (model year 2007-2014) was equipped with reliable gasoline (MZI series) and diesel (MZ-CD series) units.
Mazda 2
The model is designed on the Ford Fiesta platform, so some of the original components can be replaced with Ford ones.
"VAZ 2101": the dream of boys from the 70s
A lot has been written about the “kopek”. And more will be written. “The Living Legend” does not leave the minds of auto journalists and collectors, youngsters mastering their first kilometers, and experienced drivers. Just think: “one” is 50.
Here and there you can hear exclamations: “a penny is a FIAT 124”, “they took it from the Italians”, “what’s wrong with it”. And “this” was. And it still is. Soviet designers made more than 800 changes and improvements to the car's design.
"VAZ 2101"
The VAZ 2101 received an engine with an overhead timing shaft and rear drum brakes instead of disc brakes. The rear suspension was completely replaced, the front suspension was strengthened. The transmission was equipped with a new clutch and gearbox with a modified synchronizer design. The salon boasted fully reclining seats, and the doors had safety external handles.
More than one generation of car enthusiasts has driven the “unit”. It was passed down through generations. In the late nineties and early 2000s, it was fashionable among Zhiguli owners to engage in tuning. Alloy wheels, plastic mirrors, Voron Glass hood covers, non-original windshield wipers: a triumph of the “collective farm”.
Today there are more and more fans of the “stock” penny, fans of bringing their favorite “swallow” to perfect condition. Original instruments, interior and (what can I say!) the rosette on the knob of the gearshift knob is from the 70s. Such cars are not just pleasing to the eye, they inspire admiration.
“GAZ 2410 Volga”: it’s not harmful to dream
The automobile dream of a Soviet person in the 80s was any VAZ: from a “kopek” to a “seven”. While ordinary Soviet workers were saving their hard earned money for the coveted “troika”, party officials, artists and some trade workers could afford something better. Elegant, powerful for those times and spacious, the GAZ-24-10 car hinted at the status of the owner.
In 1985, the legendary GAZ-24 received a new modification under the number 24-10. The appearance of the model emphatically followed the “plastic” fashion. The list of those deprived of chrome shine included: rear-view mirrors, radiator grille, and moldings. The front bumper was no exception and received an insert made of practical plastic. Controversial decisions from an aesthetic point of view.
"GAZ 2410 Volga"
After the mass production of the GAZ-3102 modification was banned, its internal “filling” ended up in the back of the GAZ-24. The ZMZ-4021.1 engine ran on A-76 gasoline. After modernization, it became demanding on fuel (AI-93) and was labeled ZMZ-402.1.
It is curious that the Volga had every chance of getting an automatic transmission and power steering. This is how the first prototypes, the GAZ-3101, were completed. Alas, the prototype remained a prototype, and the new 24-10 inherited the GAZ-24 transmission.
The GAZ 24-10 Volga model has come a long way. More precisely, she passed. She did a great job: she transported a crowd of officials and a lot of taxi passengers, things to the dacha and children to school. He’s not sad for her: the top indestructible cars are just crying.
Here are the toughest cars on the Russian market.
Each of us dreams of his car serving as long as possible. But the question is: which car has a large resource reserve? After all, it has long been known that not all cars are the same. There are less reliable ones, but there are also better ones. Unfortunately, it is not possible to definitively answer the question of which car is reliable. Much here, of course, depends on how the owner treats the car.
But nevertheless, you can judge the quality and reliability of a particular car by looking at the used car market. To do this, just study offers for the sale of a car with high mileage. It is logical to assume that since the car has traveled a lot of kilometers, then most likely it has a good margin of safety, quality and reliability.
We decided to study the used car market in Russia, selecting for you cars with mileage of more than 500 thousand km. We think this is a good indicator of the car's endurance. Especially in the harsh Russian conditions. So, let's go. Here is our TOP cars with high mileage.
By the way, before making a selection, we thought that we would not find many cars with high mileage, since car owners in Russia often prefer to check the mileage on the odometer before selling their old iron horses. Imagine our surprise when we found more than 250 advertisements on automobile message boards for the sale of used cars with a mileage of 500,000+ km .
So, let's go.
Compact crossovers
A real outlet for those who don’t like or don’t like “sheds on wheels.”
Renault Duster
The crossover was developed at the technology center of the French auto giant Renault. You can describe the car in two or three words like this: reliable, unpretentious, economical. The car is based on the Nissan B0 platform, modified to use Nissan All Mode 4×4-i all-wheel drive.
Renault Duster
The Renault Duster engine line includes both petrol (from 102 to 138 hp) and diesel units (90 hp).
Mitsubishi ASX: gray mouse
The model debuted in 2010. For the CIS market, car options are available only with gasoline 4-cylinder engines:
- 4A92 – 1.6 l – introduced in 2004, installed on Mitsubishi Colt;
- 4B10, 4B11 - 1.8 and 2.0 liters - a joint development of Mitsubishi Motors, Hyundai Motor and Chrysler.
Successful engines from the point of view of a combination of dynamics and efficiency.
Mitsubishi ASX
Mitsubishi ASX is a kind of modest thing, forever remaining in the shadow of the famous Outlander. The car is not for the sophisticated. Getting from point A to point B quickly and comfortably is what ASX is all about.
Opel Mokka: with coffee aroma
A small crossover was shown to the public at the Geneva Motor Show in 2012. The car, named after a type of coffee, did not gain much popularity in Russia: sales ceased in 2015.
Opel Mokka
Two versions with gasoline engines were offered especially for the Russian market:
- turbocharged - with a volume of 1.4 liters;
- and atmospheric - with a volume of 1.8 liters.
The diesel version was equipped with an Isuzu 1.7 liter, 130 liter engine. With.
