Car buyers still look for reliability first, says J.D. Power

 

 

If you’re making one of life’s major purchases, wouldn’t you want to be confident that purchase would last?

So it is with cars. Reliability remains the key factor when choosing a new vehicle according to J.D. Power’s 2016 Initial Quality Study.

Almost half of buyers and lessees, 49 percent, say “expected reliability” is the most important element when deciding upon a new car or light truck. The research looked at the feedback of more than 80,000 buyers and lessees of 2016-model vehicles after the first 90 days of ownership.

Those findings echo the 2015 study, when the corresponding figure was 50 percent, and consumers also noted reliability as the most significant factor in choosing a vehicle.

Reliability driving decisions for both new and used buyers

In fact, it’s a strong consideration whether you’re opting for new or used. A vehicle that won’t let you down was the major influence in choosing a car or truck among owners of three-year-old vehicles, according to J.D. Power’s 2016 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study.

“One of the reasons reliability may be so important to buyers relates to improved new-vehicle quality – up six percent from 2015 – which allows owners to keep their cars and light trucks for longer than in the past,” says J.D. Power.

This goes hand-in-glove with the rising cost of new vehicles equipped with more technology-loaded features for safety, communication and comfort, says the ratings and research company. Understandably, buyers are keen that their purchase holds up over time when they’re paying more for it.

Dependable auto financing for qualified buyers

If you’re in the market for a new or pre-owned car then online auto lender RoadLoans offers a wealth of resources to help during the buying process.

These range from auto finance calculators that enable you to estimate your budget, what you can afford to spend on a vehicle and what your monthly payment might be, right through to how to apply for financing and, if approved, shop for a vehicle at the dealership.

Whether the next vehicle you have in mind is a car, truck, SUV or crossover, apply for auto financing with RoadLoans. We accept applications from consumers with all credit types and provide instant decisions online.

Apply for an auto loan with RoadLoans.

Written by: Rob Looker on July 29, 2016