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Top 3 Reasons Japanese Cars Offer Lower Maintenance Costs
Top 3 Reasons Japanese Cars Offer Lower Maintenance Costs

Yahoo

time02-07-2025

  • Automotive
  • Yahoo

Top 3 Reasons Japanese Cars Offer Lower Maintenance Costs

Its no secret: Japanese vehicles have a long-standing reputation for reliability and budget-friendly maintenance, often topping the charts provided by automotive news outlets and magazines in these metrics. Below we discuss the factors behind these rankings and how exactly buying a new Japanese car, SUV or truck can benefit your pocketbook. For You: Read Next: According to a TopSpeed analysis built upon Repair Pal data, Acura and Honda top the list of cars which offer the fewest problems, although Toyota took second place in terms of cheapest car make to maintain. The eight automakers cited as having a reliability rating of at least four out of five included six Japanese entries, with the full list as follows: Acura Honda Kia Hyundai Mazda Lexus Toyota Nissan Discover Next: TopSpeed's Thomas Gillett said after World War II, Japanese manufacturers focused on producing vehicles for the mass market. With only modest financial resources available at the outset, they prioritized cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency. Gillett added that over the past eight decades, advancements in producing affordable vehicles — especially from the 1970s through the 2000s — have firmly established their role in the automotive industry, turning large-scale, efficient manufacturing into a refined craft. Writing for import and sales enterprise TokyoDrive, Sohaib Muhammad made a concise case for two different reasons why Japanese autos might take the edge when it comes to reduced operational costs. The first? The fact that Japanese brands were more likely to slowly roll out technological gimmicks and untested advancements, instead relying more heavily on an iterative process which prioritized proven technology. In the end, this creates a more reliable parts ecosystem and ultimately reduces the likelihood of a stiff repair bill. Secondly, speaking of parts: Given the widespread popularity of Japanese vehicles worldwide, replacement parts are often at-hand and provided at a variety of price points. The overall cost of the parts, service technician familiarity with the install and the reduction of downtime associated with repairs are all pluses in the column for those who drive Japanese cars. There's one notable caveat, however, bucking the trend. As The Car Guide indicated, Tesla edged out the competition when it comes to lower maintenance costs, largely due to their electrical vehicle (EV) composition, pegged at an average of $5,867 over 10 years. Toyota wasn't far behind, however, at $5,996, with Lexus ($7,786), Mitsubishi ($7,787), Honda ($7,827), Mazda ($8,035) and Nissan ($8,088) rounding out the pack — all Japanese brands. The most expensive vehicles to maintain came from Stellantis plants. Ram ($16,802), Jeep ($11,476), Chrysler ($11,304) and Dodge ($11,079) all topped the charts in this regard. More From GOBankingRates 3 Luxury SUVs That Will Have Massive Price Drops in Summer 2025 These Cars May Seem Expensive, but They Rarely Need Repairs 6 Big Shakeups Coming to Social Security in 2025 This article originally appeared on Top 3 Reasons Japanese Cars Offer Lower Maintenance Costs