Top 10 most “unkillable” cars according to experts
So, the top ten most “indestructible” cars, compiled based on expert opinion, look like this. Let's start from tenth place and work our way up to first.
Nissan Almera
Another budget sedan that is in excellent demand on the Russian market due to its affordability and reliability, despite the fact that the sale of Nissan Almera in the Russian Federation has long been stopped. The Japanese suspension deserves special attention. It has a simple design, which is extremely reliable and practically does not fail. In addition to the “indestructible” chassis, the Almera is also equipped with an excellent automatic transmission, which serves its owner for many years.
Porsche
Porsche is in ninth place in our ranking, and it is quite difficult to single out specific models.
For many decades, German manufacturers have been producing equipment of the highest quality. According to the authoritative automobile club ADAC, the number of breakdowns per hundred new cars for Porsche is one of the lowest not only in Europe, but also in the world. The automotive community TUV conducted a study of one hundred used cars. The best performance was found in the 911, Boxter, and Cayenne.
Lexus
The eighth place in the top ten belongs to the products of the famous Lexus corporation.
Its cars are mainly of the executive class, distinguished by the highest quality, the ability to reach high speeds, and also an interesting design. It is not surprising that many representatives of show business and major entrepreneurs have been obsessed with Lexus for almost two decades.
It is no coincidence that the car gained such popularity. The owner of the brand is Toyota Motor Corporation, which during its existence has repeatedly shown its readiness to become the leader of the European market along with its giants - BMW and Mercedes. Lexus is distinguished by a low number of breakdowns and a wide network of branded service centers throughout Russia.
Audi A5 and A4
Audi (models A5 and A4) is in seventh place in our top ten.
The guarantee that these cars made it into the Top 10 were legends widespread among car enthusiasts, which are mainly dedicated to its “indestructible” suspension.
Introduced to the market more than ten years ago, the Audi A5 model practically did not leave the top 10 of the main automobile departments during all this time. Consumers note the excellent wheels, reliable braking system and suspension, as well as the impeccable assembly of this car. As experts assure, the characteristics of this model will allow you to overcome Russian off-road conditions without any problems.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Mercedes cars are true classics of the genre, and among them, the “bespectacled” Mercedes-Benz E-Class with a W211 body, once popular among the business elite and officials, stands out. This mainly applies to models that were produced after 2006, when this model was restyled.
The car is equipped with V-shaped six or eight-cylinder engines, characterized by the highest reliability and the same seven-speed automatic transmission.
Sometimes problems arise with the air suspension, but this happens very rarely; as for the body, it does not cause any complaints with minimal care. There is no need to talk about the signature comfort and smooth ride - they are at an unattainable height.
This is interesting: Which crossover is better: Subaru Forrester or Suzuki Vitara?
Audi A6
One of the most successful models from Ingolstadt is the Audi A6, which replaced the famous “hundred” on the production line and immediately showed itself to be an exceptionally reliable car.
Its fully galvanized body is not subject to corrosion, and the chassis is perfectly suited for driving on domestic roads. The car was offered in sedan and station wagon bodies, the spacious interior was decorated with durable and pleasant materials. Another advantage of these cars is the proprietary quattro all-wheel drive system, which ensures confident driving on any road and makes maneuvering easier. And the version equipped with the Allroad quattro transmission provides such cross-country ability that the car’s characteristics resemble an SUV.
Gasoline engines last at least 500 thousand km, diesel engines are also very reliable, but are demanding in terms of maintenance and fuel quality.
Renault Logan
This popular sedan offers an exceptional combination of reliability, quality and durability. The Renault Logan was developed as a budget option with reduced operating costs. And the French manufacturer was so successful that it produced one of the most indestructible cars on the domestic market.
Gasoline engines with volumes of 1.4 and 1.6 liters pull well and practically do not break down, while they are not too demanding on fuel quality. A good body after basic processing does not have any problems with corrosion.
The suspension, which provides high ground clearance and performs equally well on small bumps and large potholes, deserves kind words from the owners. At the same time, it is extremely reliable, which is why Renault Logan is another excellent option for taxi fleets.
Mercedes C200
Another model of the Stuttgart concern has rightfully gained fame as indestructible.
When developing the Mercedes C200, the developers did not skimp on quality, resulting in a truly reliable car. At the same time, it remains dynamic, comfortable and safe, meeting the most demanding requirements of its owners. In the most popular version, the Mercedes C200 is equipped with a 2.0 petrol engine with 163 horsepower, paired with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. They almost never fail, running up to 800 thousand km without problems.
But the main feature of this model is the suspension - it is almost impossible to break on any roads. This has led to the fact that this expensive car is being purchased en masse by taxi companies - since they subsequently save a lot on repairs.
Chevrolet Lacetti
This is an exceptionally high-quality and reliable car; the Chevrolet Lacetti is most popular in sedan and station wagon bodies.
It boasts a spacious interior and reliable 1.6 and 1.8 engines, which are quite enough to provide acceptable dynamics. The body can withstand long-term use without additional treatment, but requires sound insulation, and there are some problems with this. Reliability is one of the Lacetti’s main trump cards. But you need to take into account that this is a family car and you need to drive it in appropriate style. In this case, the engine life will reach several hundred thousand kilometers, and the suspension, which does not like hard shocks, will provide a smooth and comfortable ride, delivering real pleasure.
According to many experts, the Chevrolet Lacetti is the most reliable car in its price range.
Volvo
Volvo cars, occupying sixth place in our top ten, many years ago acquired the status of legend among the most “indestructible” cars.
Surf the Internet and you will find a great variety of different video evidence of this. The names of many of them sound like this: “Indestructible Volvo.”
