It is a pretty common sentiment that things in the modern age just aren’t built like they used to be. It’s proven that many things from the past are capable of easily outlasting some of the most modern technology. Unfortunately, this permeates into the automotive world and some of the cars we knew as being the pinnacle of reliability have quite simply fallen off.
For those searching for used cars, though, this isn’t the worst thing in the world. There are plenty of models from the last ten to 15 years that are more reliable than their newer models. The money that you’ll spend on buying a used car from the 2010s is also a fraction of the cost of the new models.
We’ve taken a look at what we believe to be some of the most reliable cars of the 2010s and compared their reliability scores to their modern counterparts. We also take a look at how much these used machines will set you back on the used market and how much you can expect to shell out to maintain them.
In compiling this article, we have cross-referenced information for vehicle reliability, maintenance, and pricing from sources like Kelley Blue Book, RepairPal, CarEdge, and Consumer Reports to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible. J.D. Power was used for all reliability scores. Used prices were sourced from Edmunds. Models are ranked from least to most reliable.
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2014 Subaru Legacy
Reliability Score: 84/100
Back in the day, Subaru was known for high-performance rally cars like the WRX STI. While not as glamorous, their economy sedans and SUVs have always been fairly impressive. The 2014 Subaru Legacy, for instance, scores brilliantly in terms of reliability.
The new model, however, only manages an 80 out of 100 for reliability.
Reliability
If you’re looking for a used sedan that is going to run forever and cost you nearly nothing on the used market, then the 2014 Legacy is a brilliant choice. You may spend a little more on maintenance than some other cars on this list, but it's still below average for its class.
- Average Used Price: $7,671 (Edmunds)
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $563 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $6,073 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 10
- Worst Legacy Year To Buy Used: 2005
2016 Hyundai Elantra
Reliability Score: 85/100
The Elantra is one of our favorite sedans, and the 2024 model offers incredible value for what it offers and is one of the best new cars under $30,000. However, it doesn’t quite live up to the reliability of some of its older models. Where the 2024 model year scores 81 out of 100, the 2016 model sits among some of the most reliable cars ever made.
Reliability
The 2016 Elantra comes packed with standard features, making it a brilliant choice if you’re looking for a used family car. Hyundai is also pretty well known for being ahead of the curve when it comes to safety and technology. The Elantra is also one of the cheapest cars to maintain in its segment.
- Average Used Price: $12,877 (Edmunds)
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $452 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $5,880 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 1
- Worst Elantra Year To Buy Used: 2013
2011 Honda Accord
Reliability Score: 86/100
Honda is a company that has always prided itself on the reliability of its cars. The Honda Accord sits firmly among some of the most reliable cars in automotive history. The current model may score decently in terms of reliability, achieving an 80 out of 100, but it doesn't live up to some of the nameplate's older models. The 2011 model is the best of the 2010s.
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Reliability
The Accord is another great sedan for those looking to keep maintenance costs down. It is much cheaper to own and maintain an Accord than the average sedan. On top of this, you can pick up an eighth-generation Honda Accord for an absolute steal.
- Average Used Price: $10,467 (Edmunds)
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $400 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $5,412 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 0
- Worst Accord Year To Buy Used: 2003
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2018 Kia Sportage
Reliability Score: 87/100
The newest generation of the Kia Sportage was launched for the 2021 model year. It is a feature-packed SUV that scored a completely respectable 83 out of 100 for quality and reliability. While this isn't a bad score by any means, the previous generation is known to be a little more reliable. Of the models from the 2010s, the 2018 model scores the highest.
Reliability
The Sportage is one of the newer cars on this list. While the 2018 model might not have all the features of the newest generation, it also costs a fraction of the price. This is one of the best value-for-money used SUVs that you can pick up. On top of this, you won't have to spend too much on maintenance costs.
- Average Used Price: $16,626 (Edmunds)
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $462 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,873 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 3
- Worst Sportage Year To Buy Used: 2012
2013 Audi A4
Reliability Score: 87/100
When you think about reliability, you're not likely to think of a premium brand like Audi. That wasn't always the way, though, and one of the biggest selling points of Audi was that they were reliable. The 2024 Audi A4 achieves a decidedly average 77 out of 100 for quality and reliability. The 2013 model offers tons of comfort and class and will likely last longer than the newer version.
