WHICH USED German Car(s) Do YOU Trust Enough To BUY?

Although we do talk a lot about new cars here on AutoSpies, the reality is a significant portion of the buying public chooses to pick up a used set of wheels. It makes sense, too! Why buy new and take the depreciation hit? Let someone else do that for you!

Of course this can be a bit of a conundrum if you fancy German or Italian automobiles. Simply put, we all know they can be problematic. As we want to keep this a more broad discussion, let's focus on the Germans.

Audi and BMW are known for their electrical nannies and silly problems — like drooping window seals. Mercedes-Benz's vehicles used to be pretty bulletproof; however, in recent years that's shifted. Regardless of any Benz problem, you know one thing is certain: it will be expensive to rectify. And Volkswagen, well, it can be hit or miss. Either you get a gem or a complete dud.

What I've found over time, from my experiences as well as friends, is that it really comes down to specific model years and specific generations when choosing a used German car.

That said, WHICH do YOU trust enough to BUY when you're on the market?

Let us know in the comments below!

Agent009 - 2/16/2015 8:32:34 PM

-5 Boost

My CC was bulletproof. Bought with 14K on it and ran it to 60K with nothing other than service.

Car4Life - 2/17/2015 9:33:18 AM

+1 Boost

I'd go Mercedes-Benz all the way, that W124 1990-1994 500E engineered/built by MB and Porsche is seriously a dream and I can't wait to get my hands on one

jeffgall - 2/16/2015 9:03:40 PM

-1 Boost

Queue JDM for a lecture on the Europe Worshipers, why America does not build good cars, and the reason to buy an IS

trmckin - 2/17/2015 9:57:09 PM

+1 Boost

Hahaha! You can add Mitsubishi Outlander to his list of SUV of the year. In all seriousness.. Let's not que him for anything. Guy can ruin any article on any topic. It's quite a talent.

Runamukk - 2/16/2015 9:19:35 PM

-4 Boost

Or it could be his alter ego, which is much more rare, confessing the reason the Japanese/American auto manufacturers are not held to the same regard as being a lack of innovation, design and quality of materials.

pepito66 - 2/16/2015 9:33:52 PM

-6 Boost

BMW.

610looper - 2/17/2015 12:11:25 AM

-1 Boost

Any 5 of the Germans are ok, I'd purchase a manufacturer extended warranty since I don't lease vehicles. If I leased, the vehicle would be under warranty anyway.

valhallakey - 2/17/2015 1:56:19 AM

-1 Boost

My personal experience with BMWs has been quite good with no major problems. Seriously thinking of getting an E39 M5 again. Had one for 12 years and sold it in 2012. I really liked that car, in most ways even more than any of the new hot sedans. More subtle good looking design, great compromise between everyday usability and hooligan fun (see Tiff's video review), extremely reliable as the engine is certainly not highly stressed etc... I will test the new crop before I make a decision of course but....

TomM - 2/17/2015 8:18:44 AM

0 Boost

I have purchased Used Mercedes Benzs - starting in 1973 with a 450SE
I have an exceptional dealer locally - something I cannot say for BMW and AUDI. And the former service manager of that dealership also has a repair center for German cars too - and he is good - and not overpriced.
I have an advantage since I am a trained mechanic as well - an Transmission rebuilder - and understand most Car electronics too. Otherwise - I would not be purchasing such vehicles.

Yonder7 - 2/17/2015 8:20:41 AM

+1 Boost

Statistics say: MB requires a major repair after 11 years, BMW after 9 and Audi after 7 that say Consumer report. But at the end you'll buy what you like.

PUGPROUD - 2/17/2015 10:11:01 AM

+3 Boost

None out of warranty !

MarathonBob - 2/17/2015 11:26:14 AM

+1 Boost

I've had an Audi A6 and 2 BMW 3 series in the last 10 years. Once the warranty was complete, nearly everything in the engine compartment broke on the Audi. I loved the car except for the endless bills and would be hesitant to try one again.

My BMWs have had lower expenses but haven't been trouble free. New England winters are terrible on any car and I've had lots of expensive tie rod, control arm and bent wheels. Even had a driveshaft break. I think the suspensions are fragile and can't stand up to winter driving. One of the cars has the sport suspension, and the other one is regular. BTW, I absolutely hate run flats and have been left stranded hundreds of miles from home when those F*&(*in things break!

My wife has a 2011 Porsche Cayenne S with 120k+ miles. It's been 100% reliable. We've gone through brakes and several set of tires, but there's been NO other failures.

I'm thinking of getting a midsize pickup truck to drive in the colder weather and keep using my 911 when it's warm.

7msynthetic - 2/17/2015 11:37:25 AM

+1 Boost

Lexus

carsnyc - 2/17/2015 11:58:17 AM

0 Boost

1. Porsche
2. Benz
3. BMW
4. Opel (Buick here in the U.S.)
5. Audi
and dead last VW (sometimes not even deserving of the German family name)

stampfer - 2/17/2015 2:20:35 PM

0 Boost

Yes to BMW, but based on personal experience only.

Current ride 2011 E90 M3-- purchased used w/ 29K miles. Currently with 36K miles. Still under warranty. Minor stuff only. I'm about to have the HVAC blower fan replaced- a common E90 problem.

2009 E90 335i purchased new - sold with 36K miles-- great condition and before warranty expiration.

2002 E46 M3 purchased new-- sold with 55K miles-- strut/control arm broke after hitting a pot hole, window regulators always an issue. Owned for 18mo beyond warranty and didn't have any major expenses.

skytop - 2/17/2015 11:07:20 PM

+1 Boost

Car & Driver states Porsche structure is a solid as an anvil,
and Porsche mechanistically is like a potato chip.

supermoto - 2/18/2015 10:00:19 AM

+1 Boost

Out of warranty BMW - ugh! Never again! I've had far less problems with Audi and MB.

mre30 - 2/18/2015 12:42:57 PM

+1 Boost

(a) BMW 3-series, E30 (1986 to 1992), skip the E36, then 1998-2012 3-series.
(b) BMW 5-series (1982 to 2000)
(b) Mercedes E-Class (1977 to 2002), skip the 2003-2009 series with the electric brakes), 2010-present OK.
(c) DO NOT buy an old 7-series or s-class
(d) DO NOT buy a "Bangle-era" BMW, 5 or 6
(e) DO NOT buy anything with an air-suspension
(f) DO NOT buy anything that was "modded" by a suburban kid
(g) DO NOT buy anything with an elaborate after-market stereo.
(h) DO NOT buy an out of warranty Audi
(I) Buy a Porsche if you want, but not as reliable transportation

MDarringer - 2/19/2015 8:36:24 AM

+3 Boost

If we're talking CPO with a short-term dump, then Mercedes. Otherwise, you could not pay me to own a German car outside of warranty. The reliability is dodgy and the parts are beyond expensive.