re: Audi/Volvo long term dependability vs. Toyota/Nissan

I had a Volvo S60R that I bought new and drove daily up to 150k before I got rid of it, literally the best driving car and least issues I've ever had out of one. The AWD on that car was damn near magical in the ice/snow and rain and the thing was built like a tank but still good looking.

I've had 4 cars since then, including a Toyota, Nissan, and Dodge; all of which had let me down immensely with major issues. The Dodge was a brand new Challenger that I instantly regretted and had me wishing I had my Volvo back (something I never thought I'd utter).

Long story short, if you're looking for safe and reliable Volvo is an extremely underrated in the US market. I have no idea why, as that car was never more expensive to own than any others and you actually got some form of luxury to boot. It also wasn't priced any higher than your average run-of-the-mill car.

Mine looked like this:



While the 2010+ looks good too

Buy in Houston? Happy with car?

Those rankings are pretty old. Not really relevant currently. These things ebb and flow so it is important the OP pick actual vehicles to compare, what a brand is today is only relevant if you are buying a new car so the dashboard chart may be accurate for him and it may not.

I think most modern cars are pretty good. You shouldn’t feel obligated to stick with Toyota or Honda. Those two are still probably the best but other cars aren’t junk anymore.

My 2 cents, I was in the market for a SUV. I was looking at the Lexus RX, Acura MDX, Audi Q7, and Infinity F something. My wife's parrain owns a mechanic shop and talked me out of the Audi, said the Lexus and Acura were the most reliable. He said the Audi was an electrical nightmare. I ended up with the MDX - it was the most comfortable and seem to be the quickest.

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Toyota/Honda is where it's at for dependability, and resale value.

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I would through Subaru in there as well.

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No one really knows what the dependability of the Geely owned Volvos created under the Scalabke Peoduct Architecure will be. They've faired well so far.

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I agree, ours is a 2013 with the 3.0 turbo (R design with polestar tuning) and all wheel drive. So far it's been a great car but she only has 32,000 on it. Did I mention the little bastage will RUN? Very quick compared to the others we've owned.

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Toyota for the lower maintenance costs alone.

ETA: I wouldn't put Nissan in the same class as Toyota.

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Yes and no.

The exception being the 3.3l powered Nissan trucks and SUBs.

Qualitywise, at 210k miles, my wife's 4runner is whisper quiet inside. No rattles bumps or anything else. But mechanically it needs front axles and I should replace the lower ball joints at that time as well.

The Nissan, with 50k more miles, is loud as shite inside, but mechanically perfect.

It has definitely been the cheaper vehicle to own.

I know a guy Thad had an Audi, the car spent more time in the shop than he spent driving it.

If you want long term dependability Toyota and Honda kind of cornered the market.

I would take a Toyota product over Audi/Volvo. I believe Toyota is #1 or #2 in reliability. I have a 2008 4runner with 210K miles and haven't had any major issues. Just routine maintenance. It is by far the best vehicle I have owned.

Also another thing you need to consider is the price of maintenance and parts. For an Audi/Volvo it will be quite a bit more than a Toyota. I have had friends with Audi/Volvo/VW vehicles and the price on parts is somewhat outrageous. Good luck with the vehicle you choose!