Given that renowned brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi have been around for over a century, one might expect they’d have perfected the art of making automobiles that are truly bulletproof and virtually indestructible by now.
However, the reality is quite different. German cars, particularly those in the luxury segment, are infamous for having higher maintenance costs compared to their Asian or American counterparts.
As a result, while modern German cars may not always rank as the most reliable options available, there are still certain models that stand out for offering superior durability compared to others.
The allure of German automobiles is undeniable. In many respects, they provide a level of refinement and performance that many of their competitors simply cannot match.
However, like anything of high quality, this performance comes at a price—and that price can place a significant burden on your wallet. So, is it worth the investment? If you have the funds to spare, then absolutely yes!
Still, even for those willing to spend, it’s only natural to want to minimize the need for costly repairs and avoid breakdowns whenever possible (even though they are, at times, unavoidable).
With that in mind, join us as we take a closer look at ten reliable German cars on the used market that are well worth considering for a deal in 2025.
2012 Mercedes-Benz C350
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C350 sedan, part of the facelifted W204 generation (2008-2015), is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission.
It generates 302 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, with the option for either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD). The C350 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds when equipped with AWD, and it has a top speed of 130 mph.
Known for its reliability, the W204 C350 features a naturally aspirated V-6 engine that is simpler and less costly to maintain compared to the turbocharged, mild-hybrid engines in modern Mercedes models.
The C300, with its 228 horsepower, offers less power but still delivers an acceptable level of performance for a luxury sedan, with the V-6 engine providing a pleasant rev.
Priced under $10,000, a well-maintained W204 C300/350 can serve you for many years with relatively low upkeep costs, especially when compared to the BMW 3-Series of the same era.
2015 Mini Cooper S
The 2015 Mini Cooper S features a 2.0-liter turbocharged B48 inline-four engine, paired with either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.
This engine produces 189 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, powering the front wheels and allowing the Cooper S to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds.
Its top speed is electronically limited to 126 mph. The B48 engine, introduced in the F56 Mini Cooper S model, is a significant improvement over previous engines, offering better durability and design.
The closed-deck construction of the engine block is one of the key enhancements that set it apart. While not entirely flawless, the B48 remains the most reliable turbocharged engine in any MINI model to date, and for under $10,000, the 2015 Cooper S offers excellent value for a compact, reliable, and performance-driven car.
2015 Volkswagen GTI
The 2015 Volkswagen GTI is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. With the Performance Package, it produces 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, and the front-wheel-drive (FWD) hatchback accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds.
The top speed is electronically limited to 125 mph. Despite the 2025 hot hatch market being a mere shadow of its former self, the 2015 GTI continues to stand out for its seamless combination of practicality and performance.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged EA888 engine, which has been in production since 2008, is one of the most refined and durable turbocharged engines available.
Although the EA888 has its quirks, this Mk7 GTI offers tremendous value for under $10,000, providing excellent performance without the need to spend excessive amounts of money.
2016 Porsche Cayman
The 2016 Porsche Cayman features a 2.7-liter flat-six engine, available with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK transmission.
The engine delivers 275 horsepower and 213 lb-ft of torque, and the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) coupe can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds, with a top speed of 165 mph.
While many enthusiasts believe that a Cayman S or the more performance-focused GTS, or even the race-ready GT4, would be ideal for maximum driving enjoyment, the base model Cayman offers stunning performance, exceptional quality, and outstanding reliability.
Its 2.7-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine delivers 275 horsepower effortlessly, making it more than capable for most drivers.
Although the newer turbocharged 718 generation Cayman and Boxster models are also reliable, their maintenance costs have increased significantly compared to the simpler, naturally aspirated engines found in the 981 generation.
2016 BMW 340i
The 2016 BMW 340i is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine, available with either an 8-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual.
This engine produces 322 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, and the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sedan can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph, which is electronically limited.
The introduction of the B58 inline-six in 2016 was a game-changer for BMW, offering a significant improvement over the previous N-Series turbocharged engines, which had been plagued by reliability issues.
