7. Volkswagen Tiguan
Starting MSRP: $26,440
The Volkswagen Tiguan is admired for its comfortable interior and stylish design, making it an attractive option for those seeking a blend of comfort and aesthetics in their vehicle. While some experts consider it a reliable car, they agree that it can develop issues as it racks up mileage.
On the other hand, there are experts who say Tiguan is one of the least reliable cars on the market, with models like 2009, 2010, 2017, and 2018 receiving most of the complaints. Moreover, experts point out that the car has also gained a reputation for displaying costly transmission problems, often emerging shortly after reaching the 100,000-mile threshold.
199 Responses
The battery replacement cost is a nonissue. For what you save in gas, oil and maintenance, it’s more than a good trade off.
I’m on my second SUPERIOR Lincoln MkZ hybrid. At 160K miles the first became totaled as an innocent victim to an idiot driver. (Only an idiot pulls in front of an oncoming lane of traffic with zero visibility of it)! Now my second shows 115K miles & like the previous only fuel, oil, brakes, and tires (oh, and wiper blades) have required attention and money. Using Regular fuel, air conditioning the entire cabin and my seat, I’m currently averaging 38.1 mpg! Until an electric recharging line is put down the middle of every traffic lane, GIVE ME A HYBRID!
I always buy Toyota/Lexus and I always will
I felt the same way until my 2018 changed gears, while driving on the highway. By itself, the car went from Drive Mode and was stuck in between drive/Neutral all of a sudden and my car went from 70 miles per hour to 20, on the highway. And it would not stop while trying to get off at the exit. Very Dangerous and they can’t fix it because I had the car towed to Toyota that day. The mechanic went to turn the car on to check it. He could not get the diagnostic code from the car because the car reset itself and as per Toyota Mechanic, it seems to be back to normal. REALLY????
Honda/Acura or Hyundai for me.
But Toyota in a wreck crumbles like aluminum foil
Better you than me.
I’m Lexus Fenatic this is my 5th, Rx500h 2023, I sold my 2017
Rx350f , with 26k close to 40k, and Lexus was offering me
25k , I just say to him it’s a No! I never had a flat tire, so just imagine
You got it!!
Meeee too. Loveeee my Lexus 350
i love my Toyota 2008 149000 miles. Second hand car
I agree! Will never drive anything but Lexus anymore. I’m on my 3rd one in 25 years!
Rather provincial. There are many other brands just as reliable.
Me too!
Me too! You’re very wise. It’s hard to beat Toyota/Lexus/Honda for quality for your $$$!
Lexus has been the best car! However Toyota is a real winner too!
You and me, both!
Do you really want someone with a bad left leg to be driving a manual transmission? When you attack my coffe, ‘dems fightin’ words. haha /full troll
PS. Guess how many clutch repairs my cars have had since switching to automatic.
Me too. My current Corolla is 15 years old and still going strong. Great mileage, starts every time, and has never broken down. Can’t ask for more. The body and finish looks good too. I love it.
Same. Toyota truck had 730k hard miles on it when it finally bit the dust. We aways changed the oil at 3k miles without fail and it kept on kicking. I have a Toyota Rav 4 now and it’s still a great SUV. Not one problem after 12 years and 310k mikes.
Don’t matter what you buy keep up with the maintenance plan and any car will last ,and quit trying to save by doing it yourself if you have no idea what you are doing
Me also. My Camry will be 21 years old next month. Never had a problem with it, city driving back and forth to work which is about 3 miles, and I have 69,600 miles on this car. I will drive it to the ground. Only do the basics like tires, oil change, brakes. I will never own anything else.
Totally agree with you.
someone brain washed you! price is of importance. not name. send your hard earned money to japan.. a true american..ha,ha,ha.
SO RIGHT –I have 193,000 on 2003 Toyota and it is fantastic . Only thing it ever needed was a new starter .
anything however remotely descended from British Leyland is a fool’s errand;
BMW like almost anything else German is the automotive equivalent of helicopters—three hours down for service with only proprietary parts for every hour on the road;
You said the same thing about Yugo
Yes Eddy’s~toyota all the way~since I was 14
With regards to BMW, THE EARLIER MODELS, 2014 TO 2018 WERE CONSIDERED A WAY MORE RELIABLE THAN THE CURRENT MODELS, ESPECIALLY THE 3 SERIES!!
Absolute rubbish; all of these cars will go well beyond 100,000 miles
May buy car within a year. Primary users will be two oversized (3x) retirees.
You’ll never find a Honda on the list!
Maybe a BMW only lasts 100,000 miles, but for what it’s worth the typical Yuppie doesn’t care. Since a Yuppie is likely to keep an exclusive car for only 3 years, it doesn’t matter to them.
10 cars that won’t last past 100,000 miles and there’s nothing by GM in this list. How much did GM pay you not to list their vehicles?
Common theme here is automatic transmissions of any form are garbage. It is a constant weak spot for many brands and models. For years. I don’t know why people insist on buying automatics and putting up with expensive repairs, down time and short vehicle life. It’s time to go back to manual transmissions. People need to be a little less lazy. But if you absolutely insist to have your $tarbucks$ beverage or text, then an automatic provides a little easier (but not safer) way to multitask while driving. But the definition of insanity is repeating something over and over expecting a different result. The news here is continue to expect problems and large repair costs for choosing an automatic transmission. And don’t get me started on EV’s that don’t have transmissions. That’s another foolish choice.
