Shopping for a used automobile could be a gamble. That’s why reliability is well one of the vital components in selecting a second-hand automobile. Nonetheless, if you understand the place to look, there are many sturdy American-built choices that gained’t drain your checking account.
Whereas American vehicles typically have a considerably combined status, there are many dependable selections. Even these on a decent finances can discover one thing good and strong. With $15,000 in your pocket, you may nonetheless discover one thing well-built that gives spectacular ranges of consolation and first rate efficiency.
Trawling the used market, we’ve discovered ten autos which we predict supply the most effective degree of reliability with out you having to spend greater than $15,000 up entrance. We define their strengths and weaknesses, how a lot you may count on to pay for upkeep, and what recollects you need to hold your eye out for.
In compiling this text, we’ve cross-referenced info for automobile reliability, upkeep, and pricing from sources like TopSpeed, J.D. Energy, Kelley Blue E-book, Edmunds, RepairPal, CarEdge, and Shopper Stories to provide the latest and correct info potential. Please notice that we’ve ranked the next fashions based mostly on least to most dependable.
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10
2017 Chevrolet Sonic
Reliability Rating: 82/100
Entrance 3/4 shot of a 2017 Chevrolet Sonic
The Sonic comes from an age the place subcompact vehicles have been all the craze. It went up in opposition to the Toyota Yaris, the Honda Match, and the Ford Fiesta. It will not be flashy or thrilling to drive, but it surely delivers a cushty drive. You’ll be able to seize a 2017 mannequin in hatchback or sedan kind for a mean value of $9,340.
Reliability
For such a small automobile, the Sonic is not tremendous low cost to take care of. When taking a look at its upkeep prices in its first ten years, we see that it prices $460 greater than the typical hatchback. No less than the simplicity of its engineering implies that it remains fairly reliable.
- Common Yearly Upkeep Value: $536 (RepairPal)
- Est. Upkeep Value Throughout The First 10 Years: $6,190 (CarEdge)
- 2017 Remembers: 0
- Worst Sonic 12 months To Purchase Used: 2012
9
2016 Lincoln MKZ
Reliability Rating: 84/100
Entrance 3/4 shot of a 2013 Lincoln MKZ
Again in 2016, there have been few entry-level sedans that got here as well-equipped because the MKZ from the phrase go. It might not have been the quickest or essentially the most spacious sedan, however it’s stacked with fashionable options. If you would like to get your palms on this mustachioed sedan, they listing at a mean of $12,56.
Reliability
The MKZ could be had with a two-liter four-banger, a 3.7-liter V-6, or in hybrid guise. Regardless, you will discover it’s a pretty sturdy machine. When in comparison with the typical luxurious sedan, the MKZ is a bit more costly to take care of on common, which is disappointing as a result of it is not significantly luxurious to start with.
- Common Yearly Upkeep Value: $831 (RepairPal)
- Est. Upkeep Value Throughout The First 10 Years: $8,658 (CarEdge)
- 2016 Remembers: 7
- Worst MKZ 12 months To Purchase Used: 2008
8
2018 Ford Fusion
Reliability Rating: 85/100
Entrance 3/4 shot of a 2017 Ford Fusion
Relying on which mannequin of Fusion you go along with, you get a really totally different expertise. In any guise, nevertheless, you will notice the sedan’s extraordinarily attractiveness. It has a excessive ceiling for consolation and may also be fairly sporty when outfitted proper. The typical 2018 mannequin will set you again $13,635.
Reliability
There’s a plethora of powertrains selections obtainable on the Fusion, with a number of four-cylinders, a V-6, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid. The standard hybrid and the fuel engines will provide you with the most effective degree of reliability. Upkeep on this sedan is about common for its phase.
- Common Yearly Upkeep Value: $581 (RepairPal)
- Est. Upkeep Value Throughout The First 10 Years: $6,785 (CarEdge)
- 2018 Remembers: 2
- Worst Fusion 12 months To Purchase Used: 2010
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7
2015 Ford Taurus
Reliability Rating: 85/100
Entrance 3/4 shot of a 2013 Ford Taurus
The Taurus is probably greatest identified for the sleeper SHO model, which delivers an insane 365 horsepower. Nonetheless, the Ford can be a fairly nice all-rounder when outfitted with lesser engines, with a cushty inside and clean experience. A 2015 mannequin lists for a mean value of $11,458.
Reliability
Whereas the spectacular turbocharged SHO mannequin sounds interesting, you are extra more likely to get to excessive mileages with the naturally aspirated V-6 as a substitute. Bear in mind that there have been recollects issued on this mannequin for its suspension, gas pump, and parking brake, amongst different issues.
- Common Yearly Upkeep Value: $697 (RepairPal)
- Est. Upkeep Value Throughout The First 10 Years: N/A (CarEdge)
- Complete Remembers: 5
- Worst Taurus 12 months To Purchase Used: 2002
6
2013 Cadillac CTS
Reliability Rating: 86/100
Entrance 3/4 shot of a 2008 Cadillac CTS
It will not be as nimble as a few of its rivals, however the CTS encompasses a roomy and fashionable inside that can make nearly anybody really feel snug. For its age, it additionally has a fairly spectacular infotainment suite, with a touchscreen as well. A 2013 mannequin will set you again round $9,340.
