Audi Takes #1 in Consumer Reports Reliability/Performance Ranking
02-24-16, 07:58 PM
#76
Lexus Champion
In other words, how many 15+ year old Audis are still even on American roads? You maybe see one or two a month whereas you see dozens of 90's Era Lexus on the road every day, maybe every hour in any large city. That tells me more than reading some chart that tells you Brand A is more reliable than Brand B.
02-24-16, 08:00 PM
#77
Lexus Fanatic
You're correct. It generally works with data just a few years old or less. Data collected this year, of course, will go into next year's rating. That's why CR comes out with new list every year.
02-24-16, 08:11 PM
#78
What's the point of these charts for "new car" reliability? Not like you pay for repairs out of pocket. Unless you live in the middle of nowhere and your dealership is very far away, I can see it becoming a hassle of going back and forth for service.
02-24-16, 08:18 PM
#79
Lexus Champion
Well, in that case, who cares about reliability at all? If you switch your car every few years and it has a warranty, reliability shouldn't even be a factor. In that scenario, the car is just an appliance, a tool for transport that you are not attached to. Worst case scenario is you get to drive a nice loaner car for a few days.
What's the point of these charts for "new car" reliability? Not like you pay for repairs out of pocket. Unless you live in the middle of nowhere and your dealership is very far away, I can see it becoming a hassle of going back and forth for service.
What's the point of these charts for "new car" reliability? Not like you pay for repairs out of pocket. Unless you live in the middle of nowhere and your dealership is very far away, I can see it becoming a hassle of going back and forth for service.
Have you driven one? And yes, I only care about how reliable it is while I have it.
02-24-16, 08:24 PM
#80
While I understand what you are saying, I will keep my S5 for 2 years and if you think during those 2 years it will be an appliance or a tool for transport that I am not attached to you couldn't be more wrong. Have you driven one? And yes, I only care about how reliable it is while I have it.
Have you driven one? And yes, I only care about how reliable it is while I have it.Like I said, they are nice, but not something you wanna hang on to for a long time unless you got deep pockets. Not exactly service or DIY friendly vehicles.
02-24-16, 08:26 PM
#81
Lexus Champion
It is amazing that Audi has risen this far. Car guys are always tempted with cars. Mid, late 90's Audi A8 that's my guilty pleasure. Would love it but I would never touch it. I'll take the SC400
02-24-16, 08:31 PM
#82
Lexus Champion
I have no hesitation in saying that Lexus is far more reliable than Audi in the long-term. I've owned many more Lexuses in my lifetime than Audis. However, if I'm only going to hang onto my cars for 3 years or less that really doesn't mean anything to me. That is the audience these reports are created for.
And if I'm going to buy a 10 year-old car, it will also be a Lexus rather than an Audi. The newest SC300/400s are 15 years old and still running strong.
And if I'm going to buy a 10 year-old car, it will also be a Lexus rather than an Audi. The newest SC300/400s are 15 years old and still running strong.
02-24-16, 08:39 PM
#83
Driver School Candidate
I don't picture a person with deep pockets settling for an Audi. Why not shoot straight for a Mercedes, Porsche, or Tesla?
02-24-16, 08:48 PM
#84
Lexus Fanatic
CR is a good benchmark. No one needs to rely on it alone though do they? At various times CR would have told to avoid Audi like the flu.
But context says this; if someone told you tomorrow that you can review something and they'll fly you there, accommodate you there, and pay for you to have a great little mini-vacay - would you do it and write a positive review?
Quite a few auto reviewers brag about never really having to drive their 20 year old Toyota station wagon because most of the time, they spend their time in brand new review-vehicles.
CR buys their vehicles just like regular people do. It tests them like auto engineers would - CR testers are engineers. How does that compare to car magazines and online sites that feature people who have no engineering or testing background?
But context says this; if someone told you tomorrow that you can review something and they'll fly you there, accommodate you there, and pay for you to have a great little mini-vacay - would you do it and write a positive review?
Quite a few auto reviewers brag about never really having to drive their 20 year old Toyota station wagon because most of the time, they spend their time in brand new review-vehicles.
CR buys their vehicles just like regular people do. It tests them like auto engineers would - CR testers are engineers. How does that compare to car magazines and online sites that feature people who have no engineering or testing background?
