July 2026 used car reliability report.

The Warrantywise Q3 2026 reliability report brings together our latest repair request trends, Reliability Index insights and practical ownership advice to help motorists better understand the realities of used car ownership.

The data shows that used car reliability is influenced by more than purchase price. Vehicle complexity, repair costs, labour time, mileage, age and maintenance history all contribute to the ownership experience.

Whether you are buying a used car, already own one, or are approaching the end of your manufacturer warranty, understanding repair trends can help you plan ahead for potential repair costs.

Key facts at a glance:

• Toyota features four times in the top ten most reliable used vehicles.

• Several lower-scoring models are premium vehicles or large SUVs.

• EV drive battery issues do not appear in the top five Warrantywise EV repair requests.

• Software, sensors and diagnostics remain important repair areas.

• Average hourly labour rates increased by 7.87% over three years.

What the Warrantywise Reliability Index 2026 shows:

The Warrantywise Reliability Index 2026 is based on around 1.6 million data points and uses real-world repair request data from vehicles aged three to fifteen years old.

Factors including repair frequency, average vehicle age, mileage and labour time contribute to the overall score.

Are premium used cars more expensive to repair?

Premium used cars like the Range Rover Sport and BMW 7 Series often offer strong performance, comfort, advanced technology and higher-quality interiors. But when they age, they can also bring more complex systems, specialist parts and higher labour costs.

Used premium cars may look like good value compared with new, but the parts, technology and labour needed to repair them can still come with premium-level costs.

What the lower-scoring vehicles show:

According to the Warrantywise Reliability Index, several of the 10 used cars with the lowest reliability scores fall within premium or large SUV segments:

That does not mean motorists should avoid premium cars altogether. However, the data does suggest buyers should look beyond the purchase price and consider the wider cost of ownership.

Which used cars are the most reliable in 2026?

At the other end of the Reliability Index, smaller, more practical models feature strongly among the highest-scoring vehicles.

Looking at both lists together can give a more rounded view of how vehicle type, complexity and repair costs can influence reliability:

Toyota performs particularly strongly, with four models in the top ten. The highest-scoring cars also show that strong reliability can be found across a mix of practical, everyday models.

What does this mean for used car buyers?

Before buying a used car, motorists may want to consider:

• Model-level reliability, not just brand reputation.

• MOT and service history.

• Mileage and previous usage.

• Potential repair costs.

• Whether parts and specialist labour could be expensive.

• Whether the car is approaching the end of its manufacturer warranty.

Rather than suggesting one type of vehicle is better than another, the data highlights why buyers should look at the whole ownership picture, from mileage and maintenance history to repair costs and labour time.

Used car repair trends to watch:

Beyond reliability, the latest repair request data also highlights some wider themes affecting used car ownership.

This quarter, two themes stand out in the repair data: the growing role of electrical systems in modern vehicles, and the continued impact of rising labour costs on repair bills.

Why do modern cars have more electrical problems?

Electrical systems appear frequently within Warrantywise repair request data. Modern vehicles now rely on electronic control units to manage everything from engine performance and emissions to infotainment, safety systems and driver assistance technology.

While this has improved comfort, safety and efficiency, it has also changed the nature of vehicle repairs; reliability is no longer just about mechanical durability. Software, sensors, diagnostics and connected systems all play a bigger role than they used to.

As vehicles become more dependent on electronics, keeping up with regular maintenance and addressing warning lights early can help prevent minor electrical issues from becoming more disruptive.

Why have car repair costs increased?

One of the clearest ownership cost pressures is the rising cost of repairs.

Repair bills are influenced by more than parts alone. Labour rates, diagnostic time, vehicle complexity and specialist repair requirements can all affect the final cost.

Repair data from our Reliability Index shows that the average hourly labour rate quoted in repair requests increased by 7.87% over three years, rising from £104.11 in 2023 to £112.30 in 2025.

The rise in labour rates matters because even routine repairs can become more expensive when vehicles take longer to diagnose or require specialist skills. This is especially relevant for newer used cars with advanced driver assistance systems, complex electronics, hybrid systems or EV components.

What this snapshot means for motorists:

Rather than relying on reputation or purchase price alone, motorists can benefit from looking at how individual models perform over time.

A used premium car may look like good value on the forecourt, but more complex technology, specialist parts and higher labour costs can all influence the cost of keeping it on the road.

A strong service history, regular maintenance and addressing issues early can all help reduce the risk of unexpected costs further down the line.

What are the most common EV issues?

EV drive battery health matters, but it is not the only factor used EV buyers should consider. High-voltage battery repairs can be expensive, so it is understandable that many motorists focus on battery condition when considering a used EV.

However, Warrantywise EV repair request data shows that high-voltage battery issues do not appear in the top five EV repair requests.

Instead, the most regular EV repair requests in our dataset span electrical, charging and suspension systems, highlighting the range of components that can require attention over time.

For motorists considering a used EV, this highlights the importance of looking at the whole vehicle, not just the battery.

What do I need to look out for when buying a used car in 2026?

Real-world repair data gives motorists a clearer view of what can happen after they buy a used car. It can show which models are performing well, where repair costs may be higher, and which systems are appearing more regularly in repair requests.

This does not remove every risk from used car ownership – any vehicle can require repairs at any time. But better information can help drivers ask better questions, compare vehicles more carefully and prepare for the cost of ownership.

For drivers approaching the end of their manufacturer warranty, repair request data can help them understand potential future costs and consider whether an extended used car warranty could help manage future repair costs.

Conclusion:

This quarter’s snapshot shows that used car reliability is rarely shaped by one factor alone.  A vehicle’s age, mileage, maintenance history, technology and potential repair costs can influence the cost of keeping a car on the road.

For motorists, the value of repair request data is that it helps turn those factors into a clearer picture. Whether comparing models, weighing up a used EV or planning beyond a manufacturer warranty, understanding repair trends can help drivers feel better prepared for what ownership may involve.

For a quick summary of the key insights, download the Quarterly Repair Snapshot PDF.

You can also get a quote today to see whether a Warrantywise warranty plan is right for your vehicle.

Reliability Index scores are based on historical repair request data, including repair frequency, average vehicle age, mileage and labour time between Jan 2023 and Jan 2026. The data includes vehicles aged three to fifteen years old, with a minimum of 250 vehicles on plan per model. Dataset contains over 1.6 million data points. Average repair request values reflect the data period analysed. Ongoing increases in labour and parts costs may affect future repair costs. All data is sourced from Warrantywise’s internal Reliability Index and is believed to be accurate at the time of publication. Warrantywise may update this information as new Index data becomes available.