Research: These popular cars are the most reliable

As a lifelong car enthusiast, I can prove that there is no handcrafted or designer perfume, vivid memory or careful cut of flowers, anything other than the smell of a new car.

But for more and more Americans, the opportunity to experience this feeling seems out of reach. According to the latest data from Kelley Blue Book, the regular new car in the U.S. sold for an intoxicating $48,641 in January, an increase of $11,000 over the past five years.

In January 2020, the average new car in the U.S. sold for only $38,002 before the Covid-19 pandemic hit.

Since new cars are expensive for most buyers, many feel tempting their vehicles to keep them as long as possible. According to the May 2024 Standard & Poor’s global liquidity data, the average car on U.S. roads hit 12.6 years in 2024.

With that in mind, new car buyers seek the best huge explosion for their purchases when they buy, and luckily, some very familiar models prove their value to be a tried and tested name. A new study by Iseecars shows that some familiar favorites bring some of the best value in the longest time.

These new cars are the best value for long-distance travel

The value of getting the most value in any car purchase depends on whether the car is reliable; therefore, having a car that can be relied on is worth its price.

In a new study, Iseecars analyzed the prices of 3.8 million cars sold in the second half of 2024 and compared it with data from the odometer readings of 368 million cars from the longest-lasting automotive study published in 2024 Comparison.

“As new car prices maintain near record highs, getting the best value of a new car remains a top priority for most consumers,” ISEECARS executive analyst Karl Brauer said in a statement.

“We have identified models that offer the lowest purchase price and longest lifespan to help consumers maximize their new car budget.”

They found that the top 15 cars that did not offer the most reliability came from luxury brands, the Marquis of Europe or any of the three major Detroit automakers. Still, it does include some cars you might see in your neighbor’s driveway or on your daily commute.

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1. Honda Civic

Average listing price: $27,564
Life expectancy: 13.7 years
Price/year: $2,006

2. Toyota Crown

Average List: $25,218
Life expectancy: 11.6 years
Price/year: $2,166

3. Mazda Mazda 3 (Hatchback)

Average List: $31,849
Life expectancy: 14. 1 year
Price/year: $2,260

4. Honda Accord

Average List: $30,659
Life expectancy: 13. 1 year
Price/year: $2,339

5. SubaruImpreza (Wagon)

Average List: $26,900
Life expectancy: 11.2 years
Price/year: $2,399

6. Mitsubishi Outlander Sports

Average list: $28,250
Life expectancy: 11.8 years
Price/year: $2,400

7. Honda CR-V

Average List: $36,009
Expected lifespan: 15 years
Price/year: $2,401

8. Toyota RAV4

Average listing price: $35,258
Life expectancy: 14.6 years
Price/year: $2,411

9. Kia Soul

Average List: $23,863
Life expectancy: 9.9 years
Price/year: $2,417

10. Mazda Mazda3 (sedan)

Average List: $27,735
Expected lifespan: 10.6 years
Price/year: $2,608

11. Modern Elantra

Average List: $25,536
Life expectancy: 9.8 years
Price/year: $2,608

12. Toyota Prius

Average List: $34,333
Life expectancy: 13 years
Price/year: $2,649

13. Toyota Camry Hybrid

Average List: $35,471
Life expectancy: 13.2 years
Price/year: $2,683

14. Nissan Sentra

Average listing price: $24,886
Expected lifespan: 9 years
Price/year: $2,755

15. NissanVersa

Average List: $21,011
Life expectancy: 7.6 years
Price/year: $2,767

Honda, Toyota’s highest list

The most important thing on the list is the ancient Honda Civic, which, according to Iseecars, costs $27,564 and lasts an average of 13.7 years.

Citizen is one of the brand’s most popular cars. According to sales data from the brand, Honda in the United States sold 242,005 citizens of the 1,291,490 cars of the Honda brand sold in the United States last year.

One second later, Honda Civic’s fiercest competitor, Toyota Corolla. According to Iseecars, it costs $25,218, and lasts an average of 11.6 years. Last year, Toyota North America sold 232,908 Corolla of 1,986,954 Toyota brand cars sold in the United States last year.

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“Seeing ultra-compact and compact models rank among the most reliable cars in the currency rankings, although there are a few in this group of vehicle types that include sedans, vans and crossovers,” Brauer said.

“All of these cars are powerful sellers, which shows that the public who buys cars is aware of the value of an affordable car,” he said.

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It should be noted that ISEECAR does not mention maintenance costs, as this may be a loss of expenses for many car owners and their ownership experience.

Brakes, tires and oil are just some consumables that many drivers have to change regularly in their car’s life. With the cost of everyday goods in addition to cars rising, some owners are cheaper, which has reached the lowest point of popular maintenance providers.

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