It’s the stop and go traffic that makes people want automatic transmissions. My first 5 cars had manual transmission s and I loved them. But when the roads became congested I switched.
Agreed! Have a 2007 Ford Escape (4 cylinder, 5 spd. manual) with 225,000 miles. Finally had to replace the clutch @ 200,000 miles, which was a lot cheaper than replacing an automatic transmission which usually fail at a little more than half that mileage. The 2.5 4 banger is bulletproof and with a manual brings the weight in at 2,800 pounds. And the very torquey 4 makes it quite fun to drive. I love driving a manual. and don’t know what I’m gonna do when the frame finally succumbs to rust.
Haha — I know what you mean. a few years ago a motorcyclist ran in to my wife’s Subaru Outback and hit in the right passenger wheel. No other damage and the car was in top shape. The motorcyclist walked away with minor bruises and his bike was still operable (with bent handlebars). Insurance company totaled the car with one cursive look and way rediculousely undervalued the settlement. It was all about the transmission linkage at the differential. Replaced it with a Tesla and have been in car heaven for over two years. No more ice cars for our family – ever.
You’re right cone to think of it. The Geo Tracker, Saturn, and Festiva I owned were manual transmission. Lived long lives with only oil and batteries changes. They had 78,000(GT) 114,000(S) 200,000(surprisingly FF before replacing the the clutch and transmission. He was taken out by a flood) The other two were traded and sold. I messed up and purchased a BMW 330i automatic smooth ride when it was running. F..Focus automatic problems problems and more problems. My next purchase will be my manual transmission which I loved driving.
Terrific Long Lasting Automatic Transmissions / Toyota 4 runner / HiLux //
Toyota 4.6 Liter v8 family Sequoia etc. / Toyota 3.5 liter V6 engines.
Agreed. Unfortunately, the manufacturers and the government are forcing us to automatics, because they can be manipulated by computer for “better” mileage. Supposedly. Unless you are a complete neophyte, a manual, with minimal care, will last longer than the car itself, and the clutch will last for a good long time. When the clutch fails, it is a relatively easy and cheap fix. CVTs simply defy the imagination. They should be called constant friction transmissions. They are not fixable to my knowledge, and cost a fortune to replace. Ask Nissan owners. Planned obsolescence?
And don’t forget the best reason of all: carjackers and thieves are stymied by manuals!! There should be an insurance discount for owning one!
Lastly, when you drive a manual, you are really DRIVING the car, in tune with how the engine reacts and performs.
Yay I totally agree! I love my 6- speed manual Subaru WRX.
Problem is that for most vehicles now you either can’t get a manual transmission or, in a reverse of the ‘old days’ their is now a premium price to have a manual transmission!
There are some of us that have disabilities and cannot drive a stick anymore. I drove a stick for years until my knees went to hell. Pressing on the clutch bothered my knee. I ended up getting a knee replacement in May. I no longer can drive a stick shift where I have to press in the clutch.
I had the first Fiesta model ever made back in the 80’s, manual transmission. Not a pretty or cute car at all. I bought it from neighbors who disliked it. That ugly little thing ran forever with no trouble and I got 200K on it before trading, also 40+ mpg. I travel for a living where the original owners used it for regular everyday short trips. They could not believe the milage and overall performance. It never went to a shop for repairs, just got regular maintenance at home.
There are fewer and fewer cars that have stick shifts
Now no one will have to make that choice EV or gas unless they want to……THANK GOD! Don’t push something down my throat that I don’t want!
Thats odd. Of the 16 different cars I have owned since 1979, all but four of them were automatics. And out of all those cars, the only transmission issues I ever had were both from the manual trans cars. My ’82 Subaru GL eventually needed a new clutch. And the ’84 Renault Alliance would not go into 5th gear without a fight, once it was fully warmed up. As for all of the Auto trans cars, never had a trans issue. And we are talking $200 rust buckets, like a rusted out 70 Mustang, and a rusty 73 Satellite. Now, the Plymouth had plenty of OTHER issues, as Chrysler cars are known for, but the transmission was never a problem. My last few cars were all Toyotas (Camry, Corolla, and currently a 17 Prius V Wagon) all automatic, all gave me high trouble-free mileage, with zero trans issues.
My 7 speed AT Challenger is bullet proof . Nothing garbage about it period.
When I grew up only high end luxery cars had automatics. I learned to drive a pickup truck on the farm at 9 years old. when I took a trip to Ireland they didnt have an auto available. they thought I would opt for a more expencive model that had the auto. I told the salesman that I would take the manual trans. it supprised him. The only thing I had a problem with was driving on the left side of the road. people are lazy or told that it is hard to drive a stick. the car companies would rather sell you an auto trans. it costs more to service. they sell you on changing fluids to make it last longer. people dont know that only a small portion of the oil is changed. but they still make money. too many bells and whistles that fail. we need a car that is basic and costs less to operate.—– I, Grampa
You are so right.
Because some of us are to old or have a disability and can’t drive them anymore. And then there are the ones that don’t know their left from their right….
We had four Grand Marquis and never had any problems with them. Our two 1997’s had over 250 thousand miles on them. Then our 2004 had over too thousand miles on it and our 2010 had a little over 180 thousand on it. No problems at all on any of them. I sold the 2004 and 2010 in 2023 when my husband got sick and he bought me a 2023 Lincoln Nautilus on his death bed. So far so good. He passed away on July 23, 2023.
