Most Reliable Used Cars in the UK

A car that constantly lets you down can take the joy out of driving and make every trip feel frustrating. If you’re always worried about whether it’ll start in the morning or make it through a long journey, that’s a headache nobody wants. Unexpected repairs can also add up fast, turning ownership into a costly hassle.

Luckily, most modern cars — when properly maintained — tend to be dependable, but some brands produce the most reliable used cars on the market. If you want a car that won’t leave you stuck waiting for the AA, take a look at the most reliable car brands in the UK below.

1. Toyota

Toyota Prius

Toyota has earned a reputation for making the most reliable used cars that few manufacturers can match. It doesn’t focus on bold designs or aggressive marketing. However, when it comes to dependability, it consistently leads the way. Year after year, it ranks at the top of reliability surveys and sets a high standard for others to follow.

One of the key factors behind this success is scale — being the world’s largest carmaker allows Toyota to refine its models and address potential issues efficiently. However, the production volume is just part of it. Toyota’s philosophy of ‘continuous improvement’ means its engineers are always refining every detail.

The Toyota Prius, Corolla, Auris, and Aygo are among the strongest models in the lineup. For example, along with great fuel efficiency, the Prius is practical and keeps running costs low.

2. Kia

Kia XCeed

Kia offers excellent value, and its warranties are hard to beat. The highlight is its 10-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty — so generous that used Kias often still have coverage.

Roadside assistance is another plus, which helps with flat tyres, dead batteries, or running out of fuel. They also offer a trip interruption policy, which means if a warranty-related issue occurs more than 150 miles from home, Kia will cover some of the meals, lodging, or a rental car. With proper care, many Kias easily pass 200,000 miles, and plenty have gone beyond 250,000 while still running strong. That alone makes it one of the most reliable car brands.

As for standout models, the XCeed is a real star; the Niro and e-Niro are also praised for their solid builds. The Rio and Sportage are great choices, too — you get a strong mix of reliability and everyday practicality.

3. Hyundai

Hyundai i10

Hyundai doesn’t have the long history of some European brands, but when it comes to reliability, it’s right up there. It has a good warranty — a five-year cover on all new models — longer than what most rivals provide.

That wasn’t always the case. In the 1970s and 80s, Hyundai’s early cars were built cheaply, and it showed. But the brand put in the work. It steadily improved quality and made its cars more appealing over the years.

Hyundai has been focusing on value, practicality, and dependability since the early 1990s and went from an underdog to one of the biggest carmakers in the world. Now, sitting behind only Toyota and Kia, it’s no surprise that it regularly tops industry rankings and customer surveys for the most reliable cars. Models like the i10 and Tucson prove to be among the best.

4. Honda

Honda Jazz

Japanese car brands have built a reputation for building the most reliable cars, and Honda is no exception. Cars like the Jazz, Civic, Insight, and Accord have consistently earned high marks in owner satisfaction surveys.

What sets Honda apart is that it has done this without relying on big industry partnerships. In a world where most carmakers are part of massive global alliances, Honda has stayed independent — and it proves you don’t need to be the biggest to get things right. Their secret is a relentless focus on engineering and quality, a philosophy that’s been at the core of Honda since the 1960s. And even though it’s not a part of a huge group, Honda is hardly a small player — it’s built over 100 million cars and counting.

5. Mazda

Mazda Miata

Mazda isn’t as widely recognised for reliability as Honda or Toyota, but that’s been changing. The brand has been earning a stronger reputation for dependability, and this is reflected in its carefully crafted designs.

When it comes to ownership costs, Mazda sits comfortably in the middle. It effectively balances maintenance expenses, fuel efficiency, safety, and durability. The Miata, a longtime favourite alongside the RX-7, is known for being one of the most reliable sports cars. This is a rarity in a category not usually associated with reliability. Also, Miata’s lightweight, compact build helps keep repair costs low.

The Mazda3 hatchback has proven to be a strong performer across multiple years, particularly in 2010 and 2018. And for SUVs, the CX-9 and CX-5 have a clean track record with no recalls.

6. Suzuki

Suzuki Swift

Suzuki is known for building cars that you can count on, which means fewer surprise repairs and lower running costs for owners. And when an issue does pop up, it’s usually minor and easy to fix. Three out of four Suzuki repairs cost less than £100, and one in four doesn’t cost a thing.

However, reliability isn’t the only thing Suzuki gets right. Their warranty stretches up to seven years at no extra cost. Once the standard three-year/60,000-mile manufacturer warranty ends, all it takes is a service at a Suzuki dealer to keep the coverage going. As long as the car is serviced within the Suzuki network, the warranty keeps renewing for up to seven years or 100,000 miles.

The Swift is the most reliable car in the range, and the Ignis and Vitara are just as tough.

