CR: Leaf among most reliable cars of decade

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user 10599

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https://www.cheatsheet.com/money-career/most-reliable-cars-decade-according-consumer-reports.html/?ref=YF&yptr=yahoo

Nice!
 
Going through this list, Toyota stomped everyone else by a huge margin. Runner up was Honda.

Not a single US brand. :(
 
I believe the stat about the LEAF but comparing to other cars is an apples to oranges because of the huge difference in fleet average miles for each car. As one example, my LEAF has 29k miles after 5 years while my Prime has 23k after one year.
 
SageBrush said:
I believe the stat about the LEAF but comparing to other cars is an apples to oranges because of the huge difference in fleet average miles for each car. As one example, my LEAF has 29k miles after 5 years while my Prime has 23k after one year.


Good point, my brother's Tundra has 170K and only a few minor repairs after 5 years.
 
SageBrush said:
I believe the stat about the LEAF but comparing to other cars is an apples to oranges because of the huge difference in fleet average miles for each car. As one example, my LEAF has 29k miles after 5 years while my Prime has 23k after one year.

True to a point. The linked post is a bit light on the details of CR's methodology driving their rankings on this. But as noted several times on this site, the Leaf in theory should be extremely reliable, especially when compared to ICEVs. Of course, not addressed is the 'maintenance costs' associated with replacing the degraded batteries. The article seems to focus on reliability, not economic viability over a long lifespan.
 
DarthPuppy said:
SageBrush said:
I believe the stat about the LEAF but comparing to other cars is an apples to oranges because of the huge difference in fleet average miles for each car. As one example, my LEAF has 29k miles after 5 years while my Prime has 23k after one year.

True to a point. The linked post is a bit light on the details of CR's methodology driving their rankings on this. But as noted several times on this site, the Leaf in theory should be extremely reliable, especially when compared to ICEVs.
True to a point ... because of wishful thinking.

Great post, Darth
 
I was looking to drive my 2011 for a long time because there were no issues except the traction battery in my hot climate. I hope to drive my 2015 for many more years since it only has 62,000 miles. Temperatures under the hood are much lower than other cars so the 12-volt battery lasts longer and hoses don't deteriorate as fast. There are no belts to replace, no oil changes, and brakes should last well over 100,000 miles even in city stop/go driving.
 
The Leaf may be good in reliability, but there are ways individual owners can get stuck.
For example the heater fuse is buried inside the car and not serviceable without
heroics https://www.mynissanleaf.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=23142
See pictures of that nasty repair at https://www.flickr.com/photos/10105026@N07/albums/72157681804352481
 
DarthPuppy said:
Going through this list, Toyota stomped everyone else by a huge margin. Runner up was Honda.

Not a single US brand. :(
Yet I've seen a brand new Toyota blow an engine within it's first year of ownership. While rare, things like this do happen.
 
completely disagree as the 2013 Leaf i have with only 29k miles is a lemon with ongoing issues while on my private drive the other car is a Toyota RAV4 XT3 Petrol from 2005 with over 150k Miles with none issues...
 
DarthPuppy said:
Going through this list, Toyota stomped everyone else by a huge margin. Runner up was Honda.

Not a single US brand. :(

Manufacturers are so global nowadays, the location of the HQ is losing its importance. Where are these cars built? Most are built here.

I hear this "Buy American" all the time so what do I buy? A Ford (You may insert your fave brand here if my mentioning Ford hurts your beeehind) built in Mexico? From an American company that shelters most of its profits overseas?
 
DaveinOlyWA said:
Manufacturers are so global nowadays, the location of the HQ is losing its importance. Where are these cars built? Most are built here.

I hear this "Buy American" all the time so what do I buy? A Ford (You may insert your fave brand here if my mentioning Ford hurts your beeehind) built in Mexico? From an American company that shelters most of its profits overseas?

Sorry I should have been a little clearer on that with more emphasis. I did say American 'brands', not American 'made'. That was intentional.

I have two from that top 20 list. The Leaf is from the plant in Smyrna. The Highlander is from the plant in Princeton, IN. I've toured the plant in Georgetown, KY where they make Camrys and Avalons. Yes, American made can be excellent products. But the brand controlling the engineering decisions both in car design and in plant operations does make a difference.
 
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