Typically, German cars are more complex and tend to push technology limits. As a result, they require more intensive maintenance and are more sensitive when maintenance isn't followed. Most German cars, especially the high-end brands, are in fact highly reliable as long as they're properly maintained. However, mixed emotions prevail in different parts of the world. To secure the reliability every motorist needs, proper maintenance must be followed. In Europe and especially in countries like Germany, car owners tend follow their maintenance schedules well, so their vehicles last longer and perform better.
Which German makes are most reliable?
Whether it’s a BMW or a Volkswagen, the Germans have made an impact on the car market. Annually, the country produces 6,000,000 vehicles and German cars have a strong reputation for innovation. So, which German brands are reputed to be the most reliable in the UK? The answer is that 4 in 5 German brands score better than average when it comes to reliability. These are Audi, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and BMW.
In the UK, Audi, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz and BMW vehicles all report fewer problems than average. However, Porsche is the brand that comes out on top. Since 2000, Porsche has consistently ranked higher (on 14 separate occasions) than the industry average in Vehicle Dependable Studies. Mercedes-Benz has also performed better than the industry average on 9 occasions over the last 16 years and BMW has ranked higher than average on 12 occasions. So, these statistics technically make Porsche one of the most reliable German brands.
Why is Porsche so special?
The clear message is that Porche is one of the best. Buyers of Porsche aren't likely to run into difficulties with their new vehicles, says the J.D Power latest Initial Quality Study. The study is used by new car buyers across the world and measures the number of problems encountered when buying a new car and during the first 90 days of ownership. Porsche engineering is highly reliable and durable. The brand's engines come out on top again and again. Moreover, they’re the easiest cars of all German makes to maintain. However, maintenance does play a huge role in the reliability of not just Porsche and German vehicles but all vehicles. Owners must follow the recommended schedules to get the best reliability!
The Porsche 911 series is known to be one the best cars for reliability. The Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet and the Porsche 911 Carrera are both considered to be among the most durable German vehicles. The engines, drivetrains, transmissions and their weight all play a huge part in making Porsche stand out from the crowd.
If not a Porsche, what other brands are reliable?
J.D. Power’s Automotive Performance examines the level of satisfaction of owning and driving a new vehicle, based on owner ratings. Porsche was the top German brand scoring top marks (5/5). However, Mercedes, BMW, Volkswagen and Audi all scored a 4/5, demonstrating they're no poor relation in terms of performance.
While BMW has raised the bar for sedans with its new 3 series, the new Porsche 911 has again reinforced the car maker's place in history for designing and manufacturing one of the best sports cars on the market. It’s no surprise that BMW and Porsche have been in among the finalists for the World Car of the Year Award in recent years. Neither won but the prime position did still go to a German car: the extremely popular Volkswagen. The year in question, 2012, was Volkswagen’s 4th win in 5 years! Winners for this award are chosen for their overall value, safety, merit, and environmentally friendly performance. In that very year, 2012, the Porsche 911 was the world performance car of the year. In 2013 Volkswagen scooped the World Car of the Year Award again with its Golf Mk7. In 2014 it was the Audi A3 and in 2015, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. All the aforementioned cars are German!
So, it’s clear that there are plenty of reasons to buy a car from automakers like Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Volkswagen. If reliability is your top concern, you can trust German engineering. In conclusion, maintain your German-branded car and you'll hopefully have many years of enjoyable and reliable motoring.