I am 72 now and have been driving since 16. Driven both, manual and automatics. The automatic trannies have been perfected over the years. Automatic for me any time, especially in the urban traffic.
I agree wholeheartedly! I drive a Semi and they have gone to the automatics to the point of simply issuing a regular CDL or a Limited Cdl, the limited is exclusively for automatic transmissions and the regular is for driving both the stick or limited. You are correct, it makes them lazy and anyone can drive them. The other thing is that when they put the distance sensors on them it makes it so the driver almost don’t have anything to do! Dumbing down the masses in the name of convenience is ridiculous.
You can’t said this words about automatic transmission who become first on the road electric car or transmission automatic you can buy your electric car you buy its any car can by problem whatever electric car or automatic trying understand these about me not trust electric vehicule anyway i’m prefered gas car
Yep. Once owned a vauxhall insignia estate automatic. “Crockapoo”…
I ❤️ a manual transmission but it’s so hard to find in Houston.
Nope…. you can expect at least one normal clutch replacement in the life of your stick car… and today that can cost a couple grand… There goes a ton of money, while typically an auto trans lasts forever.
I completely agree with you, Mike. Sadly, though, manual transmissions are extremely hard to find in today’s market. So many of the car companies today aren’t even offering the option for a manual transmission. Having spent many years driving a manual, I’d love to replace my 23 yo Pathfinder with another Pathfinder manual but they don’t make them anymore. Any tips or tricks on how to locate any ‘newer’ manual transmission models/brands?
Yes…I Fully Agree with Mike…
My ’99 Tacoma 5 speed stick shift 410,000-500k next
My Honda Odyssey has an automatic transmission and 443,000 kms. Touch wood but still going strong.
If more car companies offered sticks I would agree with you. the problem is, there aren’t many available anymore. My first seven cars were all sticks. Loved them.
Ok boomer…🙄
Look out, those darn kids are on your lawn again.
Very myopic and uninformed response in my opinion. Some automatic transmissions can reliably run 100s of thousands of miles with routine maintenance. Manuals are not inherently more reliable since synchros, shift forks, clutch plates and throwout bearings all fail over time. Not to mention slave cylinder seals and so forth. Calling people lazy for not wanting to shift is also highly opinionated. I have had all sorts of performance cars and trucks and have just gotten to the point, in traffic, that shifting is an aggravation, not a plus. And dual clutch automatics like BMW’s SMG offer much better performance. Twisty roads are another matter, but that’s 1% of most peoples’ driving. Electric cars, if engineered with the same care as ICE cars, can be FAR more reliable. Better performance as well. And no, I don’t own an electric car. Batteries are the weak link for very long life, nothing else. Tesla is NOT the benchmark of electric cars despite popular opinion. Drive an Audi or Porsche electric like the Taycan. My neighbor has one and it’s spectacular (but too pricey for me). So what’s foolish is completely inaccurate beliefs about better technology.
I have a Chevy Silverado 4.8L. It recently passed 300,000 miles. I am the third owner, and have driven the vehicle for 9 years. At $3000 , I would say that is a bargain. I have had to replace a carrier bearing in the rear end, but so far the trans is going strong. also I don’t baby my vehicles. I drive them like I did when I auto crossed my 83 VW GTI. the fuel injection in it died at 240,000. After 14 years I was really tired of the car and sold it for parts. The correct feeler gauge would still snag on the lifters. It had mechanical lifters and with regular oil changes , the valve train never needed adjusting in all that time and hard use. As to the silverado, I use mobil 1 and change the oil once a year. with the mileage on the truck it leaks several quarts between oil changes , so it is still going strong. European car makers just don.t build very good auto trans. The TH 400 in my 69 firebird was street and stripped modified and stood up to 650 HP.
I have only had one issue with an automatic transmission in the last 50 years and that was on a used pickup and the problem surfaced at 190000. I dont understand your rant about laziness at all. What is your problem?
This post is total nonsense. I am 74 years old and I’ve owned a lot of different cars with automatic transmissions. My career was outside business to business sales. I spent my life on the road. To avoid the potential for Breakdowns, I routinely traded my cars at about 125,000 miles.
I’ve owned Hondas, Toyotas, Subarus, and Mazdas, always with automatic transmissions. They have never given me ANY problems. I have NEVER had any transmission problems with any cars other than with Volkswagen and Volvo MANUAL transmissions.
This post is absolute rubbish. I think the secret is to always buy Japanese cars
Agree 100percent
I agree, automatic transmissions are prone to fail without maintenance. Every 30K I have serviced our vehicles by changing the fluid to full synthetic with a system flush adding a reasonable priced oil analysis by Lab One here in Phoenix AZ. Add at 60k a pan drop and internal filter changes as well. Out of 6 vehicles none has experienced a transmission failure or found to be in the process of failing. Then again I’m a retired ASE Heavy Equipment mechanic/foreman who really believes on recommended maintenance schedules. It’s always found in your car/truck/vehicle manuals.
I do like the manual transmission and have owned some with mostly clutch issues, I’ve also owned vehicles with automatic transmissions and have driven them over 300000 miles with no engine or transmission problems, so with
My experience i will continue to drive automatic transmission vehicles. Go talk to some transmission mechanics, ones I have talked to tell me there is no difference automatic and manual transmissions.
Manual transmission all the way! I so agree with that!
Very nice and accurate observation there my friend!
