Here are the upscale rides owner surveys indicate will prove to be the most dependable over time.
One might think the most expensive automobiles on the road would inherently be the most durable in the long run, based upon their typically superior build quality and top-shelf components, but this is, sadly, not always the case. For example, of 49 luxury cars rated by Consumer Reports, 20 are predicted to experience below-average long-term reliability. That may not mean much for motorists leasing their upscale autos under full warranty, but for second or third owners, or those who tend to hold onto their vehicles tenaciously over time, repairs in this segment can be frighteningly costly.
To help those looking for a luxury sedan or coupe that can be expected to stand the test of time without breaking the bank, we combed through both Consumer Reports new-vehicle reliability rankings (based on subscriber surveys), and the results of the 2018 JD Power U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study (based on the experience of nearly 37,000 original owners of three-year-old cars).
We came up with a list of 10 current models we’re featuring in the accompanying slideshow that received the best aggregate scores from both surveys. Be aware, however, that not all models in the luxury segment are ranked by either CR or JDP. By necessity, both entities tend to concentrate more on higher-volume mainstream cars than limited-production exotic models. By nature, reliability ratings are based on past performance, which tends to exclude more-recently debuted or redesigned vehicles.
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