12 Used Cars That'll Outlast Brand New Ones
12 Used Cars That'll Outlast Brand New Ones

Yahoo

time15-06-2025

  • Automotive
  • Yahoo

12 Used Cars That'll Outlast Brand New Ones

Buying new means peace of mind, and warranties take the worry out of reliability. However, not everyone wants the price tag that comes with a showroom-fresh ride. If you're shopping used, yes, condition matters. Not every old car is a winner; some have rust, some were neglected, and some are just plain tired. But the models we've highlighted here? When properly maintained, they've built a reputation for going the distance. These are the vehicles that can still deliver hundreds of thousands of miles, without draining your wallet or your patience We've scoured websites such as CarSurvey, RepairPal, YouTube, and Reddit to find some used vehicles that can keep running for decades with just regular maintenance. The cars on this list range from classics to nearly new, but all are capable of lasting half a million miles, with some even smashing through the million-mile barrier. Toyota introduced the 4Runner in 1984, and since then, this midsize SUV has earned a reputation as one of the toughest vehicles ever made. It's made to conquer practically any terrain, making it a fan-favorite among 4x4 and overland enthusiasts. Provided you can find one in good condition, it'll keep chugging along with nothing more than basic servicing. If it's not well-maintained, prepare to change some wear and tear parts to keep it running, but that's standard for any vehicle. Toyota offered it with a variety of engines, ranging from 2.0 to 2.2, 2.4, and 3.0-liter gasoline units, and a couple of 2.4-liter diesel mills, but the 2.2 is the best. One owner on CarSurvey claims his 1st-gen 4Runner had 1,442,300 miles on it, and several others report hundreds of thousands of miles on the odometer. Like Toyota, Honda has a reputation for building near-bulletproof cars that'll run for decades. The Accord is one of their top sellers, and there's a reason for that — it's practically unkillable! Well, at least if it doesn't start to rust. Multiple owners on CarSurvey report that their fourth-gen Accord has rolled over 200,000 miles, with some even making it past the 300,000-mile mark. TFLclassics on YouTube got their hands on one that's covered a whopping 1,003,440 miles. Toyota's longest-lasting nameplate might also be its toughest. The 80- and 100-series Land Cruisers were overbuilt to tackle the world's harshest environments, and they're still going strong decades later. With full-time four-wheel drive, solid axles (in the 80s), and legendary straight-six and V8 engines, these rigs are nearly unkillable. It's not unusual to see one with over 400,000 miles—and that's before a rebuild. Whether you're rock crawling or road-tripping, an old Land Cruiser will get you there—and back—without drama. Just budget for gas. The Nissan Frontier has always had a reputation for being rugged and reliable, but 2005 marked a turning point. That's when the little Frontier finally grew up—morphing from a compact workhorse into a proper midsize truck with a roomier cabin, updated styling, and enough interior space to haul the family comfortably. It still flew under the radar, running on the same basic platform and trusty 4.0-liter V6 (VQ40DE) for years. But here's the thing: that old-school simplicity paid off. Paired with a 5-speed automatic, many Frontiers from this era easily surpass 250,000 miles. Just watch for early-model radiator issues, and you'll have a midsize pickup that's as dependable as underrated. In 1989, Lexus, Toyota's luxury division, launched the LS 400, a flagship sedan built to compete with Europe's finest. The LS 400 didn't just compete with them, it outperformed them in practically every way that counts, especially in terms of reliability! Car journalist and YouTube personality Matt Farah owns a million-mile Lexus LS 400, and that car has not been babied. Farah bought it with 897,000 miles on the odometer, and says the last two owners before him didn't take care of it at all. Since he bought it, it's been passed around among his media friends and has become something of a celebrity in its own right. The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in the US for decades, and with good reason. Sure, not all the F-150s were solid, but Ford seemingly got it right with the 12th generation, as Porterville Ford reports many owners put between 300,000 and 400,000 miles on theirs. YouTuber Jack Fletcher is one such owner. In fact, his F-150 has over one million miles on the odometer! I guess that's what they mean when they say "Built Ford Tough?!" Those looking for a reliable vehicle that can