For the second year running, Warrantywise is sharing reliability data for the ‘Top 10 Most Popular Used Cars in the UK’ (based on the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT)) [1].
Using our unique Reliability Index, we’ve analysed real repair data to give you a clear picture of how these cars hold up over time and reflect what’s really happening in the UK’s used car market.
These are the 10 most purchased second-hand car models in the UK, ranked for reliability based on Warrantywise repair data over the last three years.
For each car on the list, Warrantywise provides an overall Reliability Score out of 100, plus other key insights and information such as each model’s most frequent repair request (what’s most likely to go wrong with it), average repair cost (how much it’s likely to cost on average to fix it) and each model’s average age and mileage at the point it needed the repair.
At Warrantywise, we know how important reliability is when it comes to choosing your next car, so whether you drive a Ford Fiesta, a Nissan Qashqai or even a BMW 3 Series, we provide a wealth of data on our Index so you can make the best choice possible when purchasing your next used car.
What was new in 2024? Key reliability insights…
Repair costs on the rise for all models:
Most obvious and somewhat concerning from our data is an indication that average repair costs are on the rise for all models on the list. This means drivers were paying more on average to have their cars repaired in 2024 than they were the previous year.
The data shows an average repair cost rise of 17.2% across the eight models on the list that provide comparative data from a year earlier (excludes. MINI and BMW 1 Series – please see ** note at bottom of page).
These findings make one thing clear – repair costs are going up, and that’s something all car owners are noticing. With maintenance becoming more expensive, savvy car owners are looking for extra protection to avoid unexpected bills, and choosing an extended used car warranty is a great solution.
Vauxhall Astra & Ford Fiesta see the highest increase in average repair cost:
The Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Astra models see the steepest rise in average repair costs, their figures leaping by £228 (+25.3%) and £234 (+27.8%). The Vauxhall Corsa follows its stablemate’s lead – albeit not quite as enthusiastically – showing average repair cost rises of £123 (+20.4%).
Unlike the Vauxhall pair, the Ford Focus deviates from the Fiesta in this metric. Ford’s flagship small family hatchback actually represents one of the lower average repair price rises (£169 / +14.6%). However, the ‘Lowest Increase in Average Repair Cost Award’ comfortably goes to the Volkswagen Polo, rising by just +2.8% (£22).
Also noteworthy – perhaps even surprising – here is the BMW 3-Series, which the data indicates has had a relatively modest average repair price increase of £136, just +10.4%.
Other models worthy of mention in terms of more significant increases include the VW Golf (£189 / +18.7% – in contrast with the Polo), and the Nissan Qashqai (£194 / +17.7%).
Real-World Scenario: Meet Natalie, a 23-year-old professional looking to replace her car:
Natalie commutes to work each day and has had enough of her mum’s old, unreliable 1990s Citroen. It was great at first, and didn’t cost her anything to buy! – But now it has started letting her down on a weekly basis as it reaches the end of its life.
So, Natalie is looking to pick up a decent used car on a modest budget as she doesn’t have much disposable income, with reliability the single biggest factor of concern. Now, she’s pretty likely to buy one of the smaller cars on the SMMT’s list of most popular used cars (just like many others!) – but has no idea about how reliable they are or what is likely to go wrong with each of them.
Luckily, the solution to her problem is simple: Natalie heads over to the Warrantywise Reliability Index, which she finds is bursting with incredibly useful information for someone in her position.
Within an hour, Natalie has figured out which one is best for her. Well done Natalie – don’t forget to protect yourself with a warranty!
Repair requests: A brand issue?
An interesting takeaway from our data is that both Vauxhall and Volkswagen models in the top 10 share the same most common repair issue.
Vauxhall Astra and Corsa owners most frequently report clutch-related repairs. Volkswagen Polo and Golf drivers, on the other hand, see the most issues with their cooling systems.
For comparison, BMW – the only other brand with more than one model in the Top 10 (1-Series & 3-Series) shows a mix of common repairs, with the 1-Series experiencing more clutch issues, while the 3-Series tends to have suspension problems.
Top two models on the list see the most regular repair request change:
Our latest data shows an interesting shift in repair trends for the UK’s two most popular used cars.
For 2024, both the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa have a new most common repair issue, making them the only two models in the Top 10 to see a change from last year.
Every other car on the list has either kept the same most frequent repair request or is new to the rankings this year.
Concluding comment from Warrantywise Managing Director, Anthony Diggins:
“Our latest Reliability Index data from 2024 reveals some key trends for car owners to be aware of. With repair costs continuing to rise, it’s something all motorists will need to consider, especially given the wider economic challenges and inflation in the UK.
That said, our data offers valuable insights for anyone looking to buy a used car or wanting to understand the potential repair issues with their current vehicle. We implore drivers to check the latest Reliability Index from Warrantywise if they’re looking to buy a new-to-them used vehicle, to give a real-world indication of reliability.”
It is also a reminder that cars are complex machines; even the most reliable ones can develop faults – no vehicle is completely immune. That’s why wise drivers make the smart choice to safeguard themselves against unexpected repair bills with an extended used car warranty, for when it matters most.”
Drive wise, everyone.