Buster
03-07-2003, 07:25 PM
I just fanned through the 2003 Consumer Reports car issue and noticed that all Mercedes models have been rated either below or far below average in reliability. Not one model earned a recommendation check mark. The C, M, and S class all earned the full black dot! Yikes! Are the other German manufacturers taking lessons from VW on how to lure customers with sexy cars that will suck wallets dry once off warranty as they're dumped on one unsuspecting sucker after another?
After the shocking revelation about MB, I looked at BMW to see how they stacked up. The only car that earned a recommendation was the 5-Series. It has only average reliability. The 3-Series was below average and the X5 was far below average. The Z3 is OK, but its body integrity sucks. The 7 series seems to be acceptable despite insufficient data.
Not one Audi was recommended and the Passat was the only VW that made the grade, but with only average reliability. However, it's road manners pale in comparison to the new Accord -- which is expected to be much more reliable than the Passat. The Accord may not be as pretty, but it's a bargain in comparison -- a much wiser choice.
The Porsche Boxster earns a recommendation for above average reliability. It's the only German car with above average marks. However, I'd choose the 350Z or a Miata and save a bundle.
It's a sad sight to see even the lowly Hyundai outshine Mercedes and BMW in the reliability and recommendation department, but that's the way it is these days if you trust the data people send in to Consumer Reports. It's been my Bible for over 20 years and I've have owned three great Japanese cars on its recommended list since dumping my so-so 1982 VW GTI before the tranny failed. I had to replace the shocks and steering rack long before they should have needed it, but it was still a fun car. VW's quality took a turn for the worse in later years. Thankfully, I developed a taste for reliable Hondas and Nissans.
Another surprise is Jaguar. The newest models have been $#!tboxes according to CR -- not that I expected Jaguar to finally build a reliable car. Not my cup of tea even if they could!
I'll probably always own Japanese cars. The top 3 are Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. Mazda and Subaru are honorable mentions.
I've always liked BMW 3's, but after reading the latest CR issue, there's no way I'd ever consider one -- especially at that inflated price. I can live with a very reliable Japanese car that handles almost as well at a bargain price. I rather enjoy the unfamiliarity with the dealer's service department. I sometimes forget the location of the nearest dealership and it's not because I'm becoming a senile old fart!
After the shocking revelation about MB, I looked at BMW to see how they stacked up. The only car that earned a recommendation was the 5-Series. It has only average reliability. The 3-Series was below average and the X5 was far below average. The Z3 is OK, but its body integrity sucks. The 7 series seems to be acceptable despite insufficient data.
Not one Audi was recommended and the Passat was the only VW that made the grade, but with only average reliability. However, it's road manners pale in comparison to the new Accord -- which is expected to be much more reliable than the Passat. The Accord may not be as pretty, but it's a bargain in comparison -- a much wiser choice.
The Porsche Boxster earns a recommendation for above average reliability. It's the only German car with above average marks. However, I'd choose the 350Z or a Miata and save a bundle.
It's a sad sight to see even the lowly Hyundai outshine Mercedes and BMW in the reliability and recommendation department, but that's the way it is these days if you trust the data people send in to Consumer Reports. It's been my Bible for over 20 years and I've have owned three great Japanese cars on its recommended list since dumping my so-so 1982 VW GTI before the tranny failed. I had to replace the shocks and steering rack long before they should have needed it, but it was still a fun car. VW's quality took a turn for the worse in later years. Thankfully, I developed a taste for reliable Hondas and Nissans.
Another surprise is Jaguar. The newest models have been $#!tboxes according to CR -- not that I expected Jaguar to finally build a reliable car. Not my cup of tea even if they could!
I'll probably always own Japanese cars. The top 3 are Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. Mazda and Subaru are honorable mentions.
I've always liked BMW 3's, but after reading the latest CR issue, there's no way I'd ever consider one -- especially at that inflated price. I can live with a very reliable Japanese car that handles almost as well at a bargain price. I rather enjoy the unfamiliarity with the dealer's service department. I sometimes forget the location of the nearest dealership and it's not because I'm becoming a senile old fart!