The brand from Sweden has become very popular among tens of millions of car owners, not only due to the highest quality assembly, but also to the advancement of its models . There is, however, one “but”. The price of various branded spare parts, as well as the cost of maintenance, is quite high. You should consider this before purchasing. But the costs incurred once at the service center will probably pay off, so you won’t need to go there again soon.
C-class cars
These cars are popular among city residents. The “golden mean” in the eternal debate about compactness, capacity and economy. Such models could not help but be included in the rating of the most indestructible cars.
Mazda 3: a car for beginners and women. Controversial issue
Both outside and inside the car looks great: the smooth lines of the body echo sporty notes, the interior is made of high-quality materials.
Mazda 3
The steering wheel is light and sensitive - it will appeal to novice drivers and the fair half of humanity. However, there are quite a few men among Mazda 3 fans.
Mitsubishi Lancer
A reliable car for everyday travel – that’s what many people consider it to be. Among the advantages: unpretentiousness, efficiency. The 9th generation Mitsubishi Lancer can be found en masse on Russian roads.
Mitsubishi Lancer
The tenth generation Lancer X is popular among young people.
Toyota Corolla
This car combines everything: solid appearance, dynamic and driving performance, ergonomics and efficiency. The “workhorses” of the 90s changed their appearance every year, gradually turning into “venerable stallions”.
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Corolla has many fans around the world.
Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius is one of the world's first hybrid cars. Cars with two motors - electric and internal combustion - are no longer a curiosity.
Toyota Prius
Cost-effectiveness and minimal harm to the environment - these two factors delight Prius owners. If you want to “give the gas,” the car will not make the driver blush. Police officers have long appreciated the dynamic properties of the Toyota Prius.
Audi A3
This car with a small family class body is recognized as the most popular compact car in Europe. The exterior is one of the main advantages of this German. Both inside and outside the Audi A3 looks expensive.
Audi A3
Smooth body lines and bold headlight shapes will charm the most sophisticated car enthusiast. In addition to its appearance, the car is captivating with its proprietary security system.
BMW 1 Series
This premium car is perfect for a fashion lover. A comfortable and spacious interior, high-quality finishing materials, excellent handling and dynamics - this is all about the BMW 1-series.
BMW 1 Series
There are rumors that it is not the owner who cares about this car, but vice versa.
2. Lexus CT200h: the inventive traveler
As always, “luxury”. As always, “premium”. As always, the best. The Lexus CT200h model is comfortable inside, sporty and brutal outside, unstoppable in “drift” and elusive in “drag”.
Lexus CT200h
Sporty acceleration, excellent speed characteristics. And efficiency, if necessary. Not a car, but Creative Traveler is in the top of indestructible cars.
Volvo C30
A budget model in the line of cars from the Swedish manufacturer Volvo. Elegant appearance, compactness combined with a spacious interior, efficiency - the advantages of the Volvo C30.
Volvo C30
The car is fast and maneuverable, with a soft suspension. Here you can add the perfect Volvo safety system. Not a car - a dream.
Unpretentious and indestructible foreign cars
The phrase “the car was not used on CIS roads” quite accurately emphasizes the difference in the approach to defining an unpretentious and indestructible car. To determine the reliability of a machine, various methods are used, which, unlike our extensive “reliable and indestructible”, use accurate indicators and characteristics of component failures. For example, in Germany, experts from the Society for Technical Control and Supervision (TÜV ) , using more than 100 criteria for assessment.
According to the annual publication of TÜV 2020, the most expensive and well-known brands became the undisputed leaders in reliability among cars under 2 years old:
- Mercedes-Benz SLK, Porsche 911, BMW Z4, Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz C-class, Mercedes-Benz GLK. with a failure rate from 2.4 to 4.9%;
- In addition to luxury models, there are high reliability indicators for simpler cars - Audi A3, Ford Focus, Mazda 3.
The most unreliable were the Fiat Panda, Dacia Logan and Alfa Romeo MiTo, their reliability indicators were more than three times worse than previous models.
Among older representatives of the vehicle, over 7 years old, the favorites were Porsche 911 and Mazda 2. Among the outsiders were Fiat Doblo and Dacia Logan, which were almost half as much as the leaders.
As in Russian qualifications, the leaders among indestructible cars were Mercedes-Benz E-class, Audi Q5, Toyota Corolla. The Porsche 911, hardly unpretentious, but truly indestructible and reliable, is placed in a separate category as the absolute champion.
Video - the most reliable cars of 2013:
C-class crossovers
In these cars, an inveterate city dweller, trying once again to get out to the dacha, confidently straightens his shoulders. And proudly jumps over the field potholes.
Honda CR-V
Conqueror of roads and off-roads. A perfect car in terms of handling and appearance. The eye is attracted by the bright design of the Honda CR-V.
Honda CR-V
The Japanese will give the owner a pleasant feeling of confidence both when traveling on the highway and when dealing with off-road obstacles.
Subaru Forester
A regular on the roads and youth parties. There is an opinion that the Subaru Forester is one of the best all-terrain vehicles. An interesting model for tuning. And even without tuning the car looks nice.
Subaru Forester
Engine volume 2.5 liters, power 171 hp. With. All-wheel drive, X-MODE system. In crash tests it showed itself at the same level, receiving all 5 stars.
Volkswagen Tiguan
Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the main representatives of small crossovers. This car has the virtues of a nimble sedan, a good SUV and roomy room for a large family.
Volkswagen Tiguan
The four-cylinder engine is located transversely. The car is available in two versions: with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. Someone jokingly calls the Volkswagen Tiguan a small “Tuareg”.
Toyota Land Cruiser
Like most SUVs, Toyota began production of its Land Cruiser in 1950, just as there was demand for light military all-terrain vehicles due to the Korean War. After producing the first hundred cars for military orders, the Japanese continued production of this model further, but as completely civilian cars.
