[kenhwang]

You're conflating cost of ownership with frequency of issues (reliability). The Germans don't break often, but when they do, it'll cost a bunch. American cars break continuously, but it's cheap and easy to fix.

[amyjess]

Also, Americans and Germans have different definitions of "reliable".

Americans define "reliable" as "runs forever on zero maintenance". Germans define "reliable" as "runs forever as long as you stick to strict maintenance schedules".

[rjplatte]

I like the antifragile definition more. Go ahead and try to kill a 2008 Crown Vic. :)

[njarboe]

Your car gets better the more you abuse it? Could be true if you replace broken parts with better ones.

[davio]

Google "Audi service position" for the visual explanation of German car repair costs