UK’s most reliable used cars revealed by What Car?
The UK’s most and least reliable used cars have been revealed, with the Lexus CT named as the country’s most reliable second-hand purchase, as part of new research by the UK’s leading consumer champion and new car buying platform, What Car?
More than 18,000 drivers took part in the survey, revealing how reliable their cars have been over the previous 12 months, the type of problems they’ve encountered and how much they cost to be repaired.
Japanese manufacturers dominate the top 10 table for most reliable vehicles, occupying seven out of the 10 positions. The Lexus CT was voted as the UK’s most reliable used purchase by owners, with a 99.5% reliability rating. Only 4% of CT owners reported a fault with their vehicle, with the battery the only area affected. The Suzuki Swift and Toyota Auris Hybrid came second and third.
Across all vehicles, a third of owners told What Car? their car had suffered a fault, with non-engine electrical issues most common, followed by suspension and brake woes. However, 19% of owners said the manufacturer picked up the repair bill under warranty.
Steve Huntingford, editor of What Car?, said: “Reliability is often at the forefront of any vehicle purchase. With nearly eight million used vehicles sold last year*, there is huge scope for things to go wrong. By shining a light on the reliability of various makes and models, we hope to help buyers make the right decision when choosing their next used purchase.”
The 10 most reliable used cars
| Make and Model | What Car? reliability rating |
| Lexus CT (2011 – present) | 99.5% |
| Suzuki Swift (2010 – 2017) | 98.6% |
| Toyota Auris Hybrid (2013 – present) | 98.5% |
| Honda Civic (2012 – 2017) | 97.8% |
| Peugeot 107 (2005 – 2014) | 97.8% |
| Lexus RX (2009 – 2016) | 97.7% |
| Toyota RAV4 (2013 – 2019) | 97.6% |
| Fiat Panda (2012 – present) | 96.0% |
| Skoda Yeti diesel (2009 – 2017) | 96.0% |
| Honda CR-V (2012 – 2018) | 95.9% |