They will fly out and do the whole press junket stuff. But on the podcasts, they will rip a car apart and it can get pretty nasty
I remember a reader request went "Can you make fun of the Tundra for 5 minutes?" And they were mean.
Generally, speaking they will say a car sucks after driving their weekly vehicle if it is the case. They say the things that **** them off or the things that they really like.
They do seem to like America vehicles more than Japanese, however they never doubt Japanese reliability.
02-24-16, 08:53 PM
#85
Lead Lap
Thread Starter
Well, in that case, who cares about reliability at all? If you switch your car every few years and it has a warranty, reliability shouldn't even be a factor. In that scenario, the car is just an appliance, a tool for transport that you are not attached to. Worst case scenario is you get to drive a nice loaner car for a few days.
What's the point of these charts for "new car" reliability? Not like you pay for repairs out of pocket. Unless you live in the middle of nowhere and your dealership is very far away, I can see it becoming a hassle of going back and forth for service.
What's the point of these charts for "new car" reliability? Not like you pay for repairs out of pocket. Unless you live in the middle of nowhere and your dealership is very far away, I can see it becoming a hassle of going back and forth for service.
02-24-16, 08:55 PM
#86
Lexus Champion
Yeah it always comes down to dollars and long term ownership costs. I agree about long term luxury car ownership. You take your chances.
My 2GS as a part timer runs over railroad crossings and pavement wrinkles without even breathing hard. Very solid.
Sometimes when it's cold there's some minor dash buzzing but other than that - there are zero rattles, noises and anything remotely close to harsh ride. That's with 17 inch factory winter tires on 45 series size.
It costs a lot when it needs maintenance but it won't cost much more than a used German car. The Audis, BMW's and MB's - don't see them much around my town.
My 2GS as a part timer runs over railroad crossings and pavement wrinkles without even breathing hard. Very solid.
Sometimes when it's cold there's some minor dash buzzing but other than that - there are zero rattles, noises and anything remotely close to harsh ride. That's with 17 inch factory winter tires on 45 series size.
It costs a lot when it needs maintenance but it won't cost much more than a used German car. The Audis, BMW's and MB's - don't see them much around my town.
02-24-16, 08:58 PM
#87
Lexus Test Driver
The answer to that is quite easy. For over two decades now, Cadillac has turned into the bling nightclub car of choice. That involves a very low median age, and one who severely abuses cars and drives under other influences.
Last edited by Fizzboy7; 02-24-16 at 09:06 PM.
02-24-16, 09:02 PM
#88
Lexus Fanatic
Somewhat of a stereotype, but, yes, there is at least some truth to that. But I think that would involve the Escalade more than the rest of the Cadillac line-up.
02-24-16, 09:09 PM
#89
Lexus Champion
Have you listened to Autoblog podcasts or read their reviews. By far they are the best
They will fly out and do the whole press junket stuff. But on the podcasts, they will rip a car apart and it can get pretty nasty
I remember a reader request went "Can you make fun of the Tundra for 5 minutes?" And they were mean.
Generally, speaking they will say a car sucks after driving their weekly vehicle if it is the case. They say the things that **** them off or the things that they really like.
They do seem to like America vehicles more than Japanese, however they never doubt Japanese reliability.
They will fly out and do the whole press junket stuff. But on the podcasts, they will rip a car apart and it can get pretty nasty
I remember a reader request went "Can you make fun of the Tundra for 5 minutes?" And they were mean.
Generally, speaking they will say a car sucks after driving their weekly vehicle if it is the case. They say the things that **** them off or the things that they really like.
They do seem to like America vehicles more than Japanese, however they never doubt Japanese reliability.
I recall that Canadian reviewers didn't want anyone to know any of that for quite awhile. Then they mysteriously decided they should tell you who paid for their hotels, airfare and fancy track testing.
02-24-16, 09:22 PM
#90
Lexus Fanatic
Well you have to remember that credibility and hyperbole are not substitutes for real world testing. It doesn't matter what brand-loyalty a reviewer has, I just want to know who bought him/her their airfare, track day, dinner etc.
I recall that Canadian reviewers didn't want anyone to know any of that for quite awhile. Then they mysteriously decided they should tell you who paid for their hotels, airfare and fancy track testing.
I recall that Canadian reviewers didn't want anyone to know any of that for quite awhile. Then they mysteriously decided they should tell you who paid for their hotels, airfare and fancy track testing.