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SOME OF THE most common questions asked by car buyers are about reliability.
While most new cars will perform to a very high standard, modern cars are increasingly complicated things. And with the advent of more in-car technology and assistance systems, it’s likely that if trouble does strike, it could be electrical gremlins rather than your engine dropping a valve.
It’s always important to do your research when choosing a car – and along with finding out about a car’s boot space or average fuel consumption, it’s also worth looking into how reliable it tends to be.
Exploring places like owner groups and online forums can be a great way of finding out more about a specific model. The more popular the model, the more readily available that information should be, as more people will have already experienced the car.
Here are five models to consider as you start your search. For each one, we’ve also listed an independent reliability indicator and the Euro NCAP safety score for adult and child occupants.
This car is something of an institution in Ireland, but the Corolla is a household name thanks to its popularity and reputation for dependability. The current model is well equipped and comes as a five-door hatchback (replacing the Auris) and four-door saloon. Along with the new styling, Toyota has also improved interior quality and refinement levels on the move.
View Toyota Corollas on the market now>
These days it’s only available as a hybrid — a technology that Toyota has a lot of experience with. The hybrid battery is a proven technology and is generally regarded as being very reliable. In Ireland, all new Toyota cars come with a three-year or 100,000-kilometre warranty from new, and it is possible to extend the hybrid battery care for up to ten years.
It may not be the most exciting car to drive, but in terms of value for money, running costs and general reliability, it makes for a sensible buy.
Why this car stands out: Pleasant to drive and a hybrid powertrain is a plus in the city.
The listing of a French car here is certain to raise some eyebrows, but the reality is that Peugeot is a brand that has turned around its performance when it comes to reliability. In 2019, Peugeot was ranked top of the JD Power Dependability Survey.
View Peugeot 3008s on the market now>
One model steering that shift is the 3008, an attractive compact SUV that comes with generous levels of standard equipment and a range of economical petrol and diesel engines, along with a plug-in hybrid version.
A distinctive interior includes Peugeot’s i-Cockpit layout with a smaller steering wheel and instrument panel that sits up higher and closer to your line of sight. If you need some more space inside, there is also the 5008, a longer version that provides a third row of seating. Reasonable amounts of storage throughout the cabin make this a practical car, and it’s a popular model for those with families.
Why this car stands out: Stylish and great to drive with a good range of versions to choose from.
Part of reliability comes from reducing the number of things to go wrong. With an electric car, there are significantly fewer moving parts, and therefore a lower risk of one of them failing. One of the most common electric cars in Ireland is the Nissan Leaf.
View Nissan Leafs on the market now>
Now into its second generation, the Leaf features a less polarising design and the choice of two battery sizes. The more popular (and cheaper) is the 40kWh and is certified to provide a range of up to 270 kilometres (WLTP). However, electric driving ranges can vary a good deal depending on driving style and conditions.
Among the useful features is a one-pedal driving mode that maximises energy recovery. If you need to cover longer distances, a larger 62kWh battery can provide a combined range of 385 kilometres.
Why this car stands out: A great all-rounder EV with a choice of two battery sizes.
The Subaru Forester has been around for many years now, and although they might not be the most common sight on our roads, these cars are hugely popular with owners due to the robust nature of their design.
View Subaru Foresters on the market now>
The all-wheel-drive transmission is renowned for its capability to keep going over more challenging terrain, but besides ability off the beaten track, Subaru has an equally strong reputation for making well-built cars – something which shows in their high scores in crash tests. The latest models include the company’s EyeSight driver assistance for advanced lane keeping and collision avoidance.
More recent models now feature hybrid technology to supplement the boxer engine. This is a car that’s excellent at providing a safe, spacious cabin and is a no-nonsense SUV.
Why this car stands out: Robust design that includes a roomy interior.
The fact that a second Toyota model makes the list speaks to the solid and reliable reputation that the Yaris has earned over its time on sale. Small hatchbacks have long been popular here due to their size and cost, and with a hybrid powertrain, those running costs can come down even further if you’re living in a city or town.
View Toyota Yaris cars on the market now>
A new Toyota Yaris model has only recently gone on sale, but that’s no reason to dismiss the previous models, as the Yaris has consistently been a strong player in the segment. The Yaris is generally well built, and when maintained properly, it should be a long-lasting car.
Not only is it a great starter car for someone learning to drive, it is also equally practical for anyone looking to downsize into a car that’s economical to run.
Why this car stands out: A great urban runaround that’s surprisingly refined.