haul heavy loads should definitely check out this one! If we take a 25-year step back in time, nobody would've guessed that Korean cars would be reliable. However, they made reliability a priority in the early 2000s, and it really shows. CarEdge reports there's only a 5% chance that the Elantra will need major repairs during its first five years, and that's 18% better than other cars in the segment. One owner who took the 5th-gen Elantra's reliability to the extreme was delivery driver Farrah Haines. She drove her 2013 Elantra an incredible one million miles in just five years, and Hyundai joined in on the celebrations. Those in the market for a cheap and reliable compact SUV could do a lot worse than the 3rd-gen Honda CR-V. It offers a spacious and comfortable interior, decent equipment, and great fuel economy. However, the biggest selling point may be its excellent reliability track record. Several Reddit users report that their CR-Vs have rolled past the 400,000-mile mark, and the owner of a 2007 CR-V posted a picture of his car nearing one million miles, having covered 998,275 miles, to be exact. Not bad for a car that costs an estimated $407 in annual maintenance, according to RepairPal. Lexus is always ranked in one of the two top spots in Consumer Reports' reliability rankings. In 2011, the Japanese luxury brand introduced the CT 200h hybrid hatchback, and it's a real jack of all trades, offering great handling, excellent fuel economy, practicality, and unrivaled build quality. In fact, Redditors claim it may just be the most reliable Lexus ever, which speaks volumes. Its powertrain comes straight out of the Toyota Prius and consists of a 1.8-liter gasoline engine and two electric motors, generating a combined 134 hp. Power-wise, there's nothing impressive about that, but one user on the Club Lexus Forum posted that their CT200h courier vehicle has covered 600,000 miles, and that's extraordinary! Since we mentioned the Lexus CT200h, we may as well cover the Toyota Prius, too. Plenty of gearheads don't like the Prius, largely because of its image, and the fact that it was the vehicle of choice for virtue-signalling Hollywood celebs. That said, there's no denying the fact that it's super-reliable and economical, especially the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th-gen models. In its 4th-gen guise, it's also packing all the modern safety features, making it a great choice for families. Reddit users are raving over it, with one claiming theirs has covered 350,000 miles, and CCV TV on YouTube has a video of a clean example with half a million miles on the odometer. There was absolutely no way we could leave the Camry off this list. For the last 4-5 years, people have reported that it's almost impossible to get their hands on a reasonably priced Camry, and when they do pop up, they sell immediately. Why is that? Because it's known to be one of the most reliable cars ever! Its comfortable ride and reasonably powerful engines also help. Toyota's 4th-gen Camry has a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine with 134 hp as standard, but a 3.0-liter V6 with 194 workhorses is available. Either unit should be capable of covering half a million miles, like the one ABC Action News reported on, and Redditors claim to have smashed through the 400,000-mile mark with ease. In 2019, Toyota launched the 5th-gen RAV4 SUV, and it's still going strong today after a 2021 facelift. If you want a relatively new, used vehicle, it's hard to argue against this compact SUV, as it delivers all the modern amenities, plenty of space, and decent power. Not to mention reliability! The Toyota RAV4 has proven itself as one of the most reliable vehicles money can buy, and there are still plenty of old, high-mileage examples on the road. Redditor UnstoppableMileage posted a story when his 2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XSE sailed past the 450,000-mile mark, proving these vehicles will keep going forever as long as they're properly serviced. Whether you're looking for a rugged off-roader, a fuel-sipping commuter, or a reliable family hauler, the used market has plenty of options that won't let you down. The cars on this list prove that with proper maintenance, a well-built vehicle can last for hundreds of thousands—or even a million—miles. Reliability isn't just about avoiding breakdowns; it's about getting the most out of your investment. These vehicles showcase the craftsmanship and engineering that make long-term ownership a reality. So, if you're in the market for a used car, don't just look at the odometer—look at the track record. With the right choice, your next car could be the one that goes the distance.

