When we talk about cars, one word always comes up: reliability. But what exactly do we mean by that? For some, reliability means that the car always starts, even on a cold winter morning.
When we talk about cars, one word always comes up: reliability. But what exactly do we mean by that? For some, reliability means that the car always starts, even on a cold winter morning. For others, it's about low maintenance costs, or, on the contrary, a long lifespan without expensive repairs. And yet another sees reliability primarily as the feeling of security and safety behind the wheel.
With personal experiences from car expert Niels.
The great thing is: reliability is not a fixed concept, but a personal experience. A Toyota driver will often point to the fact that their car will run smoothly for years, while a Volkswagen driver might combine reliability with solid build quality and stable handling. With a brand like Kia, the long manufacturer's warranty plays a role again, while at Dacia, the simplicity of the technology inspires confidence.
So what you find reliable depends not only on the car itself, but also on your expectations and driving behavior. An intensive commuter will experience reliability differently than someone who mainly takes short trips in the city.
That's why at Carvendo, we look beyond the numbers or reputation of a brand. For us, reliability means that a car suits you, does not let you down unnecessarily and involves predictable, manageable costs. And perhaps even more importantly: that you drive away with peace of mind, every time.
See all Alfa Romeo's ->Name the brand Alfa Romeo and you'll almost always get a response. Often it's something along the lines of: “Oh, an Alpha? My uncle's nephew, the neighbour from behind, also had one... and it was always in the garage.” It's the classic stories that have almost become folklore. Alfa Romeo evokes emotions, sometimes positive, sometimes negative, but it never leaves you indifferent.
I can tell this story from my own experience, as I've been driving Alfa Romeo privately for over twenty years, in various models and generations. And let me be honest right away: yes, once an Alpha left me alone. But that's actually a very decent score in two decades of driving. Especially when I consider how much fun, comfort and driving experience I've received in return.
Because that's the other part of the story that's often forgotten: Alfa Romeos aren't usually driven like a Suzuki Alto. Where an Alto does its shopping laps quietly, an Alfa invites you to take turns, drive sportively and enjoy its DNA. And logical: more dynamism also means more wear and tear. That has nothing to do with poor reliability, but everything to do with how these cars are used.
What I've experienced several times myself: Alfa's phenomenal handling has saved me in emergencies. Twice, in fact, from a serious accident, situations where an average car would probably have lost its grip. Reliability is therefore not only about whether you stop, but also whether a car guides you safely and securely through difficult moments.
And that reputation. Often references are made to the Alfasud from the 1970s, a model that “already rusted in the brochure”. But to be honest: at the time, many brands rusted faster than expected. The difference? Alfa carried that burden much more, because the brand had such an iconic name. These stories are still being repeated, while the technique and quality of the modern Alphas are incomparable to that period.
What is true: an Alfa Romeo requires an owner who thinks along. Gauge oil, listen to the car, know what you're driving. Don't get in blindly and just fill up until he stops, that may also be the crux of the misunderstandings. An Alfa is not a “cold” mode of transport, but a car that requires involvement. And that is what makes him so popular with people who see driving more as an experience than just practical transport.
In short: Alfa Romeo's are in practice just as reliable as many other brands, provided you drive them as intended and give them the care they deserve. They give something unique in return: passion, emotion, a design you won't stop looking at and a driving experience that makes your heart beat faster. And maybe that's the real reliability of an Alfa: that it always gives you a smile as soon as you get behind the wheel.
When you say Toyota, you often hear the same thing: “There is no more reliable brand.” It's a reputation that the Japanese have carefully built and confirmed by millions of satisfied customers around the world. I can have a say in that: I myself worked for this brand for years, and I have seen up close how Toyota lives up to its name.
And yes, Toyota is extremely reliable. But something can also break at Toyota, because a car remains a technical product. The difference lies in how Toyota develops its cars. Where many brands assume “good customer maintenance”, Toyota starts from the opposite: they test their models as if the driver is not in the mood for maintenance. Systems are being designed to better deal with abuse, delay, or neglect. And that is reflected in practice.
I remember a customer who came to trade in his Toyota Carina with more than 300,000 kilometers. In all that time, he should have only replaced a radiator once. The rest was regular maintenance. There was no doubt for him: he just bought another Toyota. That says a lot about the trust that people have in this brand.
The Yaris is the textbook example of indestructibility, and Toyota's hybrid systems have more than earned their spurs. While some manufacturers are still struggling with battery life, Toyota has been showing for years that their hybrids can withstand heavy use without surprises.
But, and this is the other side of the story, reliability isn't everything. What you rarely hear a Toyota driver about is the experience: how is the road holding, how is the steering feeling, how does a Toyota involve you in driving? The fact is that many Toyotas are brilliant at everyday life, commuting, shopping, picking up kids. They do everything with no hassles and no surprises. But for enthusiasts looking for excitement and dynamism, many models are functional rather than compelling.
That changes as soon as you look at the sports division: the GR Yaris is the ultimate proof that Toyota does know how to put emotion into a car. But that's also where you immediately see the logical consequence: drivers who push their Toyota to the limit discover that even a Toyota has limits. Just like the Avensis D4D 177 hp diesel, once extremely popular with lease drivers, who in practice often came back with a broken EGR valve or even a gearbox problem.
In short: Toyota is a brand that has made reliability an art. With good maintenance, they last endlessly, and nowadays, with a 10-year manufacturer's warranty, they have perhaps the strongest argument in the hands of the entire market. But at Toyota, reliability often also means predictability, and those looking for emotion, passion or extreme driving experience are more likely to lose heart with other brands.
Cars are more than just a means of transportation. For some, a car is purely practical: reliable transport from A to B, cheap to maintain, economical. For others, a car is just passion: a classic that asks for love, a sports car that gives adrenaline, or just that one dream car you've been looking forward to for years.
And that's the crux of where we at Carvendo want to make a difference. Because we believe that bad cars are no longer being built, the quality of modern cars is simply too high. But what really differs is which car suits you.
A customer who comes to us for an Alfa Romeo Giulia, a Jaguar XE or a BMW 3 Series is looking for very different things than someone looking around for a Suzuki Celerio or a Volkswagen Up. The first group wants emotion, appearance, driving pleasure. The second group mainly opts for economy, low costs and carefree driving. Both are equally valuable, as long as the car knocks on the person driving it.
That's why at Carvendo, we take the time to really get to know you. We don't just look at the car, but especially at you. How do you use the car? What is important to you? What should the car be good at? And we'll tell you honestly what it's smart to do to keep your car in top condition.
In addition, you buy from us with certainty: every car has been carefully checked by us and comes with a 12-month BOVAG warranty and a maintenance-free period of 12,000 km or 1 year. That provides peace and confidence.
In doing so, we are completely unbranded. With our years of experience in the automotive industry, we can provide you with independent advice, without preferring a brand or model. And through our website, we provide you with reliable information that helps you make the right choice.
Carvendo picks up where others stop. We want you to not just drive a car in the future, but in your car, the car that suits you.
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