Used cars from 2009 have the most dependability since 1990, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. That speaks well for used cars going forward for years to come.
Let's get the geeky explanation of how the study works. As related in a statement from J.D. Power: The vehicle dependability study measures problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of three-year-old (2009 model-year) vehicles.
Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.
As J.D. Power further explains, it's not a total surprise that the 2009 models have the best dependability because three years ago they had the best initial quality (something else the group studies) for any model year since 1987, when initial quality was first measured.
When compared to 2008, the 2009 model year vehicles have improved 13%. They have an incidence rate of 132 problems for 100 vehicles. Fully 25 of 32 brands have improved in dependability from 2011, while only six have declined and one has remained stable. Domestic nameplates have improved in 2012 at a slightly faster rate than imports, narrowing the dependability gap to 13 PP100 from 18 PP100 in 2011.
"Despite facing immense challenges in 2009, automakers placed a keen focus on delivering outstanding levels of quality, which they understood would be essential to their long-term success," said David Sargent, vice president of global automotive at J.D.
Power and Associates. "Three years later, owners of these models are enjoying unprecedented levels of vehicle dependability and manufacturers are experiencing market recovery. This is good news both for owners-who are holding onto their vehicles for longer than ever-and manufacturers, since perception of quality and dependability is a critical factor in vehicle purchase decisions."
Five Best Nameplates
The five best nameplates, or brands as most mortals outside the automotive industry call them, are:
- Lexus LS
- Porsche
- Cadillac
- Toyota
- Scion
As you can see, Toyota makes three of the five top brands when it comes to dependability: Lexus, Toyota, and Scion. The Lexus LS line had the fewest problems in the industry with 72 problems per 100 vehicles. Scion had the second best year-over-year improvement of 55 problems per 100 vehicles. (Mini improved the most at 60 PPV.) Toyota Motor Corporation continues to perform well in long-term dependability and garners eight segment awards-more than any other automaker in 2012-for the:
- Lexus ES 350 (in a tie with the Lincoln MKZ);
- Lexus RX 350;
- Scion tC;
- Scion xB;
- Toyota Prius;
- Toyota Sienna;
- Toyota Tundra; and
- Toyota Yaris.
One caveat to keep in mind is that most improved does not mean a vehicle necessarily has strong vehicle dependability. It was mentioned above that Mini had improved 60 PPV but its overall scores are still mediocre. For example, a Mini Cooper only gets three out of five gold marks while the Scion tC gets five out of five.
Also interesting to note that J.D. Power does not explain the weighting of its vehicle dependability ratings. For example, the Nissan Frontier pickup truck gets a rating of five gold marks overall in spite of having powertrain dependability ranked at only three stars. It would seem that powertrain might be more of a concern but it is usually covered by warranty for the first three years or 36,000 miles (and more in some cases).
Other Winning Segments
Ford Motor Company receives three model awards for the Ford Explorer (in a tie with the Nissan Murano); Ford Fusion; and Lincoln MKZ (in a tie). General Motors (Buick Lucerne and Chevrolet Equinox) and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (Nissan Frontier and Nissan Murano, in a tie with the Ford Explorer) each receive two awards. In addition, the Hyundai Genesis also receives an award.
Although there are no awards in their respective segments due to an insufficient number of award-eligible models, or insufficient market share of award-eligible models in the segment, these models also perform particularly well: Ford Mustang, GMC Yukon and Porsche 911.
As always, a high vehicle dependability score does not mean every used car in the lineup is perfect. You are still going to want to run a vehicle history report like CarFax or AutoCheck. You are also going to need to have a vehicle inspection done also to make sure there are no problems with the vehicle you are purchasing. I continue to recommend AiM because of its nationwide reach.
Something else to keep in mind is vehicles on this list are also going to cost more. Frankly, most of them are probably only going to be available as certified pre-owned. They will be available but with the certified pre-owned premium.