And for more than 60 years, the company has continued to produce its legendary and world-famous SUV, which pleases car enthusiasts around the world.
Today, those wishing to purchase such a vehicle have plenty to choose from. If you want to purchase a new car, you can contact an authorized dealer. However, you will have to pay significantly more for a new car. That's why most people buy a car second-hand.
The most popular Land Cruisers on the secondary market remain the models produced in the 90s and 2000s, namely the Toyota land cruiser 100 and 80 models. By purchasing such a car, you get an excellent and reliable vehicle. Also, these cars were famous not only for their reliability, but also for safety for the driver and passengers, so these types of units are perfect for family people.
In terms of off-road performance, the Land Cruiser has all-wheel drive with only the center differential locked. As for the suspension, on the Land Cruiser 80 it will consist of two axles - front and rear. On the one hand, such a design is considered obsolete today and significantly reduces the car’s handling; on the other hand, it is famous for its reliability, ease of maintenance, and durability.
As for engines, only V-shaped eights were installed in Cruisers; there were both gasoline and diesel versions. All Toyota engines were extremely reliable, so there were never any serious problems with them. In addition, if necessary, owners can always easily find any necessary parts today.
In general, Land Cruisers 80 and 100 remain popular today not only among ordinary drivers, but also among off-road enthusiasts due to their reliability and off-road capability.
D-class passenger cars
Executive class. Almost. Although in these cars you can often see serious and pot-bellied gentlemen with pretensions to aristocracy.
Honda Accord
A medium-sized car of the new generation. It looks modern and smart: a smoothly sloping roof, LED optics and a short trunk tail.
Honda Accord
Honda Accord is a car revered by both young people and the older generation. It is loved for its excellent handling and comfort, and music lovers will appreciate the standard audio system and factory sound insulation.
Opel Insignia
There's nowhere without Opel. Translated literally, Insignia means “insignia”, or “award, medal, medallion”. The car is available in 2 versions: liftback and five-door.
Opel Insignia
With dimensions of 4.8 meters in length and 1.5 meters in width, it is a very impressive “medallion”.
Toyota Avensis
Reliable and comfortable car. You can drive the Toyota Avensis fast. This is thanks to the rigid body, shock absorbers, front and rear stabilizers.
Toyota Avensis
The model will cope with the role of a family car. The headlights of this car are often equipped with fashionable optics. This gives the driver confidence. Or simply improves visibility.
Volkswagen Passat
A popular car in the D-segment. Volkswagen Passat is practical and comfortable. The radiator grille grows with each new model. Emphasized solidity in everything. A kind of representative Tiguan.
Volkswagen Passat
The engines on these cars, despite their power, meet the most stringent environmental requirements.
Audi A4
Audi A4 is a prestigious D-class sedan. The car has been produced since 1994. In 2017, the 4th generation appeared. The line of powerful high-torque engines will delight the younger generation, as well as those who like to drive.
Audi A4
A solid appearance almost always pleases the owner’s vanity.
Lexus IS
A premium car with a sporty character comes from Japan. Fashionable exterior and classic interior design – this is what Lexus IS is all about.
Lexus IS
Powerful and at the same time safe, the car took first place in its class in 2013 according to Euro NCAP. It's also on the list of the best indestructible cars.
Mercedes C-Class
Mercedes is another fashionable car in its class. Engine power, visual beauty and interior trim - all this will be received by the buyer of the Mercedes C-Class.
Mercedes C-Class
Many functions, adjustments: and everything will be adjusted to the owner.
Volvo S60
Volvo S60 is a sports sedan. The launch of production coincided with the beginning of the second millennium. Designers and constructors are constantly working to improve the model range.
Volvo S60
Car with petrol and diesel engines. The buyer will be offered front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The worst cars
General opinion
Well, since we touched on the topic of reliability, it would be quite appropriate to mention the worst cars that often break down. Here we will also operate with publicly available information, and do not claim that everything published is true. Below we provide a list of the most broken cars, frequent visitors to car services and service stations.
The first place in the list of the most broken cars is taken by the British Rover CityRover. The careless build quality of this brand quickly made itself felt, which led not only to the disappearance of this car from car dealerships, but also to the complete collapse of the manufacturer itself. Today there is no such company as the Rover company.
No matter how strange it may sound, next on the list is the well-known car in our country, the Honda Civic 2012. In our country, this car is considered reliable and economical, while Western experts unanimously claim that it cannot be worse. Terrible handling, poor noise insulation and interior trim brought this model to second place in the list of least reliable cars.
The Dodge Grand Caravan has gained notoriety due to frequent electrical breakdowns, poor handling, and poor interior build quality.
List of TUV (international expert organization)
But besides popular opinion, there are also expert ones, for example, from such organizations as the German ADAC and TUV.
The TUV list is as follows:
- Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara
- Hummer H3
- Jeep Liberty Sport
- Chevrolet Aveo LS
- Dodge Nitro SLT
- Toyota FJ Cruiser
- Toyota Yaris
- Suzuki Forenza
- Jeep Patriot Limited
- Chevrolet Trail Blazer LT
Whether to trust the opinion of an organization whose direct responsibilities include technical inspection of cars, everyone decides for themselves, but in the automotive world the opinion of these experts is taken into account.
ADAC (German Automobile Club)
The ADAC Automobile Club has compiled its list, which includes:
- Smart Fortwo became the worst because of eternal problems with electronics, the high cost of spare parts and repairs.
- The Chevrolet Matiz has a weak suspension, which can be damaged even after hitting a small pothole.
- Honda Jazz (Fit) has many shortcomings in the operation of electrical equipment.
- Fiat Punto failed to properly organize the cooling and air conditioning system. And if the latter can somehow be survived, then engine overheating is a very unpleasant phenomenon and can lead to very expensive repairs.