15 Best Car Brands, Ranked By Reliability
15 Best Car Brands, Ranked By Reliability

Yahoo

time24-05-2025

  • Automotive
  • Yahoo

15 Best Car Brands, Ranked By Reliability

Reliability and a hassle-free ownership experience are some of the main reasons we buy new cars. According to CarEdge, a site dedicated to making car ownership easier, average new car prices are creeping closer to $50,000. If you're spending that much on a vehicle, you certainly don't want to spend your time hanging out at the repair shop. Luckily, we have independent organizations like Consumer Reports that fight for a fair marketplace. Every year, they list the best and worst vehicles on the market based on predicted reliability ratings, and using data from its annual reliability surveys. Traditionally, the two top spots have been held by Toyota and its luxury brand, Lexus, but this year, there's a new king of the hill. Let's look at the 15 best car brands you can buy in 2025, as per Consumer Reports' reliability rankings. Subaru is, without a doubt, the biggest surprise on this year's reliability list. According to RepairPal, an online automotive complaint resource, the Japanese brand has been known to suffer from certain issues, such as head gasket failure, excessive oil consumption, and CVT transmission problems. However, this year, the Subaru Impreza and Forester received well-above-average reliability scores, while the rest of the lineup, except the Solterra EV, is rated above average and average. One reason for this is that Subaru uses tried-and-tested technology, resulting in fewer problems. Lexus is usually found in the first or second spot on Consumer Reports' reliability rankings, so nothing has really changed for 2025. This Japanese brand builds cars that'll last you a lifetime, and they're right up there with the Europeans in terms of luxury. Four of Lexus' models received an above-average score, while three managed an average rating. In this year's rankings, Consumer Reports says Lexus and Toyota have traded the two top spots for many years, but Toyota has now been knocked down to third. The brand took a hit due to below-average reliability ratings for three of its vehicles — the bZ4X EV, the Tundra, and the redesigned Tacoma. Coincidentally, the bZ4X is the same vehicle as Subaru's Solterra, so that one should definitely be avoided. If not for those models, Toyota would still reign supreme, as four Toyota models scored well above average, seven scored above average, and five scored average. Honda is another Japanese carmaker known for making reliable, high-quality cars, and is usually found near the top of every Consumer Reports rating. This year, Honda earned fourth place overall in the reliability rankings. Three of Honda's models, including the CR-V and HR-V compact SUVs, received an above-average score, with another seven getting an average rating. With Honda in fourth, it's no surprise that its luxury brand follows right behind in fifth. Surprisingly, Acura no longer offers any hybrid models, despite Honda being one of the pioneers of that game. This year, Consumer Reports has only ranked two Acura models, the RDX and MDX SUVs. The RDX received an above-average score, and the MDX was rated as average. Mazda offers a wide variety of models, from the open-top 2-seater MX-5 Miata to the midsize three-row SUV CX-90. Its models tend to be affordable, good-looking, fun to drive, and reliable. Several of Mazda's vehicles have earned above-average reliability ratings by Consumer Reports, with the SUVs and crossovers consistently ranking among the best in the segment. Audi is the first non-Japanese brand on the list. European luxury vehicles are loaded with modern technology, which, according to Scientific American, tends to fail more often than older tech that's been tried and tested. Even the entry-level vehicles in Audi's lineup offer excellent build quality and are more luxurious than most of the Japanese models. That said, they also come with higher maintenance and repair costs, so Consumer Reports says it's hard to recommend used models. BMW is perhaps Audi's fiercest competitor, and the two have duked it out for decades. This time, Audi won the battle, but the Bavarians are following right behind. All the things we said about Audi also hold true for BMW. It's one of the top brands if you're in the market for a new luxury vehicle, but expect it to be costlier to own than a Lexus or Acura. A couple of decades ago, no one would've guessed that Korean carmakers Kia and Hyundai would feature in the top-ten most reliable car brands, but here we are. Kia now offers vehicles in most modern segments. They're usually not among the top in terms of reliability, but the low price and excellent warranties help offset that. Everything we said about Kia also goes for Hyundai, which secures the tenth spot on Consumer Reports' rankings. It's possible to find some serious bargains in Hyundai's lineup, and while they may not last as long as a Lexus, they'll certainly run for a few hundred thousand miles. The electric Ioniq 5 N is even one of the most fun EVs on the market today. Just missing out on the top ten, we find Buick, the first American brand on the list. If you want to buy American and reliability is important, then Buick is clearly the brand to go for — at least according to Consumer Reports. Buick offers two- and three-row SUVs with better interiors than you'll find in a Chevy or Ford, but for less money than traditional luxury brands such as Lexus, Lincoln, and Cadillac. It's no secret that Nissan's vehicles have struggled with various reliability issues over the years. Nissan Problems, a website dedicated to tracking issues related to various Nissan vehicles, mentions problems with the CVT transmission, engine failures, and a smorgasbord of other issues. Consumer Reports also says the brand's overall scores suffer because of up-and-down reliability and average to below-average owner satisfaction. Still, they managed to squeeze into 12th place of the 22 car manufacturers in this year's ranking. Ford sells its pickup trucks under the "Built Ford Tough" slogan, but the Blue Oval is only the 13th most reliable brand. The F-150 remains one of the best-selling trucks on the North American market, but Consumer Reports gave it a below-average reliability rating. In fact, with the exception of the Ford Mustang, the electric Mustang Mach-E, and the small Maverick truck, most Ford vehicles have been given an average to below-average reliability rating. Genesis, Hyundai Motor Group's luxury brand, goes head-to-head with all the established luxury carmakers but often costs less than the competition. Consumer Reports says Genesis models tend to be impressive during road tests, but the reliability varies, with some models having dropped to below-average reliability ratings. Gone are the days when Volvo was known for making brick-shaped cars that were surprisingly fun to drive and so well-built that they could probably emerge unscathed from a demolition derby. While the Swedish carmaker still builds safety-focused cars, it suffers in other areas—reliability, in particular. Consumer Reports says most of Volvo's new cars scored average or below average in their reliability rankings. Although Volvo ranks 15th for new car reliability, it's 17th in owner satisfaction, and 24th in maintenance and repair costs, giving it a 22nd place overall.

