The average age of vehicles on the road has risen to 11.5 years, up from 10 years in 2008, according to IHS Automotive. As vehicle replacement cycles grow, reliability remains the most important consideration for consumers when purchasing a new vehicle based on survey data from J.D. Power's recently released Initial Quality Study.
The annual J.D. Power Initial Quality Study examines problems experienced by original vehicle owners within the first 90 days of ownership and provides a ranking based on the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles. Kia ranked highest in initial quality at the brand level for 2016. This ends Porsche's three-year streak at the top and marks the first time in 27 years that a non-luxury brand topped the charts for initial quality.
According to J.D. Power, there is a direct correlation between brand loyalty and initial quality with 54 per cent of owners staying with the same brand for their next vehicle if they did not experience any problems in the first 90 days . In contrast, brand loyalty drops to 45 per cent for those who experience three or more problems in that period.
Fierce competition between auto makers means that high quality vehicles can no longer be an exclusive feature of premium brands. The vehicles featured this week represent both best-in-class quality and noteworthy savings for consumers:
2017 Kia Sportage
While Kia topped the ranks for initial quality as a brand, the Sportage also placed highest for best initial quality within the small SUV segment. Standard features of the 2017 Sportage include a 5-inch LCD audio display (7-inch display available), Bluetooth hands free connectivity and rear-view camera. Cash purchasers can take advantage of a $500 manufacturer incentive on the 2017 Sportage (as compared to zero in June). Financing for up to 60 months is available at 0.99 per cent (as compared to 1.99 per cent in June) and leasing for up to 48 months is available at 2.9 per cent.
2017 Kia Sportage LX 4WD
- MSRP: $26,995
- Manufacturer incentive: $500
- Estimated dealer discount: $500
- Freight, PDI, government fees: $1,865
- Cash purchase price before tax: $27,860
- Finance for 60 months at 0.99 per cent interest for $548 per month (assumes zero down payment)
- Lease for 48 months at 2.9 per cent interest for $380 per month including tax (assumes a 20,000 annual kilometre allowance and zero down payment)
2016 Audi Q3
The 2016 Q3 ranked best for initial quality amongst small premium SUVs. Standard equipment for this compact crossover includes a 200 horsepower engine coupled to a six-speed Tiptronic transmission, leather seating surfaces and panoramic glass roof. Cash purchasers can take advantage of a $1,850 manufacturer incentive on the 2016 Q3 while finance and lease customers are eligible for an $850 rebate. Financing for up to 60 months is available at 1.9 per cent and leasing for 48 months is available at 2.9 per cent.
2016 Audi Q3 2.0 TFSI Quattro Komfort Tiptronic
- MSRP: $36,800
- Manufacturer incentive: $1,850
- Estimated dealer discount: $1,000
- Freight, PDI, government fees: $2,235
- Cash purchase price before tax: $36,185
- Finance for 60 months at 1.9 per cent interest for $735 per month including tax (includes an $850 manufacturer incentive applied before tax and assumes zero down payment)
- Lease for 48 months at 2.9 per cent interest for $478 per month including tax (includes an $850 manufacturer incentive, assumes a 20,000 annual kilometre allowance and zero down payment)
2016 Nissan Frontier
The 2016 Frontier ranked best for initial quality amongst midsize pickups. Standard equipment for the Frontier PRO-4X Crew Cab includes seating for five, navigation system with 5.8-inch colour touch-screen monitor and Nissan’s Advanced Air Bag System with dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant-classification sensors. Cash purchasers can take advantage of a $1,000 manufacturer incentive on the Frontier Crew Cab while lease customers are eligible for a $1,500 rebate. Financing for up to 60 months is available at 0.49 per cent and leasing for up to 60 months is available at 1.99 per cent.
2016 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X Crew Cab 4x4 Automatic
- MSRP: $36,258
- Manufacturer incentive: $1,000
- Estimated dealer discount: $1,000
- Freight, PDI, government fees: $1,935
- Cash purchase price before tax: $37,193
- Finance for 60 months at 0.49 per cent interest for $709 per month including tax (assumes zero down payment)
- Lease for 48 months at 1.99 per cent interest for $447 per month including tax (includes a $1,500 manufacturer incentive and assumes a 20,000 annual kilometre allowance and zero down payment)
2016 Scion tC
The 2016 tC ranked best for initial quality amongst compact sporty cars. Standard features for this coupe include panoramic sunroof and audio system with 7-inch touchscreen display. Cash purchase, finance and lease customers can take advantage of a $1,500 after-tax manufacturer incentive on the 2016 tC. Financing for 60 months is available at 0.49 per cent and leasing for 48 months is available at 0.99 per cent.
2016 Scion tC 6-Speed Automatic
- MSRP: $23,685
- Manufacturer incentive: $1,500 (after-tax)
- Estimated dealer discount: $300
- Freight, PDI, government fees: $1,835
- Cash purchase price before tax: $23,720
- Finance for 60 months at 0.49 per cent interest for $456 per month including tax (includes a $1,500 manufacturer incentive applied after tax and assumes zero down payment)
- Lease for 48 months at 0.99 per cent interest for $312 per month including tax (includes a $1,500 manufacturer incentive, assumes a 20,000 annual kilometre allowance and zero down payment)
Andrew Tai is CEO of Unhaggle
Pricing and calculations are based on Ontario customers and subject to availability of inventory. Please note that while the information above is accurate at the time of publication, pricing, incentives, and discounts may vary and are subject to change or discontinuation at any time. Dealer discounts are estimates and may be given at the discretion of individual dealers. Consult your local dealership for details.
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