- The Hyundai i20 has not been updated with the ESD, automatic transmission and suspension.
- The Hyundai i30 failed to pass crash tests, which is why it ended up in the rating of unreliable cars.
- The Peugeot 308 is famous for the same weakness of the suspension and electronic components.
- Seat Ibiza/Cordoba, like the car from the first line, has become famous for its unreliable electronics and high repair costs.
- Volkswagen Eos suffers from poor automatic and electronic performance.
- Ford Mondeo does not have a proper fuel supply, which leads to malfunctions.
On our own behalf, we can only add that before buying a car, it makes sense to turn to several sources, and based on the information received from them, make your choice in favor of one or another.
When purchasing a car, its owner, willy-nilly, embarks on a path of periodic cash costs associated with the maintenance and repair of the vehicle. But if you choose a proven model, you can reduce the number of trips to a car service center and save your time and money. For evaluation, dealership statistics and owner reviews are usually used.
When discussing which car is the most reliable and economical, one cannot fail to take into account the main criteria that form these concepts:
- Possibility of repairing components without replacing them.
- Low frequency of failure of car components.
- The ability to operate the machine on low-quality fuels and lubricants.
- Optimal fuel consumption when driving on city streets and country highways.
To some extent, the buyer is interested in whether the selected vehicle is included in the Moscow region, but quality indicators remain in the first place. Judging by the statistics of dealer networks, motorists most often turn to service centers due to defects in the paintwork, poor quality of interior trim, and errors in the operation of the on-board computer.
Mid-class crossovers
Same as D-class. But more expensive.
Audi Q5
Speed, comfort, safety: the best is collected in the Audi Q5. Stylish “predatory” design, high-quality materials in the interior trim, powerful engine: the Germans tried their best and took their place in the ranking of indestructible cars.
Audi Q5
The luxurious Q5 will appeal to both fans of fast driving and measured “premium riders”.
BMW X3
The BMW X3 is a model that has passed through time. It could be the first “three” or new models, the car will be remembered.
BMW X3
Bright stylish design and athletic build are combined with intelligent control systems and powerful motors.
Lexus NX
Lexus NX - created for a large family. The car is spacious and, most importantly, safe.
Lexus NX
You definitely won’t have to worry about your children. High-quality assembly, expensive materials: everything is like Lexus. The car will become a faithful family friend.
Mercedes GLK
Mercedes GLK is a stylish all-time classic. Comfort and reliability in everything.
Mercedes GLK
It is loved for its low fuel consumption, dynamics, maneuverability and ease of operation. Such a car always attracts attention.
Toyota Camry is the undisputed leader in all respects
It is worth noting that each generation of Toyota Camry only increases in sales. This suggests that they love the car and are always ready to buy it. And if they love the car and are ready to buy it, it means that the consumer is completely satisfied with its quality, level of comfort and design.
Toyota Camry
Absolutely all versions of the model are popular among connoisseurs of the brand. Despite the fact that the car is far from budget, and its cost is far from small, vehicle sales are increasing every year all over the world.
Business class cars
Everything here is almost adult-like. And the price of these cars is not at all childish.
Audi A6
The Audi A6 sedan is the pinnacle of luxury and convenience. The A6 is comfortable and simple. It feels like the car can operate on autopilot.
Audi A6
Driving this car is like sailing on a calm sea, barely swaying on the surface of the water. Yes, this is not yet an A8, but it is no longer an A4.
BMW 5 Series
The BMW 5 Series is prestigious and stylish, but at the same time simple, fast and reliable - always arouses the interest of car enthusiasts.
BMW 5 Series
The car is well assembled and equipped: powerful engines, high-quality materials. They say that BMW is no longer fit to be included in the list of the most indestructible cars: this is not about him.
Lexus ES
Lexus ES is a car with a powerful engine and an “iron” character. In a short time, the car acquired its loyal admirers.
Lexus ES
Correct proportions and universal design are the features of a premium car.
Lexus GS
Lexus GS is as reliable as a Kalashnikov assault rifle. Branded audio system and crazy drive: a good option to “exchange” a couple of hundred kilometers together.
Lexus GS
Charisma, solidity, youth – this is about the Lexus GS.
Hyundai Solaris
Solaris is a favorite among the residents of our country
This vehicle is very popular in our country. It has received many awards, including: “Brand of the Year”, “Best Car of the Runet”. A champion that has a nice price.
His car does not evoke the most pleasant thoughts. When the number of kilometers traveled approaches 100 thousand, the owner of the car begins to think about selling it - otherwise, you can really lose a lot of money.
But if by some miracle a number appears on the odometer that exceeds two, or even three hundred thousand, then the driver’s soul is already filled with excitement. But can his iron horse gallop, say, half a million kilometers? And even more?
And what’s surprising is that there are not only million-dollar cars in the world, but also ordinary cars. In this review, we will talk about the five most durable cars in the history of the automotive industry.
Volvo P1800S, 1966
At 4 a.m. on September 18, 2013, Irwin “Irv” Gordon from the United States completed the three-millionth mile in his 1966 P1800S, which equates to 4,828,032 km. It happened near the village of Girdwood, south of Anchorage, Alaska. By May 1, 2014, when Gordon’s achievement was officially registered in the Guinness Book of Records, he had already traveled more than 4,890,000 kilometers.
The record holder uses his car every day and covers 140,000 - 160,000 km per year. The longest trip he has taken is from New York to Vancouver.
Twenty-five year old Irv bought his P1800S on June 30, 1966 for $4,150. He tells.
The automotive world today is represented by many classes that satisfy the different needs of drivers. One of these segments is SUVs. Cars of this kind are chosen not only because of their versatility in everyday life, but also for their limitless possibilities in terms of travel and outdoor activities.
