Subscribe to Print Edition | Wed., February 27, 2008 Adar1 21, 5768 | | Israel Time: 02:06 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

Japanese models are the most reliable used cars, says survey By Daniel Schmil Tags: japanese auto, imported cars  Subaru Impreza, Subaru B4 and Toyota Yaris are the three most reliable used cars in Israel, and the Citroen Xsara is the least reliable - according to data collected by Autoserve and published here for the first time. The date refers to vehicles manufactured no later than 2005. No serious survey of the reliability of used cars has ever been conducted in Israel, but some companies can't depend on just rumors and suggestions. One such firm is Autoserve, which insures passenger ('private') second-hand vehicles - a sort of insurance against breakdowns. Monthly premiums billed to customers vary according to the expected reliability of their vehicle. TheMarker received the data on the most reliable small, family size and high-end sedan cars, and the least reliable family-size cars. The rating is based on the frequency of breakdowns, the seriousness of the malfunction as recorded in the firm's data base. "Each service call is recorded in the system, and we follow the handling of the malfunction and cover its cost," said Igor Gorodetzky, an analyst for the firm. Advertisement In the small vehicle category, the winner is the Toyota Yaris. Variance within this group is relatively large, and the Yaris appears far more reliable than its runner ups on the table, the Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Aveo and Hyundai Getz. The European Peugeot 206 ranks relatively high in fifth place. Small, popular vehicles like the new generation of Daihatsu Sirion and the new Suzuki Swift are not included in the ranking because they are still under manufacturers' warranty. In the most popular group in Israel, the family-size car, the Subaru Impreza is the most reliable of them all. Honda Civic is in second place, followed by the Mitsubishi Lancer and Toyota Corola. Mazda 3, the most widely sold car in Israel in recent years, ranks fifth. Mazda recently faced a public image crisis caused by a recall for a minor problem, but according to Mazda's authorized repair shop, the car is highly reliable. "Mazdas don't come in to the garage on a tow truck" the repair shop owner says. "The reason for malfunctions can be attributed to gas stations, or air pollution, in cars that are extensively used for city driving. The passenger seat has a sophisticated computer that operates all of the accessories, and there are a lot of malfunctions caused by installation of cellphone speaker phones." It is interesting to note that the five most reliable family-size cars include only Japanese vehicles, and European cars head the list of the least reliable. The car with the strongest tendency to break down is the Citroen Xsara, followed by the Renault Megane. The Peugot 307 ranks third on this scarlet letter list. French cars, in short, are less reliable although German vehicles don't get good grades either. The Opel Astra ranks fourth on the list, followed by the Volkswagen Golf. Renault importer Carasso commented that it's been working on improving service in parallel with improvements to car quality. Peugot-Citroen models have suffered mainly from problems with the automatic gear box and the electrical system. The same gear box, developed in cooperation with Renault and Siemens, was installed in the Megane, which according to Autoserve data, is the source of most of this car's problems. One of the big surprises in Autoserve's data is the relatively poor reliability of the Volkswagen Golf, which enjoys a good reputation in the used car market. One problem is the cost of repairs. German cars are 70% more expensive to repair than Korean ones, Autoserve found. Roni Ackerman, spokesman for Volkswagen importer Champion Motors, said he respected Autoserve but rejected the figures. In addition, the five least reliable cars are also the most expensive to repair in the family-size car category - about 30% more than repairs on the most reliable cars in the same category. In the high-end sedan group the race is very close, but Subaru wins again, with its B4 model crowned as the most reliable of all such vehicles. "It simply doesn't break down," summarized one senior manager in Autoserve. Mazda 6 comes in second, followed by two more Japanese cars - the Honda Accord and the Toyota Avensis. Repair of high-end sedans also runs 30% more than family-size cars. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Chicken or the egg? A UN human rights expert says Palestinian terror 'inevitable' result of occupation. A reason to kvell Jews are America's top-earning religious group, according to a new survey.

Today Online Rosner: Would Obama be supportive of a Likud-led Israel? Responses: 170 Yoel Marcus: Annihilating Israel truly is Iran's goal Responses: 185 Nazir Majali: Why is Israel destroying its ties to Egypt? Responses: 74 Report: Widow of Hezbollah No. 2 says Syria killed him Responses: 113 PM: I'm unsure peace deal with PA possible in 2008 Responses: 67 More Headlines 22:38 Officials: Israel let Egypt boost Gaza border troops 21:43 PM to Japanese Minister: Iran, N. Korea pose a threat to all Asia 22:29 Shalit`s French lawyers say planning to meet his kidnappers 01:44 Wise and courageous, late ex-IDF chief leaves lasting legacy 13:44 Survey: Jews are America's top-earning religious group 01:02 Jewish groups mull Durban meet in wake of Israel boycott 18:53 MI Chief: Terrorists trained in Syria, Iran have infiltrated Gaza 21:47 Military Advocate General: No one culpable for 2006 Beit Hanun shelling 01:57 Proposed Shas bill takes aim at sex, gambling Web sites 21:10 IDF tank unit kills Palestinian near Gaza border 19:45 UN expert: Palestinian terror 'inevitable' result of occupation Previous Editions Select Day 26 feb 25 feb 24 feb 22 feb 21 feb 20 feb 19 feb 18 feb 17 feb 15 feb 14 feb 13 feb

Special Offers Advertisement Free the Palestinians from: Corrupt Kleptocracy, Tyrannical Theocracy, Abysmal Anarchy Long-term Israel programs MASA is your gateway. More programs. More grants. 7589 rockets fired so far HELP US TO HELP THEM Marina Royale Herzelia Pituach Your Luxurious Suite While Staying in Israel Fattal Hotel Chain Perfectly located hotels on best resorts of Israel. ISRAEL BONDS Build Israel Israel bonds - a multi-purpose way to celebrate Israel's 60th Dead Sea Salt Beauty and skin care from the Dead Sea. Coupon code HAARETZ for 10% off! Eldan Rent a Car Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations Junkyard Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt

Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |

Haaretz.com, the online edition of Haaretz Newspaper in Israel, offers real-time breaking news, opinions and analysis from Israel and the Middle East. Haaretz.com provides extensive and in-depth coverage of Israel, the Jewish World and the Middle East, including defense, diplomacy, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the peace process, Israeli politics, Jerusalem affairs, international relations, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, the Israeli business world and Jewish life in Israel and the Diaspora.

© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved