In a social media video, influencer @juliwheels asked several qualified technicians about the kind of car brands they would purchase to extend their lifespan. The subject was posed to four mechanics, and they all agreed on two brands out of all they listed. According to the technicians, the two most repeated brands were Volkswagen and Toyota, which are known for their resilience and longevity. Even though Volkswagen is a brand that offers resistance and says it doesn’t have many mechanical issues, Toyota is one of the most durable car brands on the market. The Japanese company is well known for its strength and resilience, and it is also a pioneer in electrical innovation.
These are the two car brands mechanics recommend for durability
The Toyota Prius, for example, leads in efficiency and reliability in the hybrid segment. On the other hand, models such as the Toyota Corolla or Camry stand out for their longevity, robustness, and efficiency. In general, car brands of Asian origin offer safety and resistance, in addition to the fact that they rarely break down and do not require constant maintenance. Conversely, Volkswagen, a German corporation, is among the top innovators in technology, even though its durability is not as strong as that of Asian companies. This company has always been on the cutting edge of technology, implementing the most recent developments to enhance the functionality and security of its automobiles.
These features are not the only things Volkswagen has to offer, though; its strict quality standards and ongoing investment in R&D have made it possible for every Volkswagen car to be a testament to dedication and quality. Furthermore, Volkswagen vehicles have a reputation for having robust and resilient engines. More and more, Chinese or Japanese car brands are expanding into the European market, since until now what characterized European or American car brands was the quality of their materials; however, in recent years, Asian brands have made great strides in their development, coming to offer vehicles with the same quality as American and European vehicles.
However, the difference that is generating so much interest from consumers is technological innovation and competitive prices. Some of the most successful brands that are gradually reaching Europe are NIO and XPeng. These brands have a good resistance and durability of their engines, in addition to the inclusion of autonomous driving systems.
The cheapest car brands to own in the United States
The sticker price is only the first step in the car-buying process. Over ten years, repairs and maintenance can pile up, sometimes much more than anticipated. We have evaluated the most affordable car manufacturers to own and maintain in the United States based on owner-reported data gathered by Consumer Reports to help you make your next car purchase. This information shows that, over ten years, Tesla is the least expensive brand to purchase, with owners spending an average of $5,050 on repairs and upkeep.
Due to lower energy costs (which are outside the purview of this study) and lower maintenance costs (because they require fewer components than internal combustion engines), EVs are generally less expensive to own, according to previous analysis. Despite this benefit, several models, notably Lincoln ($5,200), Buick ($5,300), and Toyota ($5,300), nearly matched Tesla’s 10-year cost. Being indigenous U.S. brands, Lincoln and Buick probably contribute to lower repair costs. Additionally, Buick ranked second on J.D. Power’s 2025 list of the most dependable American automakers.
On the other hand, with a total maintenance and repair cost of over $10,000, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Land Rover are the only brands at the top of this list. Despite being widely seen as a prestige symbol, Land Rovers have always had reliability issues. For example, the Range Rover Evoque was named Britain’s least-loved automobile in a Which? study. One owner described the Evoque as the most annoying vehicle they had ever owned after it spent 21 days out of the year undergoing repairs, according to the poll.