Reliability
The Audi A4 is an absolute steal if you're looking for a used luxury sedan. You can pick up one of these sedans for less than some of the more mainstream cars on this list. Its biggest downfall, though, is that it will cost you a decent amount to service and maintain. That being said, its long-term ownership costs are still pretty low for the luxury sedan segment.
- Average Used Price: $10,630 (Edmunds)
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $739 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $9,054 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 4
- Worst A4 Year To Buy Used: 2006
2018 Toyota RAV4
Reliability Score: 88/100
The compact SUV market has been absolutely booming for a good couple of years now. The model believed to have started that trend is the legendary RAV4. This little adventurous SUV features rugged capability and undeniable practicality across all of its generations. The 2018 model is also a brilliant choice for those looking for a lightly used SUV. The modern RAV4 scores 76 out of 100, much lower than some of the models from the previous generation.
Reliability
You may spend a little more upfront to buy a 2018 RAV4 than some of the other cars on this list, but its low maintenance costs and unmatched practicality are definitely worth it. The RAV4 also comes with the benefit of not being too old, meaning that you'll have access to a decent amount of modern tech.
- Average Used Price: $20,722 (Edmunds)
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $429 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $5,531 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 3
- Worst RAV4 Year To Buy Used: 2007
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2011 Toyota Corolla
Reliability Score: 88/100
The Toyota Corolla is one of the first cars that pop into peoples' heads when it comes to reliability. It is one of the longest-running nameplates in automotive history and is one of the biggest reasons that Toyota has such a good reputation for reliability. The newest Corolla, however, doesn't quite live up to this legacy, scoring a 76 out of 100 for quality and reliability.
Reliability
Corollas are known for holding their value well. However, the 2011 model is old enough that it has depreciated about as much as it ever will. While it might not house some of the modern tech that you'd expect, the Corolla has some of the lowest ownership costs of any car out there.
- Average Used Price: $9,585 (Edmunds)
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $362 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $4,087 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 4
- Worst Corolla Year To Buy Used: 2009
2015 Lexus ES
Reliability Score: 89/100
Lexus is the luxury arm of Toyota and they have always consistently been able to push the envelope in terms of comfort and technology while retaining the reliability of their mainstream sibling. They are a brand that pumps out reliable cars even in 2024, with the most modern ES scoring 85 out of 100. The 2015 model scores better and can be had for an absolute deal on the used market.
Reliability
The 2015 Lexus ES is one of the cheapest luxury sedans on the used market. It isn't too old yet that it's missing some of the most desirable features, but it can be picked up for the price of a mainstream sedan. On top of this, the ownership costs that the ES incurs are easily some of the lowest in its class.
- Average Used Price: $15,629 (Edmunds)
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $468 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $5,488 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 1
- Worst ES Year To Buy Used: 2007
2014 Toyota Camry
Reliability Score: 92/100
If you're looking for something a little bigger and a little more powerful than the Corolla, then the next obvious choice is the Camry. It has consistently been one of the best-selling cars in the United States for as long as it's been around. The 2014 model is, in a lot of ways, a benchmark for reliability, beating even the newest model which scores an impressive 88 out of 100 for quality and reliability.
Reliability
Like the other Toyotas on this list, the Camry's lifetime ownership costs are some of the lowest in its class. In ten years of ownership, you will have spent $2,893 less on maintenance for the Camry than you would on the average sedan in its class. You can also pick up great, well-kept examples of the used market for a steal.
- Average Used Price: $13,079 (Edmunds)
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $388 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $4,203 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 3
- Worst Camry Year To Buy Used: 2007
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2010 Lexus RX
Reliability Score: 93/100
The Lexus RX sits just on the outskirts of the 2010s. Don't let its age fool you though, the RX is one of the most comfortable luxury SUVs that you can own. While it may not be as sporty as some of its rivals, its plush interior features tons of tech ahead of its time for 2010 and a plethora of safety features. The modern model may be much more advanced, but it scores lower than the 2010 model in terms of reliability with an 81 out of 100.
Reliability
The Lexus RX is one of the most affordable premium SUVs that you can pick up used. There are plenty of models out there as well, so finding one that was well cared for shouldn't be too hard. In terms of maintenance, the RX also costs about half of what the average is for services and repairs in the luxury SUV segment.
- Average Used Price: $12,500 (Edmunds)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,398 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 1
- Worst ES Year To Buy Used: 2007