As a highly indoctrinated person on automobiles, you are saying the truth about these automatic transmissions and EVs!
Thanks for your input snd
Merry Christmas to you & yours!
Wrong!!! In 2018, only 2% of vehicles sold in the US had a manual transmission. Some manufacturers just suck. British and Italians manufacturers suck the most. American manufacturers are all over the place. Germans are from suck (VW) to highly overrated (BMW/Mercedes)…buy a used German luxury car for a serious discount…at your own risk. Japanese make the most reliable cars…Koreans are catching up fast.
I have 8 cars with automatic transmission’s in them, and have never had an issue. The vehicles range from 1988 to 2020, with the highest mileage being 265,000 miles n the 2003 Pontiac Vibe. Now my brother’s Jeep with the stick shift, left him stranded in Florida, with a bad clutch, go figure.
Very hard to find car with manual anymore. Had a 2014 Mazda 6 with manual, loved it. Totaled in 2021. Mazda 6 had dropped manuals. Bought a 2021 Mazda 3 with auto, because only Mazda 3 with manual was top of line model that cost $5000 more than the one I bought.
Looked at Honda Civic hatchback manual, but too ugly.
Has always had manual up until now, and 85 years old.
At least my 2009 Mazda Miata has a manual.
I agree 100% most failures are trans related. I have an Acura TlL with a 6 speed manual. Has 513k on it. I am certain that an auto would have already failed by now.
I’m not sure it’s about being lazy driving an standard transmission. It could be that manufacturers focus on one type of transition because it’s easier and cheaper than making two different versions.
True!
Standard manual cars can be just as much of a headache. I drove them most of my life.
Never had one problem with automatics and I’m 74 yrs old.
You are absolutely correct. Finding a standard transmission car that is affordable is a herculean task. Once you do find one, most car thieves can’t drive a stick. Talk about an unintended consequence ‘
So Mike what cars can we buy with a standard transmission?
Agree, more manual transmissions PLEASE!!
There’s no way people will go back to manual transmissions. no way.
LIKE YOU SAID “GO BACK TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS? Where can you find standard stick shift without having to pay for the vehicle twice.
I agree Mike. I love manual shifting. Wish they would quit making automatic transmissions altogether.
Never had to change a transmission on any of my automatics. Includes Chevy, BMW, Toyota, Honda, mini and Nissan. May have missed one. Have over 50 years on automatics. Only tranny problem was on a Harley mc. You’d be crazy to have a manual where I live now. NY
Hi! I agree with you on many cars with automatic transmissions, especially those with CVT transmissions. Even with good care these CVT ‘s don’t seem to last much past the warranty period and costs a fortune to replace. Most shops tell me they are unrepairable rendering the car much the same. I have one with 103,000m miles dead in my driveway. Was a nice well cared for car. Always serviced. I am a very conservative driver. The costs to repair it are more than it is worth. Years ago, I had stick shifts, clutches by comparison are sooo much cheaper to replace. Learned to do them myself! Still a not fun project, but doable. While traveling in Mexico, many new cars are sold with Manual transmissions. Bring them back!
neighbor has a buick regal custom 2002, and running just fine.
Funny how I had a 1993 Cherokee that had 240,000 miles on it. Used on a rural mail route for 10 years and hauled my 2 horse slant load steel horse trailer for 2 years every weekend. ONE transmission replacement. There’s just certain cars that do hold up. Clue is don’t buy a new car during 1st year of change of tranny or engine!
Some of us are handicapped and have to drive automatic.
my hyundai accent was a piece of crap and so wasn’t their warranty
Your contempt and disdain for people you think are lazy comes through very clear here.
In case you haven’t noticed, it’s very difficult to buy a manual transmission anymore. Where is the clamoring demand to “go back” to manual?
My wife and I used to love them, then we had to make a commute through Boston’s Ted Williams tunnel.
You think it would be enjoyable to have to press on the clutch, shift gears, slow down, then repeat that process about 50 times in one trip through that tunnel during rush hour? Nope.
Agreed, manual is more sturdy overall, but a worn clutch is no fun.
Probably the reason why Hyundai and Kias are affordable and also there must be a very good reason why it has to come with a 10 year 100,000 mile warranty. My Lexus only comes with a 3 year warranty because they think it’s so reliable that it doesn’t need longer than three.
Don’t know what happened to yours but my 2016 has 160,000 miles and my wifes 2014 has 180,000 and both still run like tops.
My 2008 Accent had 250,000 miles when it was totaled by somebody hitting it.
Sorry to hear this. We have a 2012 Hyundai Sonata w/2.0L turbocharged engine. Approaching 100K with no major problems, the engine is yet to use or leak any oil. With maintenance the transmission is still problem free! Only complaint was the brakes. OEM fades badly when used slowing down from well above the speed limit. Corrected that with quality ceramic pads and drilled/slotted rotors.
Hyundai and Kia are crap 100%
You’re not very literate, are you.
You are really illiterate.
Warranties are so very bad!!! Must do research and stop believing the sales people, Please!
I agree.
Those Kia’s and Hundai’s are pure junk.
I am loyal to a brand. I’ve owned 4 Pontiac Grand Ams in various forms between ages 22 (when I bought my first new car) and 42. My Grand Ams didn’t go much further than 100k miles before they were traded in for a newer model. Over the last 25 years I’ve bought a used Camry, a new Corolla, then a new Camry that I’m now driving, As long as Toyota makes cars, I’m a customer. I’m 60 now, my 2021 Camry has over 70k miles but I don’t plan on having to buy another car in the final quarter of my life. I truly love driving my Rocket Red Camry, it will GO when I need it to, and driving in Houston area traffic is a challenge! I know I’m good to go, always, in my red Camry.