15 Best Car Brands, Ranked By Reliability
15 Best Car Brands, Ranked By Reliability

Yahoo

time24-05-2025

  • Automotive
  • Yahoo

15 Best Car Brands, Ranked By Reliability

Reliability and a hassle-free ownership experience are some of the main reasons we buy new cars. According to CarEdge, a site dedicated to making car ownership easier, average new car prices are creeping closer to $50,000. If you're spending that much on a vehicle, you certainly don't want to spend your time hanging out at the repair shop. Luckily, we have independent organizations like Consumer Reports that fight for a fair marketplace. Every year, they list the best and worst vehicles on the market based on predicted reliability ratings, and using data from its annual reliability surveys. Traditionally, the two top spots have been held by Toyota and its luxury brand, Lexus, but this year, there's a new king of the hill. Let's look at the 15 best car brands you can buy in 2025, as per Consumer Reports' reliability rankings. Subaru is, without a doubt, the biggest surprise on this year's reliability list. According to RepairPal, an online automotive complaint resource, the Japanese brand has been known to suffer from certain issues, such as head gasket failure, excessive oil consumption, and CVT transmission problems. However, this year, the Subaru Impreza and Forester received well-above-average reliability scores, while the rest of the lineup, except the Solterra EV, is rated above average and average. One reason for this is that Subaru uses tried-and-tested technology, resulting in fewer problems. Lexus is usually found in the first or second spot on Consumer Reports' reliability rankings, so nothing has really changed for 2025. This Japanese brand builds cars that'll last you a lifetime, and they're right up there with the Europeans in terms of luxury. Four of Lexus' models received an above-average score, while three managed an average rating. In this year's rankings, Consumer Reports says Lexus and Toyota have traded the two top spots for many years, but Toyota has now been knocked down to third. The brand took a hit due to below-average reliability ratings for three of its vehicles — the bZ4X EV, the Tundra, and the redesigned Tacoma. Coincidentally, the bZ4X is the same vehicle as Subaru's Solterra, so that one should definitely be avoided. If not for those models, Toyota would still reign supreme, as four Toyota models scored well above average, seven scored above average, and five scored average. Honda is another Japanese carmaker known for making reliable, high-quality cars, and is usually found near the top of every Consumer Reports rating. This year, Honda earned fourth place overall in the reliability rankings. Three of Honda's models, including the CR-V and HR-V compact SUVs, received an above-average score, with another seven getting an average rating. With Honda in fourth, it's no surprise that its luxury brand follows right behind in fifth. Surprisingly, Acura no longer offers any hybrid models, despite Honda being one of the pioneers of that game. This year, Consumer Reports has only ranked two Acura models, the RDX and MDX SUVs. The RDX received an above-average score, and the MDX was rated as average. Mazda offers a wide variety of models, from the open-top 2-seater MX-5 Miata to the midsize three-row SUV CX-90. Its models tend to be affordable, good-looking, fun to drive, and reliable. Several of Mazda's vehicles have earned above-average reliability ratings by Consumer Reports, with the SUVs and crossovers consistently ranking among the best in the segment. Audi is the first non-Japanese brand on the list. European luxury vehicles are loaded with modern