Today in the car market, the buyer is faced with a fairly large selection of these all-terrain vehicles, because every self-respecting automobile company wants to offer its own vehicle to drivers. But, unfortunately, most of these cars cannot be called full-fledged SUVs; they are more likely to be described differently, namely road cars with installed functions for a slight increase in cross-country ability.
To understand which companies produced the most reliable jeeps in the world, we need to delve a little deeper into history. Initially, these types of cars were designed for military purposes. Automobile brands were therefore forced to design not only an all-terrain vehicle, but also to make it as reliable, safe and easy to maintain as possible. And in this regard, it is better to consider precisely those models that were first made for army orders, and later became civilian ones.
Toyota Land Cruiser – TLC is a real long-liver of the SUV market.
Large crossovers and SUVs
Premium segment. Almost inaccessible to mere mortals. If they still get what they want, then they look at the others as if from Olympus.
Lexus RX
Lexus RX, unlike the ES and GS lines, is still more of a “jeep”. Therefore, he is not afraid of holes and ravines. But even on the track, the RX will give opponents a head start.
Lexus RX
After off-roading, you can always stop by a company service station, and there are many of them in a big city. In a car, the “first fiddles” are: reliability, ease of operation, power.
Audi Q7: too different
In September 2005, Audi introduced a new full-size crossover on the E platform. In 2008, a serious scandal erupted around the German. Blame it all... on strength. Experts from the German Automobile Club have established that in the event of an accident, the side members of the car are dangerous for the driver and passengers of the second participant in the accident.
Audi Q7
Later the scandal subsided. Now in Germany, insurance rates for Audi Q7 owners are among the highest. The probability of destroying a car in a collision with such a two-ton “monster” is very high.
2. BMW X5: from tanned elbow to panoramic roof
The Q7's direct competitor also comes from Germany. First generation cars with the E53 index were produced from 1999 to 2006. After 15 years, the E53 has remained popular. X5 was associated with people from a certain social circle. A clean-shaven massive head, a fierce look and a hand always sunbathing up to the elbow on the window opening. But not the E53 alone...
BMW has a lot to offer in terms of new cars. The combination of a gasoline engine and a synchronous electric motor with a fantastic consumption rate of 3.4 liters per 100 km. And this is at a maximum speed of up to 210 km/h.
BMW X5
The pride of the new models is the panoramic roof with a sliding front part. A fin-shaped antenna was “settled” on the back of the roof.
Mercedes ML: premium small
Produced for more than 20 years, the mid-size Mercedes ML crossover has only grown in popularity over the years. Even the renaming to the GLE-class in 2020 did not break the venerable German.
First generation cars are still found on the country's roads. The novelty of that time boasted a third row of seats and an exclusive electronic stability control system.
The second generation featured a galvanized body and organic corrosion protection. The car increased slightly in size and became lower.
Mercedes ML
The third generation with an abundance of technical solutions such as an active lane departure warning system and height-adjustable air suspension. After research by the consulting company AutoPacific, the car was named "the best vehicle for Americans." No comments.
The fourth generation was presented at the Paris Motor Show at the end of 2018. Optionally, the car was equipped with a hydropneumatic suspension, which allowed the car to swing in a vertical plane. “The very thing” for conquering sand dunes.
Top 15 most stainless cars
The galvanizing process plays one of the main roles in the anti-corrosion properties of a car. The appearance of rust on the body and other metal parts of the car depends on how well it was performed by the car manufacturer or repairmen after damage to the vehicle. Today, both cars and SUVs are popular. Therefore, our rating will include the top 10 non-rotting passenger vehicles and the top 5 SUVs.
Cars
First, let's look at the five most rust-resistant zinc-treated passenger cars.
- Skoda Octavia
This car brand has been produced since the early 90s. The manufacturer managed to maintain the status of one of the stainless steel models for this model. The entire line of the Skoda brand has always been distinguished by its high-quality galvanization. Octavia was no exception.
Just like its brothers, it has a highly anti-corrosion treatment of the body. Skoda Octavia is one of the few budget models that can safely boast of its resistance to rust. Moreover, this advantage applies to all representatives of this model, regardless of the year of production. According to representatives of the concern, the first rust may appear on a car no earlier than 10 years from the date of production.
- Honda Accord
The second place in our rating is occupied by the representative of the Japanese automobile industry, Honda Accord. This is understandable. After all, Japan has always been famous for its high-quality products, no matter what they produce.
Vehicles produced in this country are among the most reliable. But it should be noted that copies released before 2005 were processed worse than their successors. The Honda concern itself guarantees customers that this model will not be subject to corrosion for 12 years from the date of release.
- Volkswagen Golf
This car is in third place in our rating. But models released after 2003 can qualify for bronze. The fact is that from this year to this day, manufacturers began to subject the Volkswagen Golf to full double-sided galvanic treatment.
Of course, in the case of the Volkswagen Golf, it cannot be said that models produced before the specified year were quickly and densely covered with rust, but point-to-point corrosion was a common occurrence for this car. Warranty anti-corrosion service life from the manufacturer is 12 years.
- Ford Focus
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The fourth place in the ranking of cars with a stainless body is occupied by the American automaker Ford, with its budget but very good Focus model, which is fully hot-dip galvanized.
According to experts, this method is the best to prevent the appearance of rust. True, it is not cheap and is most often used in the production of premium cars. But the Ford concern does not spare money on the treatment of budget models, for which it provides a 12-year anti-corrosion guarantee.
- Kia Rio
The South Korean car Kia Rio occupies fifth place in our rating. Despite the fact that this model is a budget car and has a cheap, affordable price, its body boasts its resistance to corrosion.
Even in those copies that were released in 2006-2010, you can rarely find rust, especially through it.