2012 Chevy Traverse started having problems at about 90,000 miles.
I have almost always had GM cars: Pontiacs, Chevrolets, Oldsmobiles, and Cadillacs, and drove the snot out of every one of them. Oh, and they were all large engines with automatic transmissions. Best cars on the road. I found that with good tires, oil changes when recommended, and keeping fluid levels topped up, cars will last a lot longer. Every GM car I had gave me well over 300,000 miles, with three of them giving me just short of a half million miles. I never got rid of one of them due to engine or transmission failure – always because of ‘body cancer’, which I blame on our winter roads. (Should use coal dust rather than salt in winter.)
Only time I swayed away from GM was back in the day, when I bought a new 1989 three-door Toyota Tercel. Even that little beauty gave me 380,000 Km. before, once again, succumbing to body cancer.
I don’t claim that good tires and proper maintenance will negate every problem, but I do maintain that these basics will negate enough of them to make a large difference to your wallet.
And THAT is why I own a 2008 Ford f150, and a 1996 Dodge Ram 2500 liter
With the exception of the Tesla and possibly the Nissan Altima, all of these cars are built in Europe or Mexico. Many people are unaware that Jeep/Chrysler is owned by Stellantis, a Dutch/European consortium and hasn’t been a “beloved” American brand for many years. In fact, I was extremely surprised that not a single GM product was included in this list. The generalization, ‘You get what you pay for’ while not always true, does tend to be more credible with vehicles. And speaking of generalizations, a comment above condeming “ALL” automatic transmissions is just ridiculous. Older folks, like myself, who once enjoyed manual transmissions and the ‘fun of shifting gears’ may also recall the cost of a burnt out clutch or synchromesh gears no longer in synchro. Personally, I’ll take an 8 speed automatic with AWD over a 4 speed manual for performance, smoothness and ease of use (especially in a place with hills, like SF), any day.
It seems that the data on Tesla Model S is dated. Model S was their very first production car and Elon has admitted that at that time he was not a car maker. They learned a lot from those first 2012 cars and the thing that makes Tesla stand out is that they constantly improve their product, not annually. From 2022 on, these cars have proven to be world class and the absolute safest cars on the road. Battery expectations are approaching a million miles and range anxiety is dropping almost daily. Independent master engineers have agreed that it is the most American made car brand and statistics show an amazing degree of acceptance among the public in a comparatively short period of time. Tesla is also bolstering the electric infrastructure in a record-braking rate. Software is cutting edge and constantly improving. The vast majority of factory recalls for my car are done at night while I sleep over the internet. Service, although very rarely needed, has proven to be quick, efficient and effective. The big plus is – no haggle pricing – no dealerships – all sales are factory direct – minimal advertising keeps the costs lower. Some day down the road, when other OEMs begin to catch up with Tesla (so far I don’t see that on the horizon) they may have to advertise more, but I doubt it. Remember, as others strive to catch up, Tesla isn’t standing still in their innovations and quality, that is not in their DNA.
Well, my Dad taught me how to drive a stick shift when he bought me my first car. A hatchback, 2 door, dark blue, 4 speed, Chevette. I struggled with at first but eventually got the hang of it.
With that being said, he told me that I shouldn’t purchase the 5 speed, that I was dying to purchase, because it would be too much, trying to drive a stick shift, in heavy city traffic.
Mike, Your comment causes me to suspect you don’t live in LA and have to put up with stop-and-go “freeway” traffic. Just a thought.
I’ve always bought Ford and have never had any major problems. Bought a used 2000 Focus in 2004 and after over 100,000 miles the power train light came on. Never noticed any thing different in the way it ran but talked to the trans. shop and he talked about sleeving a cylinder that had been machined in the aluminum housing of the transmission. Told him to go for it. It is now heading for 25 years old and the 200,000 mile mark without an iota of any other problems. It’s a daily driver. Love the car.
I had a Nissan Altima = Transmission slipping circa 70k miles, I prefer the Honda drive train. I was warned Nissans have transmission issues. Never again will I be seduced by their sleek design. I also like the endurance of Toyota and Subaru engines. I admire classic “Muscle Cars” and can see what the attraction is to driving a stick, and I can! From this point, I believe you truly do get what you pay for. For me, 4 cylinders, and it must be either a Honda, Toyota, or Subaru, for me to consider making a purchase. “Caveat Emptor” – let the buyer beware, are the watchwords.
This has been my experience as a consumer. I have been driving for 43 years, learning on large 8 cylinder GMC products.
I had heard good things about the Hyundai warranty. This is good to know.
No disrespect, but I have been told to never buy from a South Korean automobile company because of their terrible reputation for not honoring warranties.
Well, my ’08 Porsche 957 Cayenne Turbo wasn’t on the list. Clocking in at 106K on the odometer, It just had a full tune up and runs better than before. I will just keep it.
Have had Honda Accords for years.
One was going for a long time. 255,000 miles and a couple hundred dollars a year to maintain.
When it got to be $1200 here, $1800 there, it was time to put it out to pasture.