7. Lexus

Lexus RX

Luxury brands can struggle in customer satisfaction surveys, usually for two reasons: their cars are packed with complex technology that can cause issues, and their customers expect nothing short of perfection. Lexus owners have high expectations, too, but the difference is that the brand actually delivers.

As Toyota’s luxury division, Lexus has built a good reputation. It all started with the LS 400 in 1989 — a car designed to compete with Mercedes and BMW and one that made a serious impact.

Toyota reportedly invested over $1 billion in its development, and it delivered, earning its place among the most reliable car brands. That same commitment continues today, and Lexus consistently leads rankings while many European rivals struggle to keep up. The Lexus RX and Lexus CT are great examples of the brand’s quality.

8. Subaru

Subaru Crosstrek

Subaru builds cars that go the distance, thanks in part to its unique boxer engine. This design improves balance and efficiency, and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system provides good traction and stability in all kinds of conditions. It’s no surprise that Subaru ranks high for safety, fuel efficiency, and overall ownership costs.

The boxer engine has had some head gasket issues over the years, but with proper care, Subarus can pass the 200,000-mile mark. The factory warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles, and the powertrain is covered for five years or 60,000 miles. For added reassurance, Subaru also offers an Extended Service Agreement to help with long-term maintenance costs.

For reliability, the Crosstrek, Legacy, and Outback are some of the best choices.

9. Skoda

Skoda Karoq

Skoda has been making cars for over a century, but back in the 1980s, it was mostly known for the wrong reasons. Reliability wasn’t its strong suit, and the brand became the subject of plenty of jokes.

Things started to change in the early ‘90s when Volkswagen took over. With more investment and better engineering, Skoda set out to rebuild its reputation. It focused on making the most reliable cars that were also practical and well put together — and it paid off.

Today, Skoda shares technology with Volkswagen, Audi, and Seat, but it even scores higher in some reliability and customer satisfaction metrics. It’s proof that you don’t need a premium badge to get a well-made car that people trust. The Karoq and Yeti show how far Skoda has come.

10. Ford

Ford Explorer

Ford’s reliability is middle-of-the-road, but its lineup still has plenty to offer. As more buyers go for SUVs, models like the Focus and Fusion have taken a backseat, but the Kuga and Puma are gaining popularity. We don’t want to give you the impression that Ford is merely keeping up. It’s actually pushing forward with cars like the all-electric Mustang Mach-E and a growing range of hybrids and fuel-efficient models

Not all Fords will be the most reliable used cars, but they hold their own against Hyundai, Volkswagen, and Peugeot. The Ranger and Explorer are among the most impressive models. And even though it’s not a luxury brand, it makes up for that with plenty of features and customisation options.

11. Audi

Audi A3

Audi can be hit or miss when it comes to reliability. Some models hold up really well, and others need a bit more attention. That said, Audi presents good engineering, and plenty of their cars are built to go the distance.

The 3.0T engine is a good example — it’s complex but impressively reliable, and it delivers strong performance year after year. With regular maintenance, an Audi can easily last 10 to 13 years, sometimes even 20. Many reach 150,000 to 200,000 miles before needing major repairs.

Maintaining an Audi isn’t too tricky, but it can be pricey. High-quality parts and specialised tools mean servicing costs more than average. Still, models like the A3, A5 Sportback, and Q5 are perfect for those looking for style and performance.

12. Volvo

Volvo S60

Back in the ‘70s and ‘80s, car trouble was just part of owning a car — but Volvo was different. Volvos don’t just last like other reliable brands. They keep going strong for decades. Many have passed the half-million-mile mark, and one legendary 1966 Volvo 1800S has racked up over three million miles — that’s the equivalent of driving around the world more than 120 times.

Volvo’s commitment to safety is also a big reason why their cars hold up so well. They have reinforced steel frames, advanced driver assistance systems, and high-quality braking technology. These protect passengers and help reduce wear and tear over time.

If a brand-new Volvo isn’t in the budget, a pre-owned one is still a great investment. Models like the S60, XC60, and XC90 are the top choices.

13. Volkswagen

VW Up

Volkswagen has been making cars since 1937, so it’s safe to say they know what they’re doing when it comes to reliability.

The VW Up is a great example — don’t be fooled by its’ small size as it is still one of the most reliable used cars you can buy. The Golf and Polo have also stood the test of time and earned a devoted following thanks to their durability and everyday practicality. If you’re after something bigger, the VW T-Roc has made a name for itself as one of the best SUVs out there.

Volkswagen’s focus on quality is no accident. Starting from robust materials and extensive testing, every car is built to go the distance.

Repairs can be pricey, but they’re no worse than what you’d pay for most mainstream brands — and still more affordable than fixing an Audi or most new cars.

Conclusion

These days, most brands are pretty close when it comes to reliability, but some go the extra mile to make sure their vehicles remain the most reliable used cars for years. Hopefully, our recommendations have been useful. Now, the next step is finding and financing a reliable car with the best deal possible. For that, check out Carplus!