Which is the most reliable?

[SD1992]

I am replacing my Mondeo as soon as it sells, and ideally I will be keeping my next car for the next 3 or 4 years, so I need something as reliable as possible. I am looking for a reliable, comfortable car that drives well and will go when I need it to.

So far I have come up with:

BMW E39 528i

Audi A4 2.8 Quattro

Volvo C70 T5

But I am very open to suggestions!

All input would be much appreciated

[mgroadster]

You've probably opened the flood gates of personal opinion to stem from a mini to an XJ6, however my two penneth worth.....Anything Japanese. Nissan, Toyota, Mazda etc.

[SD1992]

I can't think of anything Japanese that would fit the bill, what sort of things would you suggest?

Not a fan of the Jag, I would want a manual gearbox

Oh, and nothing more than £2k.

[jbi]

The 10 most reliable cars according to Warranty Direct:

Honda Accord - A classy package, well put together and feels more special than the average family car. Superb engines and value for money.

Subaru Forester - Not quite an off roader, much more than an estate with a sporty edge, making it the perfect combination. Great all round buy.

Mazda MX-5 - Blueprint for the modern roadster with sweet handling and engines to match. Extremely easy to live with.

Mitsubishi Carisma - Despite the name, not that interesting to look at or drive, but that's not the point. Here is a no-nonsense hatchback that won't let you down.

Toyota Yaris - Superminis don't come better. Bags of room and perky engines. Probably the best small car buy.

Honda Civic - Solid build quality and good engines are just part of the appeal, the Civic is one of the most spacious small cars around. Great value.

Nissan Almera - A dull package, but that's no reason to dismiss the Almera which is practical and perfect for the smaller family who need a big boot and utter reliability.

Honda CR-V - Proof that you don't need an XXXL 4x4. Here is a four-wheel drive estate that is flexible, easy to drive and own.

Toyota RAV4 - So few four-wheel drives are fun to drive. This car is suitably sporty, but very practical. Expensive used buy but worth it.

Nissan Micra - The driving school favourite. Tough, fairly roomy, but with its light controls is easy to steer around town.

http://www.gizmag.com/the-100-most-reliable-cars-o...

Notice something about the country of origin of all those cars?

Edited by jbi on Tuesday 21st June 20:25

[Zwoelf]

Cheap.
Reliable.
Fun to drive.

Pick any two of the above.

[Jasandjules]

For 2k I'd be looking at a Passat. Comfy and (IME) reliable.

[NoelWatson]

jbi said:

The 10 most reliable cars according to Warranty Direct:

Honda Accord - A classy package, well put together and feels more special than the average family car. Superb engines and value for money.

Subaru Forester - Not quite an off roader, much more than an estate with a sporty edge, making it the perfect combination. Great all round buy.

Mazda MX-5 - Blueprint for the modern roadster with sweet handling and engines to match. Extremely easy to live with.

Mitsubishi Carisma - Despite the name, not that interesting to look at or drive, but that's not the point. Here is a no-nonsense hatchback that won't let you down.

Toyota Yaris - Superminis don't come better. Bags of room and perky engines. Probably the best small car buy.

Honda Civic - Solid build quality and good engines are just part of the appeal, the Civic is one of the most spacious small cars around. Great value.

Nissan Almera - A dull package, but that's no reason to dismiss the Almera which is practical and perfect for the smaller family who need a big boot and utter reliability.

Honda CR-V - Proof that you don't need an XXXL 4x4. Here is a four-wheel drive estate that is flexible, easy to drive and own.

Toyota RAV4 - So few four-wheel drives are fun to drive. This car is suitably sporty, but very practical. Expensive used buy but worth it.

Nissan Micra - The driving school favourite. Tough, fairly roomy, but with its light controls is easy to steer around town.

http://www.gizmag.com/the-100-most-reliable-cars-o...

Notice something about the country of origin of all those cars?

Edited by jbi on Tuesday 21st June 20:25

BMW 3 series @65 - must've been lifted by early decade reliability. I don't think the E9x EDs would make it in the top 100.

[Gizmo!]

Zwoelf said:

Cheap.
Reliable.
Fun to drive.

Pick any two of the above.

Such a cliché, but:

Buy an MX5 and get all 3.

[anonymous-user]

Gizmo! said:

Zwoelf said:

Cheap.
Reliable.
Fun to drive.

Pick any two of the above.

Such a cliché, but:

Buy an MX5 and get all 3.

I was just thinking that! Spot on. Perhaps not what the OP was after though.

[SD1992]

Its not really what I am after, I like bigger cars, and I have to carry 4 people + luggage at a time anyway!

Out of the ones I suggested in the OP, which would be the most reliable?

[Evo]

How about a Volvo S60??

[SD1992]

Evo said:

How about a Volvo S60??

Volvo S60 T5 would fit the bill too

Only issue is there aren't many manuels available under £2k, and the ones that are have very high mileages. Not that high mileage is a problem, but I would be slightly wary of a car that is almost on 200k.

[poing]

So why not the Honda Accord listed above then? Big enough for 4 plus luggage.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2563956.htm

Toyota Avensis, no less dull than an A4 I'm sure.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1764675.htm

Along with many other similar size cars like Skoda Octavia, Ford Mondeo etc.

[Evo]

Dont know whether the bonnet badge is important but their are a few Skoda Octavia VRS's with well under 100k for your 2k budget.

[SD1992]

Both these cars are nice, but way over budget.

I am not bothered about the badge on the front in the slightest!

An Octavia VRS would be nice, didn't think of that

I do like the look of the A4 interior: http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

And am I right in thinking the 1.8T engine is very tuneable?

[SD1992]

Jasandjules said:

For 2k I'd be looking at a Passat. Comfy and (IME) reliable.

Unbelievably expensive to insure for some reason

What are the best engines to have?

[DickSkruttock]

SD1992 said:

And am I right in thinking the 1.8T engine is very tuneable?

40BHP extra for a basic remap - cost anywhere between £250 and £500.

Budget for a new dump valve, plus remapping a £2k motor may be asking for trouble!

[SD1992]

Bad idea then? I am looking for long term reliability after all.

Would the V6s be a better option?

[richardxjr]

How about the most reliable car in the world? Also supremely comfortable, quick when pressed, silent, and you'll get a Mk4 like this for around 2k (I did)

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2898722.htm

[Efbe]

i've had a few beemers, and a skoda previously, and yes they are quite reliable in my experience.

however for all out reliability i'd still go
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Honda-Accord-2-0i-sr-a-c-VTE...

or this?
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/00W-TOYOTA-COROLLA-1-6-GS-VV...