I have my second Hyundai Elantra (Touring & GT). Both have performed wonderfully. Thanks to an idiot running a red light, my 2012 Touring was “totaled.” I then purchased a 2016 GT with 103,000+ miles on her. At around 115,000 miles, the engine had to be replaced…under warranty, didn’t cost anything for the engine, a little for the labor…she now has 150,000+ and runs like a clock, no issues whatsoever. My wife owns a Jeep Wrangler with both the “hard top” and “soft top” packages. She has had no issues, has well over 100,000 miles, and it still runs almost like new. If you take care of your car / truck, it’ll last.
My 2008 Toyota Hylander has 230,000 and running like new. Have a Sienna with 187,000 and same running perfect. Toyota has it down in my opinion.
My 2013 Kia Forte Koup has been the best car I’ve ever owned. Never had a problem with it yet.
Chevrolet all the way baby!
I have been driving Honda CR-V vehicles for 30 years. I am on my 7th one and they just keep going. Change oil, tires and add gasoline occasionally and it just keeps going. Its only weakness that I could identify is the wiper blades. Oh, and my last one has a bicycle horn, not anything one would take seriously if you used it.
Click bait!
my honda civic is stick shift and still going strong 30 years later.
I drive a 2007 Honda Odyssey XL and it has almost 250,000 miles and have no issues or problems!!!! I recommends this brand for almost anybody and they drive so wonderfully and get great gas mileage!!!!!
Got the 3rd tab and gave up. This story has more ads than info.
I have had 3 Hyundais in a row, and never once (knock on wood), any major mechanical issues in over 20 years. An Azera, Sonata and Sonata Hybrid.
Highest mileage on the Azera, which was 85,000. The Sonata was totalled this year, and under 35,000 miles. The Sonata Hybrid Limited I just bought used, a 2020, in July. Currently 35,000 miles. A few Hybrid specific issues relating to battery and charging, but minor.
For what it’s worth, we own a 2013 Ford Escape with the 2.0 liter turbocharged engine. Bought it in 2013 used, with 12,500 miles on it, now at almost 105,000 miles and with the exception of a fuel pressure sensor at 101,000 miles, outside of tires and brakes and one set of shock struts, we greatly enjoy the car. Battery location sucks big time, but fortunately don’t have to change it often. The engine is very peppy for a 4 cylinder, and around town, see 21 mpg, on a trip averaging 65 to 70 mph, a steady 28 mpg. Setting the cruise control to 75, it drops back to 24 – 25 mpg. I’d call it a decent investment.
Don’t think it has anything to do with automatic transmissions. My oldest car just turned 25 years old. Transmission and car are both quite well with no special maintenance. And our youngster car is 8 years old and doing well with no special maintenance. Both automatic.
Going to manual trannies sin’t the answer – you just have to replace clutches even more often. Do a complete change of transmission fluids around 60,000 miles and you will extend the life of the trans.
Wrangler/Gladiator – known suspension issue is called affectionately the “death wobble”. There are front suspension components that fail at about 50-55k because they were designed by an Accountant instead of an Engineer. Having the work done by a shop may cost you $500 to $700 (or more) to have fixed (with stock parts). Its also not a hard job and if you are “advanced handy with tools” you can do it yourself (LOTS of videos on the web) then only spend $100 on an alignment. DIY you can put that extra money you save into “off-road” components that are much stronger and you won’t have the problem again. You also have to realize, “its a Jeep thing” and loyalist just consider the various issues “quirks” but love their Jeep anyway. If you never become a loyalist, then yeah…your gonna whine…
my BMW M340I is the best car I’ve ever owned! I have had Mercedes (trans went after 5 years), Lexus LS430 couldn’t drive in ANY snow, Toyota tacoma, BEST SMALL TRUCK! Now with this new admin. I won’t be buying ANYTHING ELECTRIC, EVER!
I have a 2001 pt cruiser with 182,000 miles on it it is a stick shift drives great gets 32 mpg and has a sparkle paint job
nowadays automatic transmissions, when properly treated can go 250K miles flawlessly. I have a 2000 Camry, and a ’92 Merc Sable that went and continue to go beyond that.
On the other hand, I have personally rebuilt many clutches and 5 speed gearboxes at lower mileage.
It seems to depend MUCH MORE on how they are treated and driven
Well known auto personnel, Scott Kilmer, tells folks to steer clear of both Hyundai and Kia as the majority are highly prone to expensive breakdowns.
Good insights into a complex and ever changing product mix in their market
I have a 2000 accent,w/134000 miles on it. Normal wear Items. Crank sensor, brakes,half shaft, belts.
I have a 2012 Chevy Malibu LT with 221000 miles and it is in very good condition!
One article said only 19% of Americans know how to drive a manual transmission and I doubt it’s that high and it’s a sad 10 years ago or so I told my two girls to drive my sports cars but I don’t know if they could today all these people that can’t drive manuals if the person they were with driving the manual had a medical emergency and was debilitated they would not be able undoubtedly to get to medical help or mechanical help for the car or a Lyft home they were somewhere without a telephone reception or with a dead cell phone or no cell phone. It sounds authoritarian but maybe the DMV should require people to get their driver’s license with a manual transmission.
I will only buy Honda civic!
Lexus baby, and you’re never go wrong
The Jeep takes a beating whenever anyone or any publication writes and article like this one. I have a 2015 Wrangler Sahara, 2-door with 92K miles, an automatic (my wife’s insistence) and just the basics. Follow the Jeep maintenance guide to the letter and change my own oil and filters every 6-7K miles as advised by Blackstone Labs oil analysis which I do every other oil change. Had the thermostat go bad at 89K, but no other problems. None. Have had multiple requests to sell, but no thanks. It’s a keeper.
