The UK used car market has reached a five-year high, with nearly two million used vehicles sold in Q1 2024 alone.
To help drivers make the best choice when buying their next used car, leading car warranty provider Warrantywise has released its latest Reliability Index – a comprehensive ranking revealing the best and worst performing cars for reliability.
Key facts at a glance:
- Ford Fiesta is the most popular used car in Q1 2024
- The demand for used cars is at a five-year high
- Buying a reliable used car is crucial to avoid unexpected repair bills
- Warrantywise is consistently rated highly for its transparent repair request process and exceptional customer-first service
The Ford Fiesta’s enduring appeal is clear. With high volumes of warranties sold, it continues to dominate the used car market. Earlier this year, Warrantywise revealed that the Ford Fiesta was the most loved vehicle it had on plan.
According to the SMMT, the Fiesta was the most popular used car in Q1 2024. It also ranked as the most reliable car in our Warrantywise Reliability Index.
Using repair data from thousands upon thousands of vehicles on plan, our Reliability Index allocates an ‘Overall Reliability Score (ORS)’ to every make and model, giving consumers the best insights into the reliability of cars available in the UK.
The UK’s most popular and reliable used car:
The Warrantywise Reliability Index reinforces the Ford Fiesta’s reputation for durability, awarding it an impressive overall score of 70/100. As the most popular choice among Warrantywise customers, the Fiesta proves its reliability through a low average repair cost and an average repair age of eight years, giving drivers long-term peace of mind in today’s unpredictable market.
The UK’s used car market continues to grow, with purchases rising 6.5% in Q1 2024 alone. In this fast-moving sector, drivers are turning to trusted models like the Ford Fiesta, known for their affordability and dependability. With unexpected repair costs a growing concern, choosing a car warranty has never been more important to protect your investment and drive with confidence.
Lawrence Whittaker, CEO of Warrantywise, commented: “It’s great to see not only the used car market at a five-year high, but also the Ford Fiesta to top yet another chart. It has always been a favourite among used car buyers, and recent insight only reinforces its status as a trusted option when looking for a used car.
“The latest figures from the SMMT underscore the unique challenges we face today. We’re still navigating the aftermath of the pandemic and grappling with an economic downturn that sees costs escalating at every turn. This has led to a surge in demand for used cars as consumers opt for more budget-friendly options over purchasing new vehicles. Cars like the beloved Ford Fiesta.
“Many of the used cars are sold at independent dealers, rather than main dealerships, or fall outside the manufacturer’s warranty coverage. I cannot stress enough how important it is to ensure that these vehicles are protected with a used car warranty to prevent unexpected bills.”
The UK’s Most Popular Cars in Q1 2024, with Reliability Scores from Warrantywise:
| Position | Most popular used cars sold in Q1 2024 | Overall Warrantywise Reliability Index Score /100 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ford Fiesta | 70/100 |
| 2 | Vauxhall Corsa | 68/100 |
| 3 | Ford Focus | 59/100 |
| 4 | Volkswagen Golf | 63/100 |
| 5 | MINI **** | n/a |
| 6 | Vauxhall Astra | 60/100 |
| 7 | BMW 3 Series | 65/100 |
| 8 | Volkswagen Polo | 69/100 |
| 9 | Nissan Qashqai | 57/100 |
| 10 | Audi A3 | 64/100 |
As consumer priorities evolve, the Ford Fiesta’s blend of popularity and proven reliability secures its position as a standout in the UK used car market. When paired with a car warranty, drivers can navigate the challenges of ownership with confidence – protecting their investment and ensuring financial peace of mind in uncertain times.
Since 2000, Warrantywise has sold over one million extended car warranty plans, making it one of the UK’s most trusted providers. With a focus on cost-effective protection, exceptional customer service and complete transparency, Warrantywise continues to earn outstanding feedback, reflected in our Excellent Trustpilot rating.
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Sources and disclaimers
** Rank is measured by repair request frequency, average vehicle age at time of fault, average mileage and average labour time, from 1 January 2020 – 30 September 2023
*** Average repair costs collated over a period between 1 January 2020 and 30 September 2023. Since the sample was selected, Warrantywise has seen a significant rise in the price of labour and parts, which will impact future repair costs
**** Please note, the SMMT does not report on MINI models, and so Warrantywise cannot provide model-specific reliability data
All data used is from Warrantywise’s proprietary internal research. Warrantywise believes the information contained herein to be accurate at the time of release. However, the company may upload new or updated information if required and assumes that it is not liable for the accuracy of any information interpreted and used by the reader