Experts interviewed by socialbites.ca suggest that cars with simple designs and without turbochargers, robotic transmissions, or a lot of electronic components tend to cause fewer problems for owners.
“The more elements there are in a design, the higher the chance of something failing—this is a basic rule of technology,” explains Alexander Pakhomov, chairman of the Automobile Services Association, to socialbites.ca. “There is no 100% reliability in nature, but an assembly of more parts will be less reliable, even if each part is highly rated.”
This principle applies to any major automotive component and system that shapes driver and passenger comfort, including the engine, transmission, chassis, and available options. As a result, a car with a simpler design, all else equal, tends to be more dependable than a modern, feature-laden model. This often translates into lower repair costs.
Manufacturers plan for a baseline reliability, yet real-world performance is sometimes best understood through published statistics. The German automotive association ADAC shares this view, underscoring that more diverse elements, whether electronic or mechanical, typically raise maintenance costs compared with simpler configurations. In a related view, Volvo Car Avilon Gazeta’s service and parts manager, Pavel Konstantinov, notes that models with fewer moving parts usually require less upkeep.
In recent years, diesel engines have lost some of their fuel-saving appeal as diesel prices have climbed in many markets. This shift alters the cost calculus for buyers who once favored diesel power for efficiency. Expert summaries reflect that fuel cost is no longer the dominant consideration for many shoppers; total ownership costs matter more in today’s market.
Even basic maintenance becomes more intricate for all-wheel-drive vehicles that feature transfer cases and extra drive shafts. By contrast, front-wheel-drive layouts place essential, high-demand components toward the front, where they can be serviced more easily. If a car has keyless entry, multiple electronic driver aids, and similar features, maintenance can become technically more challenging.
When choosing models and configurations, the recommendation is to favor naturally aspirated engines, manual transmissions, or classic hydromechanical automatics, especially in fleets that include taxis or corporate cars, according to Yang Haytseer, vice president of the National Automobile Association. The idea is to prioritize proven, durable designs that have demonstrated reliable performance in real-world use.
According to Heitzeer, high-end vehicles like certain Porsche, premium Range Rover, and BMW models tend to be expensive to repair when failures occur because they pack a lot of electronics. He emphasizes that while these cars offer comfort and luxury, they are more prone to electronic-related issues, making maintenance a bigger consideration for owners. For these reasons, a move toward mass-market models that are simpler and robust can be appealing for many customers, especially in markets with varied road quality and infrastructure. Reliable, budget-friendly options such as Renault Logan and Sandero, along with Skoda variants with simpler, less turbocharged powertrains, are highlighted as solid choices in value-focused segments.
The specialist also advises avoiding small displacement turbo engines, as well as robotic transmissions and continuously variable transmissions when possible. Even though an older, classic automatic transmission might be less sophisticated, it often delivers a higher margin of safety than some modern, more complex designs. Yet premium cars can still offer dependable performance if they rely on durable, well-understood systems.
As for electric vehicles, when conditions permit, they can lower maintenance and repair costs. Timely replacements of components like timing belts or spark plugs are not needed in many electric models, and the frequency of engine-related failures tends to be lower compared with traditional internal combustion engines, according to Roman Timashov, director of after-sales service at Avtodom Altufyevo. This perspective reflects a broader trend toward simpler, cleaner powertrains that minimize ongoing upkeep while delivering reliable operation in suitable environments.