My 2013 Prius has over 130,000 miles and been in the shop for repairs once to replace a tire pressure sensor.
My Mercedes 1997 E300D finally died after 483000 miles.
My 1997 Mercedes 300D finally died, 383000 miles.
avoid the chain driven transmissions. The 2.0 liter V W turbo will be lucky to not carbon up and die B 4 100 000 miles, or even 72 000 miles
Link to unreliable cars does not work all links. Take you to an advertisement of some kind. None of the links go to the actual article.
The moment the warranty expired, my car now gets 14 miles per gallon and can barely make it up a hill. Lost half its power. I’ve taken it to the dealer three times and they never even looked at it. They say it drives fine, which it doesn’t. I have basically spent the cost of the car on the difference in fuel before and after the CVT became faulty. I’ve even called Nissan corporate and complained with them and they do absolutely nothing either.
Fiat = Fix It Again Tony
I always buy Toyota/Lexus and I always will
Funny, my 2006 Suburban has 186,000 and every thing on it is still doing fine!
Most of the cars listed will have major repair problems well before 100,000 miles. I’m a retired mechanic and racer who was an Aerospace Engineer.
Bought a new Datsun (Now Nissan) truck in 1972. I am still driving that little truck, not any long trips anymore, but in and around town. It has over a million miles on it. Had to replace the head gasket once, the water pump, and the alternator. Of course, many tires, wiper blades, a few headlights and had the bench seat reupholstered. Changed oil religiously every 5,000 miles and coolant every three or four years. The floorboard rusted out on the driver’s side but just sized a sheet of heavy aluminum and tarred it in there. They don’t make them like that any more.
Toyota makes a Great car/truck. Very dependable and long lasting.
I agree that automatic transmission is biggest problem even for brands that are considered to be reliable. And we can’t judge some model of some brand just because very few of them are bad. My father bought 1990 Toyota Corolla which was considered for very reliable car but our stopped before 100000 miles but most of them passed 500000 miles.
2010 HHR with 190k + on it was awesome until it hit 170k, then all sorts of electrical gremlins hit. Thanks to the HHR owners group on Facebook I manage to keep it going, but I have quite a bit of mechanical skills but I think some one w/o any skills are either paying through the nose. Now almost 14 years out of production parts are starting to dry up.
I wish I was the guy that would be smart enough to figure out how to get modern cars to run either with out or with a simpler less complicated computer system.
Sometimes the best thing is to rely on historically dependent transmissions and vehicles. So many cars are upping the number of “gears” on transmissions or using a CVT. I chose my Mazda (CX-5) because all the models use the same, extremely reliable 6-speed tranny, proven over several years. CVT’s used on some other manufacturer cars have an “Achilles heel”, the two variable pulleys need to be perfectly timed so that as one adjusts to become either a smaller effective diameter, or larger (how the speed ratio changes), the other must match that change immediately, exactly, in the opposite relationship. Any variance could create problems from the straining of the belt between the pulleys, regardless of the belt being built with some reinforcement.
As a Jeep Wrangler owner I don’t see the problems they speak of here.
The good news about the Tesla is that it will take 15 years to reach 100,000 miles.
My Chevy impala has 283,000 miles. My Saturn view has 231,000 miles. Neither have had any big repairs. Just normal maintenance.
Be nice to make a car like in the 1950-1970s. Great cars and lasted a lot longer. Gasoline hogs but looked better too. Nothing is built to last anymore.
The engine failed on our hyundai sonata. It only had 134,000 miles on it and had regular maintenance on it to make sure it was in good shape. Just quit working while driving one day.
Guess I’ll leave my two cents, bought a 98 Chevy Tahoe in 99, had absolutely no issues whatsoever until the piece above the spare tire rotted away and it was part of the frame. It was like taking a member of the family down to the auto recycling center. The vehicle has seen a lot of harsh winters up here in northeast if I could ever find another one down south the same age I would buy it no matter what the mileage. I absolutely loved it,
What are the 10 cars or SUV?
Thisbis cl8ck bait 9nce you scroll past adverts tgey get paid
Thisbis cl8ck bait once you scroll past adverts they get paid
BMW 3 series, Nissan Altima, Land Rover discovery, jeep wrangler, fiat 500, ford fiesta, VW Tiguan, Chrysler 200, mini cooper, Tesla model s
Yes! My 2000 Expedition even had its transmission’s kicking the bucket after 78,000 miles!
Mercedes benz… my daughter flipped over three times, and walked away!!
Cars will last as long as the owner driver takes care of them, follow Maintenance schedules, etc. And car treated bad will fail at some point,( some earlier than others ). Tesla is cutting edge technology, of which no matter how good their designed, depend on how well the components and Electronics are being built. The Article Brings up about the cost of replacing the Battery, for example the Hybrid Ford Escapes Battery costs between $2,000 and $8,000, the costs for most other EV’s run from between $ 2,000 to $ 20,000, with Teslas S ranging between $12,000 and $15,000
Well my Toyota Hybrid caught on fire in January 2022, so I had to buy another vehicle quick. So I got a 2019 Ford Fiesta for 15K. Have 5K left to pay it off. It is at 86000 miles so I will have to wait to see what happens. I bought the extra vehicle warranty plan from the dealer which covers 5 years or 60,000 miles. I am in year 3 with about 30K in miles to go. So hopefully I am paid off by then.