The B58 engine has proven to be a much more refined and robust platform, and while the F30 3-Series is not perfect, the combination of the B58 engine and this generation of the 3-Series makes it a strong contender when it comes to value and reliability.
2018 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe
The 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera Coupe features a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine, delivering 370 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque.
This engine is paired with either a 7-speed PDK or a 6-speed manual transmission, and the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) model can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 182 mph.
While no 991.2 Porsche 911 model could be considered cheap to maintain—given the costs of replacing parts—few vehicles can match the 991.2 Porsche 911 in terms of overall quality.
The 2018 model earned a remarkable 92/100 J.D. Power score, the highest ever achieved by any Porsche model.
The 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged engine in the base Carrera is so under-stressed that it remains highly reliable in stock form, leading to long-term durability and making the 2018 Porsche 911 Carrera a solid choice for those willing to invest in a premium sports car.
2018 Mercedes E 300 Sedan
The 2018 Mercedes E 300 Sedan is equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivers 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, with the option for either all-wheel drive (AWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD).
The E 300 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph, which is electronically limited. The 2018 model is notable for being the last year before Mercedes introduced mild-hybrid technology across its lineup in 2019.
While the hybrid technology brought efficiency improvements, it also added complexity, higher maintenance costs, and raised questions about long-term reliability.
This makes the 2018 model a significant turning point for the brand, especially since, even in 2025, mild-hybrid systems remain unproven in terms of longevity.
2019 Audi A4
The 2019 Audi A4, part of the fifth generation (2017-2024), is powered by the 2.0-liter turbocharged EA888 inline-four engine, which is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
This engine produces 248 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, and the all-wheel-drive (AWD) sedan can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, with a top speed of 130 mph.
The 2018 Audi A4 has aged well, and there are few notable complaints about the vehicle aside from the high cost of parts when repairs are needed.
In essence, the Audi A4 can be seen as a more refined version of the Volkswagen GTI, which, while offering a luxurious driving experience, also comes with the downside of expensive repairs.
However, the Evo 3 variant of the EA888 engine in the 2018 A4 achieved an excellent 5/5 Reliability Verdict from Consumer Reports, a score it shares with the updated 2023 A4 model, underscoring its overall dependability.
2022 BMW M340i
The 2022 BMW M340i is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine producing 386 horsepower at 5800 RPM and 398 lb-ft of torque at 1800 RPM. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering a fuel economy of 29 MPG combined.
The M340i can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in just 4.1 seconds and has a top speed of 155 MPH, which is electronically limited. In comparison, the 330i model has a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 255 horsepower at 5000 RPM and 295 lb-ft of torque at 1550 RPM.
It shares the same 8-speed automatic transmission as the M340i and achieves 31 MPG combined. The 330i accelerates from 0-60 MPH in 5.4 seconds, with a top speed of 155 MPH, also limited.
The G20 3-Series received a facelift (LCI) model in 2022, marking the first significant update to the B58 inline-six engine since 2018.
However, the most significant change to the 3-Series was the introduction of the BMW Curved Display, which became standard across the sedan lineup. This technological upgrade raised the interior’s tech level, establishing the facelifted G20 generation as a worthy successor to the F30.
In terms of performance and fuel efficiency, the turbocharged inline-six M340i stands out, delivering better efficiency than the 330i, particularly given the noticeable performance gap between the two. Between the two models, the M340i is the obvious choice for those looking for a balance of power and fuel economy.
2023 Audi A5
The 2023 Audi A5, featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine paired with a mild hybrid system, delivers 261 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque.
It comes with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and an all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. The A5 can accelerate from 0-60 MPH in 5.0 seconds and has a top speed of 130 MPH, electronically limited.
The engine features the Evo 4 update of the EA888 turbo-four, making it one of the most advanced turbocharged engines in the market for 2025. Although Audi’s mild-hybrid system is still in its early stages, the Evo 4 engine is considered the most refined version of Volkswagen’s turbo-four engine.
The 2022 and 2023 Audi A5 models have both received a perfect 5/5 reliability rating from Consumer Reports, the best for their generation, though the long-term durability of the mild-hybrid system remains to be seen.