While generally reliable, some second-generation Acura TLs suffered from automatic transmission issues that affected many Honda/Acura vehicles, reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. Unless this has been taken care of, it's best to just "walk away", he says.
The Audi A4 has generally been a reliable car, with electrical problems being the most common shortcomings, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. "The A4 represents a good value for a (used) German-built entry-level luxury car," he says.
GM's second-generation, American-built Saturn S-series sedan, coupe and wagon have a record of engine and transmission problems, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. But a well maintained wagon "should be easy to find for $4,000 or less," he writes.
The E-Class has scored average to below-average reliability ratings from Consumer Reports, reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. "Audio and climate control systems are the main trouble spots... but these issues are mostly minor and won't leave you stranded," he notes.
Powerful but surprisingly fuel-frugal, the 2005-2008 Porsche 911 models still command decent dollars, says Contributing Editor Chris Chase; he warns to research a few potential problems before you buy, as well.
The XG300 and XG350 were Hyundai's luxury cars prior to the Azera and Genesis. "The XG's reliability wasn't great," reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. "A 2004 or 2005 model looks like the best," he says.
The Mazda3's reliability has been good, reports Contributing Editor Chris Chase, "but the car has not proven as trouble-free as some of its Japanese competitors." A 2006-or-newer model is your best bet, he says.
The fifth-generation VW Golf, re-named the Rabbit for North America, has demonstrated above-average reliability so far, but but there have been some issues with the sporty GTI's turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and six-speed DSG transmission.
Given the Pontiac Grand Am's poor reliability record, Contributing Editor, Chris Chase doesn't recommend buying one. There are other used cars with better reliability for about the same money, he says.
If you want a fifth-generation Maxima, Contributing Editor, Chris Chase recommends a 2000 or 2001 model with the 3.0-litre V6 and manual transmission rather than the 2002 or 2003 Maxima with the 3.5-litre engine and four-speed automatic.
A rebadged version of the European Opel Omega, the Cadillac Catera was "almost unbelievably unreliable", at least in its first two model years, reveals Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. "This is one car I'd probably avoid," he says.
"Nissan products from this era tend to be quite solid, and I'd expect good things from a well-maintained G20, despite the oldest of these cars approaching the 10-year-old mark," says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.
"On the whole..the Boxster appears to be a pretty solid car, mechanically," says Contributing Editor Chris Chase. "Look for one that has a solid service history so you can see what has and hasn't been dealt with already," he suggests.
"The Ram appears to be no worse off in the reliability department than its domestic rivals," says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase, but the third generation truck is only rated "average" by Consumer Reports, he says.
We've done it again. As part of our commitment to helping Canadian consumers find ways to conserve and reduce costs, CanadianDriver once again rounded up 13 compact cars and drove them until they ran out of gas. One went more than a 1000 kilometres. Read it all right here.
While generally reliable, some second-generation Acura TLs suffered from automatic transmission issues that affected many Honda/Acura vehicles, reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. Unless this has been taken care of, it's best to just "walk away", he says. 
The Audi A4 has generally been a reliable car, with electrical problems being the most common shortcomings, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. "The A4 represents a good value for a (used) German-built entry-level luxury car," he says. 
GM's second-generation, American-built Saturn S-series sedan, coupe and wagon have a record of engine and transmission problems, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. But a well maintained wagon "should be easy to find for $4,000 or less," he writes. 
The E-Class has scored average to below-average reliability ratings from Consumer Reports, reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. "Audio and climate control systems are the main trouble spots... but these issues are mostly minor and won't leave you stranded," he notes. 
Powerful but surprisingly fuel-frugal, the 2005-2008 Porsche 911 models still command decent dollars, says Contributing Editor Chris Chase; he warns to research a few potential problems before you buy, as well. 
The XG300 and XG350 were Hyundai's luxury cars prior to the Azera and Genesis. "The XG's reliability wasn't great," reports Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. "A 2004 or 2005 model looks like the best," he says. 
The Mazda3's reliability has been good, reports Contributing Editor Chris Chase, "but the car has not proven as trouble-free as some of its Japanese competitors." A 2006-or-newer model is your best bet, he says. 
The fifth-generation VW Golf, re-named the Rabbit for North America, has demonstrated above-average reliability so far, but but there have been some issues with the sporty GTI's turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and six-speed DSG transmission.
Given the Pontiac Grand Am's poor reliability record, Contributing Editor, Chris Chase doesn't recommend buying one. There are other used cars with better reliability for about the same money, he says.
If you want a fifth-generation Maxima, Contributing Editor, Chris Chase recommends a 2000 or 2001 model with the 3.0-litre V6 and manual transmission rather than the 2002 or 2003 Maxima with the 3.5-litre engine and four-speed automatic.
A rebadged version of the European Opel Omega, the Cadillac Catera was "almost unbelievably unreliable", at least in its first two model years, reveals Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. "This is one car I'd probably avoid," he says.
"Nissan products from this era tend to be quite solid, and I'd expect good things from a well-maintained G20, despite the oldest of these cars approaching the 10-year-old mark," says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.
"On the whole..the Boxster appears to be a pretty solid car, mechanically," says Contributing Editor Chris Chase. "Look for one that has a solid service history so you can see what has and hasn't been dealt with already," he suggests.
"The Ram appears to be no worse off in the reliability department than its domestic rivals," says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase, but the third generation truck is only rated "average" by Consumer Reports, he says.
