German reliability: the greatest myth

[abrokenframe]

I don't know...I have 3 German vehicles; two which are almost 50 years old. The two older ones drove on their mainly original parts down to the rubber bushings for over four decades! They also both have their original interior that is mainly intact and still functioning. These were standard DD type cars throughout their lives too. My girlfriend's Ford Focus has more plastic shit broken than both of these combined.

I'd say they were built to last.

[E30 Wagen]

So, I shouldn't buy a new F30?

[nando]

If quality is synonymous with reliability...

http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1...-year-in-a-row

It seems to be correlated.

The annual study looks at problems experienced by buyers of new, mainstream cars during their first 90 days of ownership and uses the average number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) to rank the brands. Lower scores mean a better result.

[Stanley Rockafella]

It seems to be correlated.

LOL the first 90 days ?!?! really!?

shit, the BMW 7 series also made that list. Guess that makes it more reliable than a Corolla

[nando]

All cars are measured the same way, its just statistics. Technically, the japanese and american brands have more issues in that time frame. I mean, if i had a new car and it broke down within the first month I'd definitely question its reliability...

[gtdragon980]

I think the last reliable BMW was the e46.

[nando]

not really different from any other BMW, new or old

E46 had it's own issues - sub frame failures, faulty tail light wiring, typical cooling system issues, vanos problems, window regulators.

[slammin.e28]

Of course he bases all his shit on the Audi Allroad.....

Wait, don't need a model there, it's an AUDI. The only thing worse than an Audi is an Audi Allroad.

[straight6pwr]

everyone's definition of reliability is different. if I had to rank the levels of reliability based on peoples expectations: (i'd say my e30s fell under #2, and my e34 is under #3)

1)very reliable
the car never needs anything except gas, windshield wipers, and oil changes.

2)reliable
the car only needs repairs of items that don't affect driveability and can be fixed when the owner has time. small leaks, dead switches, etc. this car never leaves you stranded.

3)average
the car needs repairs involving major components on occasion. you'll need a tow for something during your ownership, and will have some $600 repair bills as well.

4)unreliable
something seems to go wrong every week or so, you don't trust the car on long drives.

5)very unreliable
car has so many issues, or major overhauls needed, that owners will sell it or leave it parked and not bother.

[nando]

#1 doesn't exist.

[Stanley Rockafella]

#1 doesn't exist.

...depends on your length of ownership

[UlrichFennec]

...depends on your length of ownership

Or if you own an old Civic from the 90's.

[nando]

90's civics have broken shit all over the place. they run forever but that doesn't mean the car hasn't been falling apart around the drivetrain. don't kid yourselves. When was the last time you saw a showroom fresh 90's Honda? They've all but disappeared around here, and I don't exactly live in the rust belt..

[nando]

...depends on your length of ownership

if you define it that way, then my E90 falls under #1. :p

[UlrichFennec]

90's civics have broken shit all over the place. they run forever but that doesn't mean the car hasn't been falling apart around the drivetrain. don't kid yourselves. When was the last time you saw a showroom fresh 90's Honda? They've all but disappeared around here, and I don't exactly live in the rust belt..

I dunno. My dad had a 96 DX Hatch when I was a kid and the only thing we had to replace was a radiator and a couple hoses. Dad did oil changes and dealer scheduled filter changes and he never had a problem with it in the 6 years he owned it. Thing was a tank.