German cars are among the most desirable in the world. Many of them have rolled off production lines for over 40 years. These include legendary models such as the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Many German cars have racked up an enormous number of miles over their lifetime.

Why? They got built to last and to pass from one generation to the next. It is therefore little wonder that many people choose German built vehicles, as they are always considered a long-term investment in reliability and value. The following top ten list will look at some of the best German vehicles ever made, based upon their reliability.

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10 Mercedes-Benz C-Class W202

Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Via Mercedes

If you're looking for a reliable car that will get you where you need to go without breaking down, this is the one for you. This is a car that you can trust to do everything you want it to do, and then some.

The C-Class has been a workhorse for the company, and it's been in production for over 40 years. It's got a long history of being reliable and over-engineered, and it's easy to find parts for it if you need them.

9 Volkswagen Passat (2015 And Up)

Volkswagen Passat GTE station wagon on country road in daylight
Via Volkswagen

The Passat is another German car that's known for its dependability. VW launched it in 1973, but the newest 2015 models have received the highest reliability scores and have been praised by owners for their dependability.

They built the Passat on VW's modular MQB platform, which means they're built to last, and they do. You'll rarely see one with any kind of mechanical problem unless there was some kind of abuse involved.

8 BMW E30 3 Series

Black 1988 BMW 320is E30 Rear Profile
Via BMW

The BMW E30 3 Series is one of the most reliable German cars ever made, but there are a few reasons why it's so dependable. First, the E30 has a simple design. This means that it's easy to maintain and repair and will last longer than complex designs.

Second, this car was specifically built for durability. It has a strong engine and body structure that can withstand high mileage and harsh conditions. Finally, the E30 is easy to work on thanks to its straightforward design – any mechanic can perform repairs on the car without needing special tools or training.

7 Volkswagen Golf MK1

1974 Volkswagen Golf MKI
Volkswagen

The Volkswagen Golf MK1 is so reliable because it's a simple machine. It doesn't try to be anything more than what it is – a small hatchback with room for five people, lots of cargo space, and an engine that gets great gas mileage while still giving you plenty of power on the road.

It's reliable because it gets the job done without any overcomplicated parts, and sometimes that's all anyone needs in their life.

6 Mercedes-Benz Diesel W123

Black 1978 Mercedes-Benz 240D W123
Via Bring a Trailer

The Mercedes-Benz W123 is one of the best-selling cars ever made by the German automaker, and it's not hard to see why. The diesel W123 models have a very long life, which means that you can expect to keep them for years without any problems.

The reason these cars were so reliable is that high-quality parts and very few electrical components got used in the build, which meant that they would last for years without having any major issues or breakdowns.

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5 Mercedes-Benz Diesel W201

1987 Mercedes-Benz 190 E W201
Via Wikimedia

They built the Mercedes-Benz W201 between 1983 and 1993, and it is widely regarded by many as the last luxury Mercedes-Benz. Despite its age, it's still considered one of the most reliable cars made by Mercedes, and even more reliable than its newest models.

The diesel W201 had to be tough enough to survive on rough roads and in harsh climates, but also luxurious enough for wealthy customers looking for something more than just a basic sedan. It had to be both, and it succeeded admirably.

4 Porsche Cayman

2009 Porsche Cayman, Red, In Action
Porsche

The Porsche Cayman is reliable because they made it from high-quality materials, and designed it as a track car that should get driven hard.

The interior is well-made, and the engine won't let you down, not to mention that it has great reviews from most owners for being reliable and easy to maintain.

3 Mercedes-Benz Diesel W124

1991-1994 Mercedes-Benz 500E W124
Via Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz diesel W124 is one of the most reliable cars ever made, not just in the German manufacturing category, but for all cars ever made.

This is a car that has stood the test of time. Its engine has been reported to go over 300,000 miles with little attention needed besides regular oil changes. They launched it in 1984, and it is still driven today, even though it's over 30 years old. It's hard to find an owner who doesn't love this car, and with good reason – they have built it to last.

2 Volkswagen Bus

Volkswagen Bus Fest campervan, front profile view, blue
Via Volkswagen

From the moment they launched it in 1950, the Volkswagen Bus has been one of the most reliable cars on the road. The design of its engine is simple, making it very effective and reliable.

VW designed it with simple parts that were easily replaceable if it broke down, and the cost to maintain these cars is extremely low. Because these parts were so easy to replace, drivers could fix them themselves instead of having to take their buses back to garages for repairs every few months.

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1 Volkswagen Beetle

1969 Volkswagen Beetle
Via Bring a Trailer

The Beetle, which is basically just a smaller version of the Bus, has been around since 1945. The reason they're so reliable is that they got built with many parts that are easy to replace and fix. They also have simple engines that are easy to work on.

Over the years, the Beetle has become one of the most popular cars ever produced by Volkswagen, and it's still driven today by many enthusiasts that love its simple design and stylish looks.

Sources: What Car, Mercedes-Benz, Automotive Manufacturing Solutions, BMW Tuning, Classics World, Classic and Sports car, With Clutch, Still Running Strong, My Repair Pal, Car Parts, VW, Smithsonian Mag