Reliability
The 2013 CTS got here with both a three-liter V-6 or a 3.6-liter V-6, and each are fairly strong choices. There have been two recollects issued, with one for a problem concerning {an electrical} brief and the opposite because of airbags not deploying appropriately.
- Common Yearly Upkeep Value: $663 (RepairPal)
- Est. Upkeep Value Throughout The First 10 Years: N/A (CarEdge)
- Complete Remembers: x
- Worst CTS 12 months To Purchase Used: 2003
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5
2019 Chevrolet Cruze
Reliability Rating: 87/100
Entrance 3/4 shot of a 2019 Chevrolet Cruze
Whereas the compact automobile phase has dwindled through the years, again in 2019 there have been nonetheless an honest variety of gamers. In that subject, the Cruze managed to sit among the best options. Whether or not you need a cheerful hatchback or a extra conventional sedan, the Cruze has you coated. One could be had at a mean value of $12,889.
Reliability
The Cruze could be had with one in every of two turbocharged four-cylinders, one powered by gasoline and the opposite by diesel. Usually, if reliability and longevity are your priorities, diesel is the best way to go. Two points have been recalled for the 2019 Cruze, one because of points with the rear brakes and the opposite to do with mounting bolts for the cease/begin accumulator.
- Common Yearly Upkeep Value: $545 (RepairPal)
- Est. Upkeep Value Throughout The First 10 Years: N/A (CarEdge)
- 2019 Remembers: 2
- Worst Cruze 12 months To Purchase Used: 2012
4
2021 Chevrolet Spark
Reliability Rating: 88/100
Entrance 3/4 shot of a 2019 Chevrolet Spark
If energy, velocity, and experience high quality are tremendous vital to you, the Spark shouldn’t be the best way to go. It was designed to be an excellent inexpensive hatchback that would get you from level A to level B, one thing it does exceptionally effectively, but it surely does not do way more. You’ll be able to decide up a reasonably fashionable 2021 mannequin for round $13,638.
Reliability
The Spark comes fitted with a small 1.4-liter naturally aspirated inline-four. This little engine might not present tons of energy, but it surely was constructed to final. Whereas inexpensive in a ton of various methods, upkeep prices for the little Spark are about common for its phase.
- Common Yearly Upkeep Value: $434 (RepairPal)
- Est. Upkeep Value Throughout The First 10 Years: $6,139 (CarEdge)
- 2021 Remembers: 0
- Worst Spark 12 months To Purchase Used: 2014
3
2016 Buick Verano
Reliability Rating: 89/100
Entrance 3/4 shot of a 2012 Buick Verano
The Verano will not be essentially the most engaging sedan to have a look at on the surface, however its inside is lined with plush supplies and an air of sophistication. It may not have the identical status as a few of its German rivals, but it surely encompasses a plush and quiet experience that you’re going to be impressed by. You can too seize a 2016 mannequin for the typical value of $10,525.
Reliability
Most 2016 Veranos come outfitted with a stoic 2.4-liter inline-four. Nonetheless, a turbocharged four-cylinder mannequin was additionally obtainable. In addition to being tremendous dependable, the Verano can be pretty inexpensive to take care of, based on estimates by RepairPal.
- Common Yearly Upkeep Value: $478 (RepairPal)
- Est. Upkeep Value Throughout The First 10 Years: N/A (CarEdge)
- 2016 Remembers: 2
- Worst Verano 12 months To Purchase Used: 2012
2
2016 Buick LaCrosse
Reliability Rating: 90/100
Entrance 3/4 shot of a 2014 Buick LaCrosse
If the Verano appeals to you, however you might be in search of one thing just a little larger, the LaCrosse would possibly simply be the sedan for you. It encompasses a sleek and comfortable interior, full of fashionable know-how. It additionally gives an impressively clean experience. A 2016 mannequin at the moment lists at a mean value of $14,185.
Reliability
Many declare {that a} naturally aspirated V-6 is the most effective format if reliability is vital to you. The LaCrosse actually helps this, with a 3.6-liter six-cylinder below the hood. In comparison with different massive luxurious sedans, the LaCrosse can be tremendous inexpensive to take care of.
- Common Yearly Upkeep Value: $xxx (RepairPal)
- Est. Upkeep Value Throughout The First 10 Years: $xxx (CarEdge)
- Complete Remembers: 2
- Worst LaCrosse 12 months To Purchase Used: 2005
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1
2017 Buick Regal
Reliability Rating: 91/100
Entrance 3/4 shot of a 2014 Buick Regal
Rounding out this listing is a 3rd Buick. When it comes to measurement, the Buick sits between the Verano and LaCrosse, competing within the mid-size phase. It comes loaded with a beneficiant listing of ordinary options and the most effective curb enchantment of the Buick vehicles of this period. The typical value of a 2017 Regal at the moment sits at $13,538.
Reliability
The Regal can both include a 2.4-liter four-banger or a turbocharged two-liter engine as a substitute. Each are fairly sturdy, however we would go for the turbocharged engine merely for the added efficiency. Upkeep can be an honest quantity extra inexpensive on common in comparison with what you may often count on from a mid-size luxurious sedan.
- Common Yearly Upkeep Value: $563 (RepairPal)
- Est. Upkeep Value Throughout The First 10 Years: N/A (CarEdge)
- 2017 Remembers: 0
- Worst Regal 12 months To Purchase Used: 2011