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Whether you’re a motoring enthusiast, automotive hobbyist, or interested car buyer, no doubt you have come across reliability ratings for used cars, particularly those released by Consumer Reports. What are these ratings and what do they mean? More importantly, how do these ratings help people buy good cars? Let’s take a look at one of the most trusted sources on the internet when it comes to information on car safety, performance, and of course, reliability. What are vehicle reliability ratings? Reliability ratings are the analyzed scores garnered by different vehicles in reliability surveys conducted by Consumer Reports. The ratings show how vehicles perform compared with other models of the same class, and the likelihood of having mechanical problems. The ratings are based on the collated annual surveys in which website subscribers participate. These subscribers would fill up an Annual Questionnaire in which they identify their cars and list down any serious problems they’ve had for the past year. The subscribers provide their experiences, which the website staff then gathers and studies. The survey generates information on as many as 1.2 million vehicles. The survey data is analyzed by statisticians, so you can be sure that the ratings are accurate. Ratings for new and used vehicles The website has categorized their ratings into two: one for pre-owned cars and another for new models. For the new models, Consumer Reports has a Predicted Reliability rating that is based on the recent history of the car. For pre-owned cars, they have reliability ratings for used cars called the Used Car Verdict. This report summarizes 17 car trouble spots for each model year and compares the data to the average of all vehicles with the same model year. The top-rated cars are then included in the list of Reliable Used Cars; those that scored low are listed in the Used Cars to Avoid. The Used Car Verdict sums up a car’s overall reliability, and is a great help for those who are interested in buying a secondhand vehicle. What are the 17 trouble areas? The areas covered by the reliability ratings are: engine (rebuild or replacement of major parts); minor engine issues such as oil leaks; engine cooling (radiator, thermostat, etc.); transmission and clutch (major issues such as replacements); minor transmission issues such as slips and rough shifting; drive system; fuel system and emissions; engine (electrical system such as the alternator); climate system (compressor, condenser, etc.); suspension and steering; brake system; exhaust; paint (rusting, peeling); body hardware (which includes windows and doors); body integrity (water leaks, loose seals); power equipment and accessories; and audio system. How to use reliability ratings for used cars when buying The ratings for pre-owned cars show information on a model’s strengths and weaknesses; the Used Car Verdict is a summation of overall reliability. Interested buyers can consult these ratings so they can see if the car they want is worth their money, or if they should settle for another, more reliable model in the same class. The ratings are not just done by auto reviewers; the information comes from the firsthand experience of vehicle users themselves. You can definitely consult these reliability ratings for used cars when making your purchase decision.
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