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It is difficult to find a European car that is stylish, but also reliable compared with their Japanese counterparts. This is because European cars are built differently.
According to David Loo, Operations Manager at Xpro Auto Glass, “European cars are designed with a clear focus on driving dynamics, often shaped by their motorsport roots.” As such, these cars are famous for their perfect engineering craftsmanship and beautifully designed products.
However, there are some options that are durable and will last more than a decade if properly taken care of. If you were looking for a reliable car for less than $35,000, you would not be short of European brands to choose from. Let’s take a look at five cars from across the Atlantic that are dependable and will ensure you stay on the road for years to come.
1. 2024 Volkswagen Golf
The 2024 Volkswagen Golf is a good case study of a hatchback that balances its practicality against its fun. J.D Power gives this car a reliability rating of 70. Rob Dillan, auto expert and founder of EVhype, said European brands like Volkswagen offer “vehicles that excel in performance, safety, and longevity.” It’s no surprise this compact car has a large fan club. Its average annual repair costs hover around $500, which is certainly very affordable.
The Golf has a turbocharged engine under the hood that is rated up to 228 horsepower and at 28-36 mpg. Inside, there’s a large cabin stuffed with top-notch materials and modern tech, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. It also has 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space, making this one ready to hit the grocery run or long weekend.
2. 2024 Kia K5
While Kia might not be the first brand that comes to mind, the K5 is a good deal at this price point for somebody looking for a good-looking, feature-packed car. Consumer Reports revealed the K5 is among the most reliable Kia cars on the market. The standard turbo engine produces up to 180 horsepower, and fuel economy is 27-37 mpg. Its modern design, quality materials and interior are just as good as (if not better than) its more expensive competitors.
Things that work in its favor are its advanced safety systems and intuitive infotainment setup, which makes it an ideal choice for any driver. The K5 has estimated maintenance costs of around $4,000 over ten years, and it proves you don’t have to spend big for great value.
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3. 2022 BMW X1
Loo said European cars like this distinguish themselves through the “use of advanced materials, which is evident in the BMW X1. One reason this car is so durable is because it’s built with advanced materials like lightweight aluminum alloys in frames and high-strength glass for windshields. The car has a reliability score of 86 out of 100, and was named the best small Premium SUV of 2022, according to J.D. Power.
The car comes with a turbocharged engine that supplies up to 228 horsepower and fuel economy ratings of about 24-34 mpg. Its interior is airy and elegantly fitted out with the newest technology, the BMW iDrive infotainment system included. The X1’s estimated depreciation after five years is around $12,281. This car is excellent, especially since the X1 is loaded with luxury at a price that won’t strain your finances.
4. 2023 Audi A3
The 2023 Audi A3 is a compact luxury sedan that’s all about fun and tech-savvy features. This compact luxury vehicle combines style with performance, and has earned an impressive reliability rating of 82/100 from J.D. Power. The peppy turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivers 201 horsepower. You can enjoy a spirited drive while achieving up to 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.
Inside, you’ll find a stylish cabin with high-quality materials, plus a 10.1-inch touchscreen that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity. Safety features like forward collision warning and lane departure assist come standard, making it a smart choice. Although the trunk space is limited to 10.9 cubic feet, the A3 has a great ride and luxury feel.
5. 2023 Volvo S60
Dillan recommended the 2024 Volvo S60 as one of the most durable European cars to last a decade. This luxury sedan is not just known for its durability, but also its advanced safety features. With a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 247 horsepower, it offers a balanced performance while achieving an estimated 28-30 mpg combined.
Safety remains a priority for this brand with Volvo’s IntelliSafe system. This system includes automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. Dillan said the S60 may last over a decade with careful care, making it a great investment for durability and style.
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