Quality cars rarely disappoint. So being sure you are buying a quality car is often  the key to reliability and, ultimately, satisfying motoring. The trick is to recognise quality... Something that can require a little work.

Quality is closely allied with reliability when we talk about cars – it’s often measured in terms of problems reported. Simply put: quality cars and their components break less frequently.

Quality is more than reliability though. There is an element of personal preference here. Your idea of vehicle quality might not be everyone’s idea of quality. And some cars people wouldn’t hesitate to call ‘quality’ aren’t always reliable.

The key is to do some research into cars that meet your needs and investigate their reputation. Do people who know about cars think the car you are considering is a quality option?

Quality Improving Across Models and Makes

If we are talking reliability, car quality is improving from year to year with improved manufacturing technology creating improved, more-reliable vehicles. A recent AA review of three small cars was reassuring for anyone buying a new car:

‘We've all heard it said that there are no bad cars these days, and that is probably true. Even looking at some of the smallest and least expensive cars on the market, they're all pretty good today.’

But Improvement Varies Across Models and Makes

So, all newer cars are reasonably reliable – their quality is ok. The question is whether you’re willing to settle for ok.

A quality vehicle will be a little more than ok when it comes to reliability and build quality. And research will reveal where the car you are considering sits on a quality scale in relation to other cars promising similar capabilities.

You’re much less likely to have a problem with a new or nearly new car than you might have twenty, or even ten, years ago. But quality still varies dramatically. Australian research conducted in 2007 found that:

“Almost two-thirds of Adventra owners report a fault in the first four to five months. That compares with less than a third of Toyota Prado owners who report a fault over the same period.”

Cars that have fewer problems in the first few months of their lives are likely to have fewer problems five years down the road. That matters more than it might have with New Zealanders increasingly holding on to cars for five years or more.

Quality differences become more apparent as the car ages – the wear and tear of everyday use exposes weaknesses in design, build quality and durability.  That often shows up in resale price. But it also shows in reliability when a car is 5 or 10 or 15 years old... Be sure to consider quality if you are intending to keep your new car beyond its warranty period or are buying a used car.

Taking the time to investigate whether you are buying a quality car with a sound reputation, good build quality and a record of reliability pays off in trouble free motoring and resale value...