The E350 BlueTEC’s 3.0-liter OM642 turbodiesel V6 can cover substantial mileage, but engine durability doesn’t make the entire car trouble-free. Oil cooler seals, intake swirl mechanisms, the DPF, and AdBlue/SCR hardware can generate expensive repairs even while the engine itself remains mechanically healthy. That’s the key distinction for used buyers: a durable diesel engine doesn’t … Read more
The Toyota Sequoia leads iSeeCars’ September 2026 longevity study with an estimated 42.3% chance of reaching 250,000 miles, followed by the Toyota 4Runner at 33.1% and Lexus RX Hybrid at 28.9%. The study analyzed more than 395 million vehicles, while the average SUV scored just 4.8%. But longevity alone doesn’t determine the smartest long-term purchase. … Read more
Toyota’s challenge with the sixth-generation 4Runner was unusual: replace an aging platform whose 4.0-liter V6 and five-speed automatic were outdated but thoroughly proven. The new 4Runner is clearly more advanced, adding the TNGA-F platform, turbocharged power, an eight-speed automatic, available hybrid assistance, and considerably more electronics. As a new vehicle, it’s better in most measurable … Read more
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class can be an excellent used luxury sedan, but powertrain choice matters as much as generation. The 2012 C250 and C350 share a chassis yet carry very different engine-related risks. For reliability, I’d favor the 2012–2014 C350 or 2013–2014 C300 4MATIC, both with naturally aspirated M276 V6 engines. The 2019–2021 C300 offers a … Read more
The Mercedes W221 S-Class is one of the used luxury market’s great temptations. A car that once represented the top of the Mercedes-Benz range can now cost less than an ordinary new compact car. But depreciation only changed the purchase price. The W221 depreciated. Its engineering didn’t. That distinction determines whether an old S-Class becomes … Read more
For decades, the Japanese vs American debate had a familiar script. Japanese manufacturers built efficient, durable cars; Detroit built trucks, large SUVs, and powerful engines. There was enough truth behind those stereotypes to keep them alive. But the U.S. auto industry has changed dramatically. Toyota and Honda now manufacture millions of vehicles and components in … Read more
Honda has used CVTs in millions of Civics, Accords, CR-Vs and HR-Vs, yet owner experiences range from trouble-free high-mileage cars to expensive failures. The reason is simple: “Honda CVT” isn’t one transmission—different generations, applications and calibrations have different records, including some affected by recalls, software updates or warranty extensions. So, are Honda CVTs reliable? Generally, … Read more
Japanese cars have perhaps the industry’s strongest reliability reputation—and broadly, the reputation is deserved. The mistake is treating it as universal. Toyota, Lexus, and Honda repeatedly produce excellent results, but a Japanese badge doesn’t automatically deliver Toyota-level reliability. Subaru follows a distinct engineering strategy, Mazda’s newer large-vehicle platforms have faced growing pains, while Nissan and … Read more
Toyota or Honda? For decades, both have been among the safest choices for buyers who prioritize reliability and long-term ownership. In 2026, however, Toyota has the edge. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota first for new-car reliability and second for used-car reliability, while Honda ranks fourth in both categories. Toyota also performs strongly in J.D. Power’s latest … Read more
Ask most drivers whether German or Japanese cars are more reliable, and Japan will probably win the reputation contest. Historically, that reputation is well earned: Toyota, Lexus, and Honda have accumulated strong reliability records across generations, while German premium cars became associated with sophisticated engineering that could become expensive with age. But the modern picture … Read more