News: Japan beats Germany in World Cup of used car reliability
This is one game that won't go to extra time
IF JAPAN played Germany in a used car World Cup, it would win on reliability, according to new research by a warranty company.
Motor Warranty Direct analysed its records of used cars aged, on average, five years old and with around 50,000 miles under their wheels. It awarded manufacturers an average reliability index, with a low figure indicating good service. According to the research, axles, suspension and electrical components gave the most trouble.
Predictably, the analysis confirmed the opinion of scores of used car buyers by finding Japanese cars to be the most reliable, with an index of 80.
However, for those who believe German cars to be faultess, the research brings shocking news: Teutonic brands achieved an index of 168, just two points less than Fiat, plunging them into sixth place.
Meanwhile, those people who, typically, roll their eyes and shake their heads at the very mention of French cars will have been put firmly in their place by the same research that showed Gallic vehicles to be the second most reliable, with an index of 113.
The research was little comfort for British brands, including Jaguar, Land Rover and Vauxhall. It found them to be the least reliable with an index of 209.
A spokesman for Jaguar Land Rover said the analysis, being of older models, did not reflect the improving quality of the company’s vehicles.
“All the cars covered by the research have since been updated or replaced,” he said. “We measure quality every single hour of the day. We know we’ve improved.”
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