Auto Experts Reveal 6 Used German Cars Built To Last
When people talk about the reliability and longevity of cars, the conversation is typically dominated by Japanese brands like Toyota, Honda, Subaru and Mazda. While Japanese brands focus their attention on consistency, maintainability and reliability, many German companies place that attention to detail on precision engineering, driving performance and luxury finishing.
Many European luxury cars cost a fortune in parts and labor, but they can still be durable if you're not repeatedly visiting the mechanic with major repair issues. Here are six reliable and resilient used German car models that experts recommend buying.
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1. BMW 5 Series
Kelley Blue Book (KBB) estimated the price range of a used 2016 BMW 5 Series to be between $12,318 to $20,187, depending on the dozen or so trims you decide to buy, which comes out to around a fifth of each trims original MSRP. That year is valued, though. The 2016 midsize business sedan received a J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score of 88 and kudos from TopSpeed, which praised its drivability and durability.
"Only the Genesis G80 is above it," the site said of the 5 Series' reliability.
2. Volkswagen Passat
The Passat is one of a long line of Volkswagens that has aged beautifully. Originally introduced in 1973, "the world's most successful mid-range model" was discontinued in 2022 amid changing consumer trends and VW's move toward crossovers and EVs.
With its family-friendly design and selection of powertrains, this textbook European sedan meets the needs of most drivers admirably -- unless you're looking for state-of-the-art safety features and infotainment systems. The best Passat years to buy used are 2015 to 2022, per HotCars.
3. BMW 325is
The second generation of BMW's 3 Series, the E30, is widely regarded as one of the most extraordinary car generations ever manufactured by the German automaker, and that's why you see so many cars like the 325i driving in significant numbers and in excellent condition today.
HotCars highlighted the retro 1990 model in particular for its exceptional reliability and longevity. Prices for used E30 continue to rise, but 325is's have relatively low maintenance costs and break down infrequently.
4. Volkswagen Jetta
The American auto market has seen seven generations of Jetta vehicles roll out throughout the years. Still popular, the VW Jetta caters to buyers seeking a sturdy, competent, well-rounded sedan with a spacious interior, simple controls, competitive performance and decent fuel economy.
CoPilotSearch.com suggested avoiding models from 2009 to 2013 in general due to customer complaints, but the 2006 year has the most complaints out of all Jetta models. A good model to look at would be the 2018 Jetta, which is a reliable family-friendly option that you can score for somewhere between $6,925 and $12,825, per Consumer Reports.
5. Audi A4
After abandoning the initial cabriolet body in 2009, the A4 forged ahead with sedan and wagon body styles which housed tiny turbo 2.0-liter, 211-horsepower, four-cylinder engines. However, this highly reliable car performed extremely well.
As Cars.com noted of the 2013 model, the "robust 258 pounds-feet of torque coming as low as 1,500 rpm mean(s) the car scoots." If you're looking for a B8 A4 trim, HotCars recommended staying away from models from the early 2000s. The fair purchase price for a 2013 A4 (the year in which it received an 87 score from J.D. Power for quality and reliability) is $7,550, per KBB.
6. Mercedes-Benz W123
It's hard to believe a car that stopped being available nearly 40 years ago is being recommended here, but review sites still highly regard the W123 as a dependable, trustworthy German classic that won't break the bank. With over 2.6 million sales, it was the company's most successful model ever at the time, per HotCars, which argued, "There's a good case to be made that the Mercedes W123 could be the most reliable European luxury car of all time."
MB might be a luxury brand, but its reputation has been built on quality and the W123 is one of the most unassuming, indestructible cars out there.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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