There is always a risk in car buying. I was hoping to get 150K out of this vehicle.
Thanks for the information.
I have 8 cars with automatic transmission’s in them, and have never had an issue. The vehicles range from 1988 to 2020, with the highest mileage being 265,000 miles n the 2003 Pontiac Vibe. Now my brother’s Jeep with the stick shift, left him stranded in Florida, with a bad clutch, go figure.
2013 Fiesta, 148,000 miles, no problems! (Manual transmission)
2009 Wrangler, 227,000 miles, automatic. Had to replace the front right wheel bearing this Spring. Lifted & oversized tires put more stress on things. I off road occasionally. Some of the Forest Roads in northern Wisconsin can barely be considered on road.
Both running great!
My XF Jaguar is a 2009 supercharged. It is still beautiful and people comment on how great it looks. It has every extra you can buy and was originally ordered by a Military member in England. It has 119,000 miles. I purchased it from Car Max January 1, 2013 with 33,000 miles on it. I did spend about $10,000 on it about 2 years ago. I love the car.. It has heated and air conditioned seats, heated steering wheel, 17 speakers and every extra available.
I agree with the 10 you shared. I have Toyota Corolla and A6 Audi and Volvo XC60.
Hyundai and KIA ‘s have electrical light problems they claim they don’t but I had both cars and every time I turned around one of my lights keep going out. there is a shortage some where .
Typical article that says nothing whatsoever. Let’s have some facts and what goes wrong. Most of these aren’t pointing out what issues they have. Not to mention it doesn’t include whether or not these vehicles are kept maintained as prescribed or just driven.
I have a 2002 Chevy Trailblazer that runs like a sewing machine and has230,580 miles on it
All I get is crap ads,no story on worst cars
Every car is designed these days to last Ten year / Hundred thousand miles give and take. Yes I know you or your uncle had a pickup truck from 1973 that lasted 300K!
This is a modern economy built on disposable products and nothing lasts too long.
What are the 10 cars?
The three types of cars/truck that are reliable is my Chevy 1967 truck, and so far any Toyota or Honda. Toyota Corrolla, and Honda Civic have been the best for me. The less gagets on the car less pieces to break down and cause problems. The worst car I ever had was a Jaguar Vander plus, mine was in the shop for a whole year, the mother board had shorted out and they couldn’t find a new or used that was in good condition. I didn’t even have 50,000 miles on it!
I have a 2015 Jeep Wrangler. I am the second owner purchasing it with 47K on it. It is now 10 years old and has 146K on it. I recently replaced the original brakes and the coolant temp sensor and thermostat. At 85K the cheap factory plastic oil cooler (conveniently placed under the intake manifold) needed to be replaced and I do so with a dorman aluminum casting. That’s it. I have had no other issues. I don’t baby the jeep. When I wash it, I try to clean as much of the underside as I can. Truck has no rust anywhere. I use amsoil motor oil and change it ~6 months (give or take a month). Decent routine maintenance and care they will last a long time. Having said that, I will not pay the prices on new ones of any brand. New vehicle prices are out of control.
I have a Toyota Avalon 1996 with 192,000 miles on it with auto-transmission and have never had a problem with this engine. I now use it for a truck since it has a very large trunk. It’ still rolling and going. I’ve had manual with corvettes, mustangs, old Camaro’s and they are excellent auto’s but the essence here is “OLD”.
Not surprised by any of these except the Nissan Altima. I have a Toyota Corolla with a manual transmission (on its second clutch) at almost 200,000 miles. They will have to pry my cold, dead fingers off the steering wheel. I’m not giving it up. (OBW, Toyota has ruined their manual transmissions. 🙁 )
Chevy 6.2 in my Chevrolet Silverado 2 engines and rebuild 3 times in 200000 miles new transmission. Chevrolet should be sued by no lawyer wants to
List the cars please
I did way better than any of these cars. My Chevy Cruze made 102,700 miles! Then I developed 2 leaks with an estimate of $4700 in repairs. Too bad, I really did love the car. Now taking a chance on Kia. I’ll keep you all posted when this car dies, as I’m sure you’re all waiting breathlessly.
I have always bought Honda and always will!!!! ❤️
I had a 2007 Ford expedition which ran for 235,000 until it had a minor transmission problem. I sold it then but was very satisfied with it .
I only buy GM cars, preferably Buicks! But any car can be a dud, and sometimes there are problems with any brand. But I’ve had excellent service from Buick with proper maintenance, of course!!!
I just had a 2014, BMW X1, with 123,000 miles have the engine fail. $12,000 to get it fixed for a $7500 vehicle. Scrapped it for $1500. I wrote BMW and got a generic, we take great pride in our vehicles. Right.
I hate the way the story is lying to up you read a paragraph and then you cannot find the rest of the story spent 15 minutes trying to find out the worst cars and never did poor riding if I’ve ever seen it you’ve got a story put it all together on a page and let people read it instead of having to fight through ads paragraphs that don’t have anything to do with the story she’s poor riding
My Chevy’s run just fine with minimal issues. 1977 G20 – 1988 Cadillac Coupe DeVille – 2007 Colorado Truck. You need to do regular maintenance. Period.
All three of our Hyundai Elantra went over 500,000 miles with no major repairs.
Got a 2022 GMC coyote 4 x 4