Obviously there may be problems with the car in the first year, but are they usually fixed in the second year? The third?
Consumer Reports has found that this is often the case, where a newly introduced car will have quality problems during its first year of production. Nuisances like electrical gremlins and body and rattle noises pop up over the first model year of a new car, but CR has found that these “growing pains” tend to subside after the second and third years of production.
In a 2005 study that focused on 79 new car models from 2000 to 2002, Consumer Reports reported that new and redesigned models averaged 41 problems per 100 vehicle in their first year, while second- and third-year examples have 33 and 29 problems, respectively, per 100 vehicles.
A model typically scores the highest reliability ratings when it’s in the final years before a redesign. There are exceptions, and some cars will have higher than average reliability right off the bat, including certain Toyota, Honda and Scion models.
An automaker isn’t going to stick you with paying for these repairs. Most will be covered by the new-car warranty, but it is inconvenient taking the car into the shop every time one of these problems shows up. For some, though, the inconvenience may be worth having the latest, trendiest new model.
You can find quality ratings in the Cars.com Research section.
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It may be a very minor point, but some "new" models are only new to the US. There are a few new models that have been proven overseas.
I bought a 1982 Volkswagen Jetta when it first issued and had no problems with it for 10 years. I bought a new 2002 Nissan Altima after a complete makeover and over 3 years of call backs one including a motor core replacement. So that is a 1 of 2 statement of buying first year models.
I think it's worse buying a car in its final model year. Yes, you can get a better deal on the very last model, however you end up with a car from a previous generation for a long time.
The two best vehicles I've purchased were the last of those particular models, a 1984 VW Jetta and a 1996 Toyota Camry. The worst vehicle ever purchased, new or used, was a 1995 Ford Windstar, the first model year of that vehicle.
I bought my last 2 cars in the beginning of the first model year. I bought a Cadillac SRX in 2004 and a GMC Acadia in April 2007. I did not have any trouble with either. The Acadia has been so great that yesterday, we traded in my wife's full size SUV for a 2nd Acadia. The Acadia handles like a car but has the comfort and feel of being in a big SUV but without all of the bulk and the lousy gas mileage.
Lil'Tom said: "It may be a very minor point, but some 'new' models are only new to the US. There are a few new models that have been proven overseas."
This isn't always the case. The Ford Focus had been in Europe for a few years before it was introduced here in the U.S. There were 12 recalls for the first year because changes were made for U.S. regulations, buyer taste, etc. However, by the third year of production, the number of recalls was down significantly.
On another note, I bought the first year production of the Mazda3 because there was nothing else on the market that could compare. I think there was 1 or 2 recalls and I have not noticed any rattles or squeaks.
The only design problem I have found is the rocker cradle(?)--the ground effect piece that runs from wheel to wheel--catches rocks easily and is getting beat up in front of the back wheel. I have no idea why Mazda never made a mudflap that would fit on this trim level that would remedy the problem.
I use the same way of thinking with ANY product I buy, not just cars... I'm glad I did not pick up the IPhone.
I had purchused a 2002 Rally Lancer (the first of the line of cars from Mits.) and it ran perfect, I had to sell it unfortunetly putting too many miles on it (had over 100,000 and only your basic wear repairs were needed.)
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When the problem is small enough and uncovered quickly manufacturers usually fix the problem during the production. So, even the same year model made in the 4th quarter is usually pretty fixed-up compare to initial production models.