The J.D. Power 2016 Auto Avoider Study℠ has recently been released, and it reveals that trust is a huge factor in how consumers select which cars to buy and which models to avoid. And this is the first time in a decade that buyers have shown strong concerns regarding vehicle reliability.
Trusting the Car You Buy
J.D. Power has been conducting this particular study for 13 years, and the purpose of the study is to examine "the reasons consumers purchase, reject and avoid models in the marketplace when shopping for a new vehicle." The data contained in the 2016 version of the study is based on the shopping behavior of new vehicle buyers who made a purchase in 2015.
In the 2015 Auto Avoider Study℠, 51% of new car buyers cited reliability as their leading purchase reason, vs. 55% in 2016. Why? It could be due to the numerous and highly publicized auto recalls that have recently happened. Because of these recalls, many consumers are starting to be skeptical about new automotive technology. Yes, they want the innovative tech features, but first they want to know, "Do they really work?"
Vice president, Dave Sargent, addressed these reliability concerns with the following statement:
"Though vehicle reliability and durability have improved significantly over the years, they remain a vital consideration for consumers. With so many auto recalls in the news and challenges with the introduction of new technology, consumers are even more attuned to the expected reliability of new vehicles. This impacts which models consumers avoid and which ones they ultimately purchase. Bad news can tarnish an automaker's reputation in an instant, yet, it can take years to build it back up. Automakers need to convince consumers of the true reliability of their vehicles so it is not a reason to avoid selecting a particular model."
Sargent went further to suggest that concerns with vehicle reliability can affect other aspects of car consideration and ownership. Findings from the J.D. Power study suggest that buyers who avoid certain models for reliability reasons may also question the resale value, cost of maintenance and even the safety of those particular vehicles.
Reliable Cars to Consider
So, who can you trust? If you are shopping for a brand new car, you are planning to make a significant financial commitment. You probably want a trouble-free car that will last for a number of years. Here are a few models that Kelly Blue Book suggests because they have been recommended by actual customers.
- The Honda Civic (sedan): Consumer Rating = 9.7 out of 10
- The Nissan Maxima (sedan): Consumer Rating = 9.9 out of 10
- The Volkswagen Golf R (hatchback): Consumer Rating = 10.0 out of 10
- The Chrysler 300 (sedan): Consumer Rating = 10.0 out of 10
- The Volkswagen Golf (hatchback): Consumer Rating = 10.0 out of 10
- The Subaru BRZ (coupe): Consumer Rating = 9.7 out of 10
- The Toyota Prius c (hatchback): Consumer Rating = 9.3 out of 10
- The Nissan 370Z (hatchback): Consumer Rating = 9.4 out of 10
- The Mitsubishi I-MiEV (hatchback): Consumer Rating = 9.5 out of 10
- The Chevrolet Spark (hatchback): Consumer Rating = 9.8 out of 10
Which vehicles should you possibly avoid? On its list of unreliable 2016 vehicles, Consumer Reports ranks the Fiat 500L as the least reliable. The Fiat is followed by the Ford Fiesta, the Cadillac Escalade, the Jeep Cherokee and the Chevrolet Corvette.
If you know that you will be looking for a used car to purchase, there are plenty of good, reliable options out there. For example, Consumer Reports recommends the Subaru Impreza (2010) and the Kia Soul (2010-2012). Both cars have received excellent ratings and should be available for under $15,000.
Financing You Can Trust
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