technology, which, according to Scientific American, tends to fail more often than older tech that's been tried and tested. Even the entry-level vehicles in Audi's lineup offer excellent build quality and are more luxurious than most of the Japanese models. That said, they also come with higher maintenance and repair costs, so Consumer Reports says it's hard to recommend used models. BMW is perhaps Audi's fiercest competitor, and the two have duked it out for decades. This time, Audi won the battle, but the Bavarians are following right behind. All the things we said about Audi also hold true for BMW. It's one of the top brands if you're in the market for a new luxury vehicle, but expect it to be costlier to own than a Lexus or Acura. A couple of decades ago, no one would've guessed that Korean carmakers Kia and Hyundai would feature in the top-ten most reliable car brands, but here we are. Kia now offers vehicles in most modern segments. They're usually not among the top in terms of reliability, but the low price and excellent warranties help offset that. Everything we said about Kia also goes for Hyundai, which secures the tenth spot on Consumer Reports' rankings. It's possible to find some serious bargains in Hyundai's lineup, and while they may not last as long as a Lexus, they'll certainly run for a few hundred thousand miles. The electric Ioniq 5 N is even one of the most fun EVs on the market today. Just missing out on the top ten, we find Buick, the first American brand on the list. If you want to buy American and reliability is important, then Buick is clearly the brand to go for — at least according to Consumer Reports. Buick offers two- and three-row SUVs with better interiors than you'll find in a Chevy or Ford, but for less money than traditional luxury brands such as Lexus, Lincoln, and Cadillac. It's no secret that Nissan's vehicles have struggled with various reliability issues over the years. Nissan Problems, a website dedicated to tracking issues related to various Nissan vehicles, mentions problems with the CVT transmission, engine failures, and a smorgasbord of other issues. Consumer Reports also says the brand's overall scores suffer because of up-and-down reliability and average to below-average owner satisfaction. Still, they managed to squeeze into 12th place of the 22 car manufacturers in this year's ranking. Ford sells its pickup trucks under the "Built Ford Tough" slogan, but the Blue Oval is only the 13th most reliable brand. The F-150 remains one of the best-selling trucks on the North American market, but Consumer Reports gave it a below-average reliability rating. In fact, with the exception of the Ford Mustang, the electric Mustang Mach-E, and the small Maverick truck, most Ford vehicles have been given an average to below-average reliability rating. Genesis, Hyundai Motor Group's luxury brand, goes head-to-head with all the established luxury carmakers but often costs less than the competition. Consumer Reports says Genesis models tend to be impressive during road tests, but the reliability varies, with some models having dropped to below-average reliability ratings. Gone are the days when Volvo was known for making brick-shaped cars that were surprisingly fun to drive and so well-built that they could probably emerge unscathed from a demolition derby. While the Swedish carmaker still builds safety-focused cars, it suffers in other areas—reliability, in particular. Consumer Reports says most of Volvo's new cars scored average or below average in their reliability rankings. Although Volvo ranks 15th for new car reliability, it's 17th in owner satisfaction, and 24th in maintenance and repair costs, giving it a 22nd place overall.