- Hyundai Solaris
In sixth place is another representative of the South Korean concern Hyundai. The Hyundai Solaris model can be purchased at an affordable price. In 2020, Russian car dealerships offer to purchase this model at a price of 750,000 rubles.
Not the lowest price, but experts classify Hyundai Solaris as a budget vehicle. Just like its brother Kia Rio, the car body is resistant to rust.
- Renault Logan
Budget car from a French manufacturer. It first appeared in Russia in 2004. He quickly managed to gain popularity among Russian citizens.
Reasonable price and good quality. Users especially highlight the anti-corrosion qualities of the car. Indeed, there is virtually no rust on the body of even the first Renault Logan models. Well, of course, if the vehicle has not been in an accident and does not have any serious neglected damage to the paintwork. It is noteworthy, but in the period from 2004 to 2007. in the production of this model, only partial galvanization was used, and this did not allow Renault Logan to take seventh place in our rating of the most stainless cars.
- Chevrolet Lacetti
The Chevrolet Lacetti car confidently takes eighth place. Despite its low cost, manufacturers did not skimp on the body. It is completely galvanized.
If the vehicle was not involved in an accident, the owner looked after it with all responsibility, then rust stains will not be found even on the first copies.
- Audi A6
This German car has been produced for about 20 years. Motorists love it not only for its unchanged design, but also for the body’s resistance to corrosion processes.
The new Audi A6 models, of course, cannot be called a budget option, but you can purchase this 10-15 year old car on the secondary market at a very reasonable price and without fear of finding rusty holes. Just be sure to clarify: whether the iron horse has ever been in an accident, what damage it received, and what repairs were made. But even in this case, you should not blindly believe the words of the sellers, and before buying it is better to take the vehicle to a service station and consult with a good specialist.
- Mitsubishi Lancer
In tenth place in the ranking is a truly legend of the Japanese automobile industry - Mitsubishi Lancer. It is popular not only in Russia, but also in many countries around the world.
A reliable, pleasant, comfortable car with a corrosion-resistant body, which is fully galvanized during production.
SUVs and crossovers
SUVs are increasingly gaining popularity among Russian citizens, regardless of the age and gender of the car owner. Let's look at the top 5 best stainless cars in this category.
- Audi Q8
All German cars are distinguished by their quality. This applies to every automotive part, and of course the body takes one of the first places.
The popular Audi Q8 SUV is not only a beautiful and comfortable car. But also the most resistant to corrosion. This property is noted not only by manufacturers, but also by users. Since the mid-80s. Since the 20th century, all vehicles from this manufacturer have been galvanized. The body of the Audi Q8 is hot-dip galvanized on both sides, which significantly increases its resistance to corrosion.
- BMW X5
Second place in the ranking is unconditionally occupied by another German car, the BMW X5. Since the very first generation, this vehicle has been treated with zinc.
Unlike the Audi Q8, the body of the SUV from the BMW concern undergoes double-sided galvanization. But this does not make it less resistant to corrosion damage.
- Honda CR-V
The Japanese SUV Honda CR-V is in third place in our ranking. All models produced by Honda after 2005 are distinguished by their resistance to rust.
The processing method chosen is the same as that used by their German competitor BMW. Manufacturers first used galvanizing of the Honda CR-V body in 1998, and recently it has only improved. To be fair, we cannot help but say that from 1994 to 1998 this vehicle was not subjected to anti-corrosion treatment at all, so rust damage is already clearly visible on many cars of that period.
- Porsche Cayenne
Another German SUV, Porsche Cayenne, confidently took fourth place.
For its processing, the double-sided hot-dip galvanizing method is used. Currently, all Porsche models are treated with zinc.
- Volvo XC90
The Swedish Volvo XC90 closes the top five stainless SUVs.
Along with German cars, the body of this vehicle is hot-dip galvanized on both sides, which significantly increases its resistance to corrosion. For this reason, the Volvo XC90 firmly ranks fifth in our ranking.
Sports cars
It’s surprising that representatives of this category also made it into the top indestructible cars. There is clearly no time for field potholes here. Although you can get to the dacha with a breeze. On a tow truck.
Audi TT
The German "thumbelina" is named after the Tourist Trophy races held on the islands in the possessions of the British crown.
The Audi TT captivates with its traditionalism and charisma. There is nothing superfluous in the car: the victory of rationality over showiness. Two decades later, the model looks modern.
Audi TT
The limited edition, released for the twentieth anniversary, is called: Audi TT 20 years. There are only 999 owners of this model. The line of anniversary cars is limited to this number.
Chevrolet Camaro
The history of one of the revered cars of yesteryear and the present began 54 years ago. Created as a response to Ford's Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro quickly took the muscle car market by storm.
Chevrolet Camaro
From the very beginning, the car was famous for its powerful engines. The standard version of the car was equipped with a 5.7-liter V8 with a capacity of 255 hp. With.
Over the years, the “aged” Camaro has not changed its traditions: here and there it demonstrated a sporty character.
Mazda MX-5
The Mazda MX-5 Roadster is a joint development of Mazda and Lotus Cars. This is a car with a strong sporting charisma.
Immediately after its appearance in 1989, the model won the hearts of car enthusiasts. The car was popular: over 10 years more than 400 thousand units were produced.
Mazda MX-5
The second generation Mazda MX-5 received an upgraded engine, but lost lift-up headlights. The total circulation of both generations in 2000 exceeded 700 thousand pieces. With this indicator, the model took a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the car with the best sales figures among two-seater sports cars.
Mercedes SLK
The compact roadster with a hard folding roof is based on the C-Class platform of the W202 series. Mercedes SLK is a direct competitor to the BMW Z3 and Porsche Boxster.
The basic version boasted a 2-liter four-cylinder engine producing 136 hp. With. More expensive versions were equipped with 109 hp engines. With.
