It’s fair to say that German cars have a great reputation across the world. The question is: do they live up to it? With competitor carmakers creating cars that are bigger and better than ever before, can German vehicles continue to stand out from the crowd? Here, we explore the pros and cons of buying a German car to help you make your decision.
Pros
Reliable
Many German automakers are known for producing highly reliable and durable vehicles. Volkswagen, in particular, has always prided itself on this front, consistently developing cars that will go the distance. The carmaker ranked number 25 on the Reliability Index in 2019, while Mercedes-Benz ranked number 30 and Audi ranked number 34. Not too shabby.
Fuel consumption
Generally, German automakers are conscious of creating cars with low fuel consumption. This means that many of these cars need refuelling less often, which in turn saves drivers money. The Volskwagen Golf GTE hybrid is rated 188 MPG, thanks to it’s electric and gas-powered engine.
Performance
There’s no denying that German cars are great to drive. Most models seriously perform on the road, with impressive suspension offering a smooth ride and great torque that’s fast off the mark. Engines are state-of-the-art too, with petrol, diesel, hybrid and all-electric models to choose from.
Cons
Price
The superior German manufacturing comes at a price. These cars aren’t known as a ‘budget’ option and will usually have a hefty price tag in return for their reputation and reliability. Some may see the cost as a negative, while others may think it’s fair for a car of a certain standard. Of course, if buying outright isn’t an option, you could consider alternative options like car leasing through a company like ZenAuto.
Expensive repairs
Should you need any element of the car repairing or replacing in future, it’s likely you’ll need to invest in branded parts, which are more expensive than universal components. Many high-street garages may not stock these as standard, so you might be charged for them to order them in and fit them for you.
Design
Most German vehicles are designed for European roads, which are typically small and meandering. This means that German automakers put a lot of focus on the steering, to ensure cars can cope at speed around tight bends. This is great for European buyers but may not be quite so important for drivers in other countries, who may prefer the power to be used in other areas.
Will you choose a German car next time you’re buying? Or will you opt for a vehicle by one of their competitors?