That’s our round-up for five of the more reliable and dependable cars that you can currently buy. This list was compiled using data and surveys from owners.
It is worth reiterating that each car is different, and even those perceived to be the most reliable can still experience technical issues. But hopefully this will help steer you in the right direction.
Which of these great cars would you choose?
DoneDeal hosts the widest selection of cars for sale in Ireland, with 72,000 on sale today. The vast majority of those, 51,000, are from over 1,000 trusted local car dealerships that offer certainty in your purchase through warranties and history checks. To check out DoneDeal’s range of cars from all of Ireland’s trusted car dealerships, see here.
and Euro NCAP safety score for adult and child occupants.
Ain’t the media great to give these protests wall to wall coverage…
@Derek Durkin: Goddamn media reporting the news, despicable if you ask me.
@Diarmuid Hunt: yeah because that’s how the media works yeah….not too bright are we
@Derek Durkin: I didn’t say they weren’t selective. Nice ad hominem though.
If you choose to chain or glue yourself to objects, you should be left to protest unaided for 24 hours or at least until you toilet yourself.
@Mick Byrne: Do you really give a **** about what you claim to believe in?
@Mick Byrne: You’re only giving them ideas! Dirty protests are not unheard of in this country…
@Mick Byrne: And to ask what toilets do they use or do they tow mobile toilets with them.
Bunch of hypocrites should be all arrested
@Jim O Brien – TechBuzz Ireland: Arrested for protesting? Are you sure about that?
@Shakka1244: they’re breaching the peace so they can be arrested, there is nothing peaceful about pushing through a barricade and chaining yourself to a gate also it’s worth noting that assembly near or at the dail can be controlled or shut down under article 40 of the Constitution. At this stage their numbers are dwindling and they’re getting desperate for media attention, this little stunt just proves it. Sure their little March through Penneys on Mary street completely backfired, there was killings on Twitter because they came across as elitist and snobby.
@Peej: I think you’ll find that many could see that they weren’t elitist or snobby, more highlighting the abhorrent working conditions of the sweatshops used to fund the functioning capitalists who sell such items by mass production, shops like Penney’s capitalize on the detachment of works who are often as young as 12 brought from urban areas to big cities to be exploited for the good of the western consumer, whilst the big chains relish in the reward,.
Get in those lads the council employed . Seemed to work a dream
Arrest them all already. Waste of tax payers money. Right to free protest has long since passed
@Gareth Murran: Are you saying that anyone that protests should be immediately arrested? Since when did we become North Korea?
@Shakka1244: if XR on their manifesto are encouraging civil disobedience and not protests, by its very nature, their intention is to be arrested!! There is a difference between cd and protest.
@Jennifer Hampson: Yep, civil disobedience pretty much guarantees time in custody. It depends on whether enough people think the cause is worth it & if enough do, change will soon follow. Time will tell if they keep it up but if the climate keeps getting worse, it’ll only go one way.
I thought it already was an open house if you were in the know!!!!!!
Ruined a great event for the general public. And now the hippies will wonder why they ain’t getting support? Plant a hemp tree somewhere and smoke it when it finally is big enough.
TD are the one making the issue of carbon with this tax to handle the public deficit . Twenty per cent of that national debt made up of a deal made by a minister with IMF ad EU never laid before the Dail .
When did a minister get authority to treat his deal as law of land without consnet of Dail and Oireachtas ie legislation making deal part of law
and
How can TD vote on estiamte if the Dail has no control over what in kitty to spend whihc it does not until that deal laid beofe it by min?
Commission can serve notice on ireland to reduce that deficit (64.8 per cent in excess of the 60 per cent threshold under the Fiscal Compact Treaty per ntma report at end of 18 with loan of 44 billion from eu and uk ) as an DEBTOR to EU ??
TD complaining about not enuf spend are only putting us into deeper debt and only DAIL can change situation by TD having minister LAY that EU/IMF deal before the dail that will reduce deficit until DAIL approves terms by voting thru legislation making it part of law of state. Term that public spending complies with deficit rule but also public funds will cap bank cos share value fall cos of ECB policit we have no control over.
Minister have to acknowledge a debt cos min signed loan agreement .
But TD seem to want to have cake and eat it want to complain about govt , overspending or underspending but not taking control of the fund but seem to have no problem voting thru these estimate . Think it will carry on until voter tell local TD .. hey why isnt that deal before Dail? We elect U to be responsible for whats in kitty to spend not minister ?
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