The car has long ceased to be a luxury. Today, hundreds of different makes and models of vehicles are produced. Car prices vary both smaller and larger, but compact crossovers, as well as B and C-class sedans and hatchbacks, are widely used. Nobody wants to spend a lot of time in services and sites in search of rare parts, so there is an unofficial rating of the most reliable and economical vehicles.
Car performance
Operational properties show how efficiently a particular car can be used in a particular situation. Knowing the properties of a car, it is possible to predict in advance how the mechanism will behave under certain conditions (for example, a city, highway or off-road).
These properties include:
- dynamism;
- fuel efficiency;
- controllability;
- sustainability;
- patency;
- smoothness of movement;
- reliability and durability.
You need to select a car taking into account the conditions in which it will be used. According to the preferences of Russian buyers and reviews, it is already possible to determine which machines are recognized as the most reliable and convenient for operation.
New Toyota Corolla
Deserved the title of the most popular car among motorists. The year of issue depends on the number of monetary units the buyer has. The new machine will not require intervention in the chassis and engine for many years. The car owner should only go through strictly according to the regulations and refuel gasoline in checked places. There are no special operating instructions; the Corolla starts well on frosty days and comfortably carries the driver and passengers around the city and highway.
The pluses include:
- Modern and presentable appearance.
- Unpretentiousness of power units.
- Comfortable chassis settings.
- Modern comfortable lounge.
- The presence of electronic systems and assistants.
- Roomy trunk.
- Liquidity on sale in the secondary market.
Of the minuses, motorists emit a high cost when buying, as well as a small lack of traction properties in the engine.
The operational properties of the car do not stand out. Brakes have indicators slightly below average, the suspension is moderately soft, soundproofing, like all Japanese C-class sedans.
The price for a car starts at 800,000 rubles and ends at 1,100,000 rubles, depending on the configuration chosen.
Corolla used
Not every car owner can pull the cost of buying a new vehicle. A used copy maintains an excellent appearance thanks to high-quality metal body parts and head optics. There are also no complaints about the engine and gearbox, but the suspension should be given special attention.
Shock absorbers will require replacement with new ones with a range of about 100-120 thousand kilometers, ball ones will fail at about the same line. Original silent blocks do not even knock on 150,000 km, but they are already beginning to become covered by microcracks. The brake discs should be replaced with 90,000 mileage.
The cost of spare parts for Toyota will not empty the car owner’s wallet, and due to the presence of duplicates and original parts in almost any store, repairs will not be delayed for many months.
The engine and transmission work smoothly even at high distances with the timely replacement of oils, filters and additional consumables.
Prices for used cars are decreasing every year, but this does not apply to Corolla. Often car owners sell a used car even for a large sum after several years of operation.
New Nissan Almera
A direct competitor to Corolla in class and cost. Car owners choose Almera for their pleasant appearance and ease of operation. The new car pleases with a large trunk, a spacious interior and an energy-intensive suspension. The engine is also not satisfactory, but it requires high-quality 95 gasoline.
The operational properties of the car are distinguished by tenacious brakes and a sharp reaction to the steering wheel. Drivers also note an easy start in the cold and a high-quality interior heating system. The engine can not boast of racing acceleration, but for a quiet movement it is enough.
The new “Almera” can often be found in taxis, this indicates the reliability of power plants and chassis. With timely maintenance, the engine and gearbox will not cause problems. The only drawback may be the appearance of "mushrooms" on the rear arches during operation in regions with chemical reagents in the winter.
Front and rear optics perfectly cope with all tasks and do not grow turbid even after 100,000 kilometers. The suspension will require a first intervention only after 120,000 km. Spare parts are sold everywhere and at an affordable price.
You can buy a Nissan in the middle configuration from an authorized dealer for 760,000 rubles.
New Ford Focus III
The new Focus has the most striking appearance and good sound insulation. The manufacturer supplies complete sets with different power plants to choose from. Car owners note confident handling on the road and energy-intensive suspension.
The braking properties of the car are at a high level. The system is equipped not only with ABS, but also with ESP. Unlike Japanese cars, Ford boasts a large brake disc diameter and a sharp pickup even with a light pedal.
The main advantages:
- Modern appearance.
- Energy-intensive suspension with good settings.
- A wide range of engines.
- Good sound insulation.
- Quality trim materials.
- Roomy trunk.
- Galvanization of arches and body sills.
- The presence of modern electronic systems.
- The ability to choose different types of body.
Of the minuses, car owners note low liquidity in the secondary market and low ground clearance. Another disadvantage is the limited amount of space in the cabin, the massive center console prevents the driver and passengers from sitting comfortably on a long trip.
The cost of the new "Focus" in the basic configuration will be 802,000 rubles.
Compact crossovers
Cars in Russia are often chosen because of the presence of high clearance and all-wheel drive. The class of compact crossovers has become widespread due to the balanced driving characteristics and appearance.
The operational properties of the car are an important parameter in the daily use of vehicles. Car owners often prefer a high-torque engine and powerful brakes than having a sunroof or a powerful audio system.
Renault Duster
The crossover is equipped with front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Available for purchase with manual or automatic transmission. Car owners note a mild suspension and unpretentious engines. The power of a 2-liter engine is enough for city and country trips.
Large ground clearance and all-wheel drive system make it easy to drive on remote forest roads. Car owners note the high traction properties of cars with a manual gearbox.
Crossover advantages:
- Roomy interior.
- Reliable all-wheel drive system.
- Unpretentious power plants.
- Confident start in the cold.
- Strong bumpers.
- The presence of electronic systems.
The minuses often include the controversial appearance and build quality. The gaps are often different, and the hood lock can knock even in a new car without a run. Trunk capacity is also not the strongest side of the crossover.
The suspension will require serious intervention no earlier than 140,000 km, but the engine needs only a timely change of oil and consumables.
You can buy a crossover with all-wheel drive and mechanics for 809,000 rubles.
Hyundai ix35
The cost of a Korean car is slightly higher than the Duster. The crossover offers a more beautiful and comfortable interior with pleasant materials and orthopedic chairs.
The operational properties of the car boast more tenacious brakes and a confident reaction to the steering. The automatic transmission works flawlessly, and the engine dynamically moves the crossover around the city or highway.
The interior is made in a modern style, and the finishing materials are not inferior in quality to more expensive cars. The crossover does not lose much in price when sold in the secondary market and maintains a decent appearance even with serious mileage.
The weakness is the chassis. Shock absorbers have a short stroke and often break through when running into holes or bumps. The first suspension intervention with careless driving may be required already at 60,000 km.
The minuses also include low overhangs of bumpers. To storm the sharp ascents and descents on a fishing trip will not work.
The average cost of a car is in the range of 1,300,000 rubles.
What other cars should you consider when buying
Cars in Russia are operated in more severe conditions than in Europe. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to timely service and maintenance.
Do not buy rare cars, the cost of spare parts and their lack in stores can play a trick in the process of operation.
To cheap in operation and with a good level of reliability can also include cars:
- Hyundai Solaris;
- Hyundai Creta;
- Mazda 3;
- Kia Ceed;
- Kia Rio;
- Renault Logan;
- Toyota Auris;
- Toyota Rav4;
- Volkswagen Polo.
Which car is the most reliable and economical depends on the operating conditions, but traditionally Japanese brands occupy the first lines.