These are the most reliable cars
By Motor Match • 08/08/2023
One thing that should always be a priority when buying a used car is the reliability, here are the most dependable cars in each class.
When shopping for a used car, you likely want it to be stylish, well-equipped and also packed with the latest technology.
One thing that perhaps isn’t a priority is its reliability, but this is something that shouldn’t be ignored. Having a dependable car will not only help to save you money and prevent car depreciation, but ensure a far more pleasant ownership experience as well.
But what are the most reliable used cars available? We’re using data from What Car?’s ownership surveys to look at the most dependable used models in each class.
Small car – Honda Jazz (2015-2020)
Honda’s cars have been renowned for their reliability in the past, and it’s great to see they’re proving just as trustworthy these days.
In fact, the third-generation Honda Jazz was awarded a 100 per cent score in the reliability survey, with no survey respondents suffering a single fault. It makes the Jazz the most dependable small car. This generation of Jazz, sold up until 2020, is also known for its especially practical interior.
Family cars – Mazda 3 (2014 to 2019)
Cars originating from Japan generally fare well when it comes to reliability, and Mazda’s ‘3’ hatchback is no exception, with What Car? naming it as the most dependable family car in its survey.
Petrol models are deemed to be the most trustworthy, with only four per cent of examples suffering a fault, earning a reliability rating of 99.3 per cent. This Mazda is also stylish to look and good to drive as well.
Executive car - Ford Mondeo (2014 to 2022)
The Ford Mondeo was once one of the UK’s most popular cars, but sales slowly dwindled in more recent years before Ford officially ended production in 2022. But if you’re on the lookout for a reliable used executive car, it deserves a look because of its 98.3 per cent reliability rating, with just three per cent of owners saying something had gone wrong with their cars.
The Mondeo is a hugely practical choice, whether it’s chosen as a saloon, hatchback or estate. Efficient engines, including the option of a hybrid, add further to its appeal.
Luxury car – Audi A7 (2010 to 2017)
Luxury cars are often the type of vehicle that have the worst reliability, simply because there are lots more things that can go wrong. But if you want a dependable luxury model, it’s the first-generation Audi A7, sold between 2010 and 2017, that you should look for.
Recording a respectable 90.1 per cent reliability rating, it’s significantly higher than other luxury cars named in the survey. The Audi A7 still looks the part, while its interior is especially well-built.
Small SUV – Kia Soul diesel (2014 to 2019)
The small SUV class is one of the most crowded around, but if reliability is important, it makes it easy to whittle down the choices. And it’s the funky Kia Soul that was What Car?’s most reliable car in this class.
Recording a perfect 100 per cent reliability rating, no owners in the survey had any problems with this Kia. The Soul’s bold looks and deceptively spacious interior also add to its appeal.
Family SUV – Kia Sportage diesel (2016 to 2021)
The Kia Sportage is now one of the most popular new and used cars, and its reliability is another reason to consider this family SUV. It was handed a 98.1 per cent rating for its dependability, with this relating to diesel models.
Plenty of used models will still be covered by Kia’s seven-year warranty, while the Sportage’s practical interior makes it a great choice for families.
Large SUV – Honda CR-V (2006 to 2012)
The fact it’s a Honda that’s more than 15 years old in some cases is capable of being the most reliable car in its class speaks volumes about this brand’s dependability. It’s the third-generation CR-V, on sale between 2006 and 2012, that heads up the large SUV class.
Though this CR-V might be getting on a bit, its design has aged well, while it’s surprising just how many modern-day features are included with this SUV.
Luxury SUV – Volkswagen Touareg (2010 to 2018)
Luxury SUVs are another type of car that aren’t especially renowned for their dependability, but the second-generation Volkswagen Touareg, sold between 2010 and 2018, proves that wrong.
With a 89.3 per cent reliability rating, it’s very impressive by class standards. The Touareg of this age still looks modern to this day, while the interior build quality is excellent.
Electric and hybrid car – Kia Niro (2016 to 2022)
Some might think that hybrid and electric cars are unreliable, but it’s the opposite that’s true, as these models are known to be largely dependable. But the most reliable of the lot is the Kia Niro, which was awarded the maximum 100 per cent reliability rating.
This family crossover can be bought as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid and as an EV and combines generous equipment levels with an easy driving experience.
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