5 Used Luxury German Cars That Are Good Investment for Retirees
5 Used Luxury German Cars That Are Good Investment for Retirees

Yahoo

time08-04-2025

  • Automotive
  • Yahoo

5 Used Luxury German Cars That Are Good Investment for Retirees

German luxury cars often come with a reputation for high maintenance costs, but that doesn't mean they're all bad investments. In fact, several models from BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche offer strong resale value, lasting performance and modern comfort. For retirees, those factors matter more than ever. The key is to choose vehicles that strike a balance between prestige and long-term practicality. For You: Check Out: 'German cars have a stellar reputation for a reason and that is they hold their value well over time,' said Lauren Fix, automotive expert at Car Coach Reports — emphasizing their engineering, build quality and resale strength. Used models are especially attractive, as the biggest chunk of depreciation is already factored into the price. The five cars below were handpicked based on Fix's insights and supported by data from trusted automotive analysts. In contrast, here are used luxury German cars retirees should avoid. The BMW 2 Series blends sportiness with compact design, making it a great fit for retirees who want both agility and comfort. Lauren Fix included the BMW 2 Series among her top picks for retirees, citing its strong resale value at an estimated 61%. While BMWs are known for higher maintenance costs, this model remains manageable with average upkeep of $922 per year, according to RepairPal. Trending Now: It offers supportive seating, responsive handling and a refined cabin without the overwhelming tech found in larger luxury sedans. For retirees looking for reliability, retained value and the iconic BMW driving feel, the 2 Series delivers all three without financial regret. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class or 'G-Wagon,' is one of the few large luxury SUVs that holds its value exceptionally well over time. Lauren Fix cited the G-Class among her top five used German cars for retirees, estimating a 63% value retention. While maintenance and insurance can be expensive, these costs are balanced by strong resale performance and brand prestige. According to RepairPal, the annual maintenance cost for a Mercedes-Benz G500 is around $1,461. Despite the costs, the G-Class provides unmatched presence, top-tier build quality and timeless design. Retirees looking for durability, status and value protection will find the G-Wagon delivers all three. Audi's Q3 subcompact SUV provides a smooth ride, intuitive controls and easy maneuverability — three qualities ideal for older drivers. CarEdge reported only 38% depreciation over five years, making it one of the best performers in its class. Lauren Fix backed the Q3 as a smart investment, estimating a 61% value retention and noting that Audi, like BMW, 'generally holds value well over time.' The Q3 also boasts low ownership costs for a German SUV. RepairPal put the Q3's average yearly maintenance at $956. With a premium interior, comfortable ride and useful cargo space, the Q3 is ideal for daily errands, weekend getaways and everything in between. For retirees who want a luxury crossover that drives small but feels upscale, the Audi Q3 fits perfectly. The Porsche 911 is more than just a race car; it's a worldwide icon that sells for a lot of money. Lauren Fix said the 911 was a great choice for retirement because it will hold 83% of its value, which is more than any other car she talked about. RepairPal said the yearly upkeep costs around $1,072, but that cost is balanced by the fact that it doesn't lose much value. The 911 is perfect for retirees with the money who want something that works well and will be popular for a long time. It's elegant, well-known and good for the wallet, which isn't often found in expensive sports cars. The Audi TT sticks out because it is small, stylish and fun to drive, all in a luxurious package. It's also one of the most valuable luxury cars in its class over time. Lauren Fix said that the Audi TT was one of the best used German purchases for retirement because it has a selling value of 70%, which was much higher than the average for the class. According to RepairPal, the yearly cost of repair is about $752, which is about right for a German sports car. Audi stopped making the model in 2023, which makes it more likely that it will be popular as a modern classic in the future. The TT is a great choice for retirees who still want to drive quickly without giving up comfort or value. More From GOBankingRates 5 Types of Vehicles Retirees Should Stay Away From Buying 5 Cities You Need To Consider If You're Retiring in 2025 4 Things You Should Do if You Want To Retire Early 10 Cars That Outlast the Average Vehicle This article originally appeared on 5 Used Luxury German Cars That Are Good Investment for Retirees

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