Q: Are all-wheel-drive cars less reliable than front or rear wheel drive cars? I’m looking at a new car and want the most reliable one I can find, as I keep my cars for many years. I’d like an all-wheel-drive car for the winter but don’t want to end up with higher maintenance costs. What should I look for? — Donna in Portland, Maine
A: All-wheel-drive vehicles are nearly as reliable as any mainstream vehicle, thanks to modern technologies, materials and viscous couplings as well as electronic controls. Four-wheel-drive vehicles (vehicles that use mechanical transfer cases, such as pickups and large SUVs) tend to have higher maintenance costs over their lifetimes because of component wear and type of use. You can be confident that any all-wheel-drive car (sedan, compact, etc.) you purchase should provide trouble-free service over its lifetime as long as you perform regular maintenance.
The only extra costs you might consider with all-wheel-drive cars are slightly more tire wear and less fuel economy.