9 Best Used German Cars for Reliability and Longevity, According to Auto Experts
Written by
David Nadelle
Edited by
Gary Dudak
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
When people talk about the reliability and longevity of cars, the conversation is typically dominated by Japanese brands like Toyota, Honda, Subaru, Mazda and the like. While Japanese brands focus their attention on consistency, maintainability and reliability, many German companies place that attention to detail on precision engineering, driving performance and luxury finishing.
Several of the most prominent brands in the world are found in Germany’s automobile sector, and these brands have come to symbolize the nation’s proud identity of manufacturing quality vehicles — so much so that many German cars rank among the most dependable models to ever roll off the assembly line.
Although German vehicles are infamous for high initial ownership costs, as a pre-owned buyer, you shouldn’t be affected by this. Instead, you receive an improved driving experience and a car that excels in terms of safety, comfort and handling.
Many European luxury cars cost a fortune in parts and labor, but they can still be durable if you’re not repeatedly visiting the mechanic with major repair issues. Here are nine reliable and resilient used German car models that experts recommend buying.
Audi A3
The A3 sedan is the smallest car Audi sells in North America, but the 201-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder compact delivers the same stimulating driving experience reminiscent of the brand’s larger sports sedans. The 2025 model is affordable, at around $37,000 MSRP, but if you search for something from around 2016, you should be paying around a quarter to a third of that.
A3s around that time still came in sedans and soft-top cabriolets, and were cherished by their owners for their small size and low cost.
BMW 5 Series
Kelley Blue Book (KBB) estimates the price range of a used 2016 BMW 5 Series to be between $12,318 to $20,187, depending on the dozen or so trims you decide to buy, which comes out to around a fifth of each trims original MSRP. That year is valued, though. The 2016 midsize business sedan received a J.D. Power Quality & Reliability Score of 88 and kudos from TopSpeed, which praised its drivability and durability.
“Only the Genesis G80 is above it,” the site said of the 5 Series’ reliability.
Volkswagen Passat
The Passat is one of a long line of Volkswagens that has aged beautifully. Originally introduced in 1973, “the world’s most successful mid-range model” was discontinued in 2022 amid changing consumer trends and VW’s move toward crossovers and EVs.
With its family-friendly design and selection of powertrains, this textbook European sedan meets the needs of most drivers admirably — unless you’re looking for state-of-the-art safety features and infotainment systems. The best Passat years to buy used are 2015-2022, per HotCars.
BMW 325is
The second generation of BMW’s 3 Series, the E30, is widely regarded as one of the most extraordinary car generations ever manufactured by the German automaker, and that’s why you see so many cars like the 325i driving in significant numbers and in excellent condition today.
HotCars highlighted the retro 1990 model in particular for its exceptional reliability and longevity. Prices for used E30 continue to rise, but 325is’s have relatively low maintenance costs and break down infrequently.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The C-Class sedan is one of the iconic sedans ever made and a great entry point into Mercedes ownership. The C-Class offers a variety of engine options to suit any driver’s unique driving requirements and is known for its safety, comfort and brand reputation. Unfortunately, with that brand comes higher maintenance costs.
The C-Class was gradually phased out of manufacturing back in 2023, but the model is a pillar of dependability, according to TopSpeed, which recommends the sporty C63 AMG trim from 2014.
Volkswagen Jetta
The American auto market has seen seven generations of Jettas roll out throughout the years. Still popular, the VW Jetta caters to buyers seeking a sturdy, competent, well-rounded sedan with a spacious interior, simple controls, competitive performance and decent fuel economy.
CoPilot suggested avoiding models from 2009-2013 in general due to customer complaints, but the 2006 year has the most complaints out of all Jetta models. A good model to look at would be the 2018 Jetta, which is a reliable family-friendly option that you can score for somewhere between $9,800 and $16,525, per Consumer Reports.
Audi A4
After abandoning the initial cabriolet body in 2009, the A4 forged ahead with sedan and wagon body styles which housed tiny turbo 2.0-liter, 211-horsepower, four-cylinder engines. However, this highly reliable car performed extremely well.
As Cars.com noted of the 2013 model, the “robust 258 pounds-feet of torque coming as low as 1,500 rpm mean(s) the car scoots.” If you’re looking for a B8 A4 trim, HotCars recommended staying away from models from the early 2000s. The fair purchase price for a 2013 A4 (the year in which it received an 87 score from J.D. Power for quality and reliability) is $8,235, per KBB.
BMW 1 Series
TopSpeed rated the BMW 1-Series’ second generation (manufactured between 2011 and 2019) the most reliable German car from the last decade, noting it “has received a lot of praise from owners and even mechanics for its reliable, luxurious, and price-aware package.” It also topped the family car class of the latest What Car? Reliability Survey, coming in first place among 37 vehicles and achieving a perfect 100% result.
Models from 2011 should cost you $7,000-$10,000, but you’ll end up paying double to triple that for a 2019 year model.
Mercedes-Benz W123
It’s hard to believe that a car that stopped being available nearly 40 years ago is being recommended here, but review sites still highly regard the W123 as a dependable, trustworthy German classic that won’t break the bank. With over 2.6 million sales, it was the company’s most successful model ever at the time, per HotCars, which argued: “There’s a good case to be made that the Mercedes W123 could be the most reliable European luxury car of all time.”
MB might be a luxury brand, but it’s reputation has been built on quality and the W123 is one of the most unassuming, indestructible cars out there.
More From GOBankingRates
