When you’re financing a car, reliability isn’t just a bonus, it’s a critical part of the decision. A car that spends more time in the workshop than on the road doesn’t just test your patience, it drains your wallet. Repair bills, unexpected downtime, and higher running costs all add up, which is why surveys like the What Car? / MotorEasy 2025 Reliability Report are such a useful resource.
This survey is one of the most comprehensive of its kind, drawing on 32,493 responses from car owners, covering 227 models across 30 brands. It highlights which manufacturers consistently deliver vehicles that are dependable, and which ones are more likely to leave their owners with headaches.
Reliable Brands You Can Buy Here
While not every top-ranked brand is available in our market, several that consistently score well in the survey are household names here too:
- Toyota – A brand synonymous with durability and value. Toyotas are well-regarded for their long lifespans, fuel efficiency, and minimal repair requirements. They’re also backed by excellent resale values, which matters when it’s time to upgrade.
- Lexus – As Toyota’s luxury division, Lexus inherits the same reliability DNA while offering a more premium ownership experience. It’s one of the strongest choices if you want luxury without the risk of big repair bills.
- Honda – Built on straightforward engineering and a track record of longevity, Honda has a loyal following. Their vehicles are often praised for being easy to maintain and offering consistent performance over the years.
- Mazda – A great balance between driving enjoyment and dependability. Mazda has a reputation for quality builds, low defect rates, and strong support through local dealer networks.
- Hyundai & Kia – Once seen as budget brands, they’ve transformed in recent years. Both now rival Japanese manufacturers for reliability and are backed by some of the longest warranties in the market. That makes them excellent choices if you’re looking to minimise ownership risk.
- Mitsubishi – Particularly known for robust SUVs and utes, Mitsubishi continues to perform strongly in reliability surveys. Their 10-year warranty options in Australia add another layer of peace of mind for buyers.
Why Reliability Matters in Finance
When you’re entering a finance agreement, you’re making a commitment for several years. During that time, an unreliable car can derail your budget and put you under unnecessary stress. Here’s why reliability should always factor into the conversation:
- Fewer unexpected costs – Breakdowns and costly repairs can quickly eat into your cash flow. A reliable brand reduces that risk.
- Stable ownership experience – Less time off the road means you get to enjoy your car as intended, without interruptions.
- Resale value – Reliable cars tend to hold their value better, which matters at trade-in or when selling at the end of your finance term.
- Peace of mind – Knowing you’ve chosen a brand that performs well long-term lets you focus on driving and enjoying your car, not worrying about what might go wrong.
The Bottom Line
The 2025 reliability survey shows that the brands you can depend on are the same ones many Australians already trust: Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Mazda, Hyundai, Kia, and Mitsubishi. These manufacturers consistently deliver cars that are less likely to leave you stranded and more likely to protect your wallet.
When you’re looking at finance options, it’s easy to get caught up in monthly repayments and interest rates. But the car itself is just as important. A reliable brand not only keeps your running costs down, it helps you get the most out of your finance arrangement, right through to resale.
If you’d like tailored guidance on choosing a car that’s not just affordable to finance but also dependable to own, that’s exactly what we’re here for. Contact Us.
