The Toyota Celica may fall short of Toyota’s usual reliability, and a used one will cost more to buy than some competitors, says Contributing Editor Chris Chase, but it’s “it’s still one of the most durable affordable sporty cars available.”

Mercedes’ top sedan is not problem-free, reports Contributing Editor Chris Chase. “The cost of maintaining a car like this can take all the enjoyment out of the ownership experience if you're not prepared for the expense,” he says.

“Though these are nice-driving vehicles that look and feel impressive, I'm hesitant to recommend an older (pre-2008) model due to the possibility of trouble with their CVTs and the apparently trouble-prone Aisin six-speed automatic,” says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.

Many of the reliability issues with the fifth generation Nissan Sentra involved the optional 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine in the SE-R model, says reviewer Chris Chase. “Cars with the 1.8-litre and old 2.0-litre engines are solid choices,” he advises.

The fourth-generation Legacy and Outback “seem to be holding up well” with relatively minor reliability issues, says reviewer Chris Chase. “It has proven to be a more reliable car than an A4 or S60/V70,” he says.

“I want to recommend these cars for their nice driving attributes and attractive looks, but my practical side just can’t do it, given their poor reliability history,” says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.

Though Consumer Reports describes the Grand Cherokee’s reliability as “much worse than average”, “…it appears that the mechanical bits are robust and that most of the problems…are inexpensive to repair for a handy driver,” says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase.

The fifth-generation Mustang was the first to be built on a completely new platform since 1979, and has been generally reliable except for some differential problems in V8 cars and some electrical issues, says Contributing Editor Chris Chase.

The 2001 Elantra was Hyundai’s first serious competition with Japan, says Contributing Editor Chris Chase. Prices on 2001 to 2003 models are very attractive, but he warns to watch for trouble spots with transmissions and rear disc brakes.

Due to the Lancer’s relatively low sales volume, there isn’t a lot of solid information available about its reliability, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. “Based on what data it has, Consumer Reports gives the 2002 and 2003 Lancer...above-average overall reliability ratings.”

Earlier X3s are actually a better choice due to fewer serious trouble spots, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. According to Consumer Reports, X3s from 2004 through 2006 get a better-than-average used vehicle rating, while 2007-2008 models are average, or below-average.

“The SRX’s reliability is about mid-pack in the luxury SUV field,” says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase, ”...slightly better, perhaps, than a first-generation BMW X5 and much better than a Mercedes ML-Class, but not quite up to the standards of Japanese entries.”

Put away your prejudices about domestic sedans, says Contributing Editor, Chris Chase. “You will have a very hard time finding a used family sedan to beat this Ford’s combination of low resale values, solid reliability and satisfying performance.”