Mercedes SLK
The second generation received naturally aspirated V6s with volumes up to 3.5 liters. The pride of this version was the 5.4 liter V8 engine in the SLK 55 AMG.
The third generation was marked by the appearance of a diesel engine with a capacity of 204 hp. With.
In 2020, the model was renamed Mercedes-Benz SLC. You can no longer see the SLK abbreviation on new cars. Unless you glue it on, tearing the badge off the old triumphant.
Car indestructibility rating
Today, a backbone of companies has already formed, annually compiling their vehicle reliability ratings. Worth mentioning are JD Power, TÜV, ADAC, Warranty Direct, Driver, Consumer Reports. Although they use different, sometimes incompatible calculation methods, summarizing their data, we came to the following conclusion:
- The most indestructible cars are German models: Audi (A3/4/8) and Mercedes-Benz (E/C class). Yes, we all know that today even mass-produced and fairly popular models use components from China, and in considerable quantities. Yet German quality and order, coupled with a commitment to technical excellence, still guarantee the production of cars that can withstand the use of disgusting consumables and low-grade fuel, bad roads and untimely maintenance. Let us note the practically indestructible suspension of such models from Mercedes-Benz as the C124/200 - domestic taxi drivers are very well aware of this;
- Japanese car brands Mazda and Toyota are also in the top of the most indestructible cars. Although recently the quality of the cars they produce has fallen (due to the involvement of companies from the Middle Kingdom in the production process), in terms of unpretentiousness, purebred “Japanese” are not much inferior to German automakers. At the same time, the cost of the machines themselves and service is noticeably lower than European indicators. To the mentioned leaders we can add Subaru and Honda, which also care about extending the life of their cars. You can recall the rise in sales of the Honda Civic 5d, which was assembled in the UK. The rise in sales was largely fueled by aggressive advertising praising the model as the most indestructible;
- Korean auto grandees Hyundai and Kia are not much inferior to the “Germans” and “Japanese” in terms of reliability. Cars assembled directly in South Korea are especially valued. According to many experts, the most indestructible cars are the Hyundai Accent/Kia Solaris. These models are very often mentioned in such ratings; they are readily purchased by taxi companies. Unfortunately, most localized assembly plants, including Russian ones, produce machines that are much inferior in quality and reliability to their original Korean counterparts. Separately, it is worth noting Daewoo Nexia. This car, assembled in Uzbekistan, also earned the reputation of being a very durable and unpretentious car, which Russian taxi drivers immediately appreciated. Over time, the percentage of Chinese components began to grow, which, of course, adversely affected the image of the model;
- But what about such giants as Volkswagen and BMW? These automakers still produce popular and best-selling cars, but in terms of reliability they are noticeably inferior to the leaders. This is especially true for lower class models (B/C). The same Golf or X3, as before, are among the most popular and quite reliable cars, but there is no need to talk about super unpretentiousness here;
- French automakers are famous for their bold approach to design, but Citroën, Renault and Peugeot have never been among the most indestructible cars in the world. As an exception, it is worth mentioning the legendary Peugeot 407. But when its assembly was transferred to Iran, the quality of the car began to steadily decline, and its famous suspension lost its indestructibility;
- The Opel automaker is considered the most democratic and affordable German brand, but it also has a model that is considered the standard of reliability. We are talking about Astra, whose popularity in Europe has already exceeded that of the VW Golf IV and Ford Focus. According to car services, this car had an unsurpassed indicator in terms of mileage between repairs. However, in this case, the statistics turned out to be “sweet”: 73% of Astra buyers were pensioners who traveled little and therefore rarely turned to repairmen.
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Top 5 most reliable cars - we took everything into account!
Which cars are the most reliable among those sold on the Russian market? No speculation - just pure statistics.
Each of us has our own reliability rating, based on personal experience, stories from relatives, friends, acquaintances, read and seen on the Internet.
Someone is sure that the most reliable are Japanese cars, another convinces that the “Japanese”, on the contrary, have lost ground and now the “Koreans rule”, and the “expert” laughs at them, believing that there was nothing better than the “Germans”, no and there won't be. After a little thought, everyone will name the “most reliable” brand. And when you tense up, you’re also a model. However, all this is just a personal opinion. A more authoritative opinion comes from insurance and statistical agencies, large auto publications that study the reliability of cars using their own methods and regularly publish reports in the form of ratings. The most popular are TÜV Report; DEKRA Used Car Report; ADAC Car Reliability Ratings; Warranty Direct Reliability Index. Top 100 UK Cars; Consumer Reports: 10 Most Reliable Cars; Consumer Reports: 30 Best Used Cars; J. D. Power and Associates Dependability Study. These are German, British and American sources.
The compilers of the ratings not only survey owners of cars of different years of production, but also analyze recall campaigns, insurance cases, and the service history of each car. For example, the German Technical Supervision Association (TUV) collects data on ten million cars year after year, and each car is assessed on hundreds of parameters. Another German car inspection agency (DEKRA) has a sample one and a half times larger. The ADAC automobile club has 18 million members from different European countries. This is a huge amount of data that allows us to identify, among other things, the real percentage of breakdowns (malfunctions).
We have to compare the available ratings and exclude models that are not sold in Russia. The rest can be counted on one hand - that’s why we don’t divide them into classes. Yes, it is clear that some of them differ from European and especially American versions, so we are talking about the general level of reliability, regardless of the place of production and market.
We take into account that we, in Russia, have special operating conditions. And we remember the words of Winston Churchill about three types of lies (lies, damned lies and statistics). Therefore, the resulting rating is not only informational, but also entertaining.
Reliability
- the property of an object to maintain over time, within established limits, the values of all parameters characterizing the ability to perform required functions in given modes and conditions of use, maintenance, storage and transportation (www.wikipedia.org)
