BUYING a second-hand car can be a bit of a Wild West – and data shows a premium badge doesn’t always mean reliability.

Whether you’re worried about your newly bought motor conking out on the way home – or finding out it’s been stolen or has outstanding finance, it can be a headache.

Vehicle history services, however, see companies running specialist background checks on used cars to prevent any nasty surprises.

One such provider, CarVertical, has analysed car history checks on the top 20 manufacturers carried out last year to reveal which brands typically have the cleanest records.

Honda (72%), Toyota (70%) and Volvo (70%) have the best records, according to analysis of almost 100,000 reports conducted last year.

While Minis (69%), Porsches (69%) and Peugeots (67%) make up the rest of the top five.

However, at the bottom are a string of German brands – Audi (52%), Mercedes-Benz (59%), BMW (61%) and Volkswagen (62%).

While Kia rounds out the bottom five (58%).

VW was the most popular brand among new car buyers in Britain in 2024, followed by BMW in second, Audi in third and Mercedes in second, reports the MailOnline.

Matas Buzelis, of CarVertical, said: “A vehicle’s history can highlight potential risks or warning signs for buyers to be aware of.

“Dishonest sellers often try to mask damage, hide defects and falsify mileage in an effort to maximise their profits. 

“This practice can be more common with more stylish and expensive vehicles as there is more money to be made.

[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Five incredibly cool Audis you can pick up secondhand for bargain prices – including discontinued sports car that’s a future classic” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6350918616112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]

“But with many people dreaming of owning a premium car, there is a risk that buyers prioritise price over due diligence, and look beyond a vehicle’s history in favour of getting what they think is a good deal.

“Unfortunately, once hidden defects start to emerge, owners may face surprise and unexpected costs, with major repairs driving up ownership expenses unpredictably.

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“To ensure a vehicle remains reliable for years to come, buyers should always check its history report, take it for a thorough test drive, and have it inspected by a trusted professional. 

“The last thing you want is the excitement of owning a new car giving way to frustration and disappointment.”

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RELIABILITY is up there with the purchase price and running costs as one of the main priorities of any used car buyer.

The last thing you want to have to do is shell out for costly repairs soon after picking up your new motor.

You’ll probably be able to name some of the most reliable car brands off the top of your head, including Honda, Kia, Skoda and Suzuki, but some of the others on our list might surprise you. (We’re looking at you Suzuki.)

The reliability of your car is something you should always consider, but what’s often more important is how a car has been cared for.

If it’s been regularly serviced, been in for any recalls and had all MOT fixes done, it should be fine.

As well as reliability, consider driveability, style and affordability. It’s all about balance.

We’ve done the research and identified the UK’s most reliable car brands. (If you’re in the market, you can find them all for sale at Sun Motors.)

What is the most reliable car brand?

The most reliable car in the UK in 2024 was… the Mini

Mini

Model: Mini Countryman

Yes, the good old Mini is the UK’s most reliable car, says Which?. An incredible 98.3% of drivers said that they were happy with the reliability of this tried and trusted classic.

At the top of the tree is the cool Mini Countryman, with the compact SUV scoring 99.7% in the survey.

Second was the Mini Convertible, with the new Mini Electric picking up the price for the most reliable electric car. (More on that later.)

The Mini is an established design, meaning many issues that can affect new models have been ironed out.

Model: Mini Countryman

There’s a strong dealer network, which is why it’s no surprise that most issues are fixed within a week. 

You’ll pay a premium for the Mini over similar-sized cars like the Fiat 500, Audi Q3 and Dacia Sandero, but over time, the higher purchase price could even out with lower garage bills.

What are the top 5 most reliable car brands​ in 2025?

Mini might sit at the top of the tree for reliability, but these other brands aren’t far behind…

1. Mini
2. Lexus
3. Suzuki
4. Honda
5. Toyota

Lexus

Model: Lexus RX

When you pay the price for a luxury Lexus, you sort of expect reliability, and it’s reassuring they’re so high up on the list. 

Topping the charts was the  2014-2021 Lexus NX, which scored an incredible 100% reliability rating. 

While second place is great, Lexus actually fell slightly from its position as Europe’s most reliable car manufacturer in 2023.

It’s only a few percentage marks, and we reckon if you’re buying a Lexus, you’re likely to get a good and reliable driver.

Suzuki

Model: Suzuki Vitara

This might surprise you, but according to the most recent Whatcar? survey, Suzuki is the UK’s third most reliable car brand. 

Sure, you won’t see that many of them on the streets, but models like the Vitara and Swift are ultra-reliable, with just 8% of drivers recording a problem.

Repairs are cheap, too, with Which reporting average costs of just £200 to put things right.

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Honda

Model: Honda Civic

The Honda Jazz Hybrid and Civic both achieved reliability scores of 97.6%. While not high enough to top the table, it’s still good enough to maintain Honda’s reputation for reliability. 

Interestingly, 15% of drivers had issues with Honda bodywork, with engines less likely to cause issues. Honda was quick to put things right, covering 85% of the repair cost.

Toyota

Model: Toyota Aygo X

Top Toyotas for reliability include the Aygo X (an impressive 100%), Yaris and RAV4, which all scored well in the survey.

The Japanese manufacturer may have slipped behind Honda and Lexus, but they’re still churning out reliable cars. (Although perhaps none as reliable as the 2007 Toyota Corolla, classed as one of Top Gear’s most reliable ever cars.)

Electric car reliability: Which electric cars are the most reliable?

1. Mini Electric
2. Nissan Leaf
3. BMW i4/ Renault Megane E-Tech

According to WhatCar? the Mini Electric is the UK’s most reliable electric car. Users had few problems with it, and when they did, they were fixed quickly by the manufacturer. 

This is great news, but it may have more to do with the fact that the Mini is only a few years old, and few new cars break down.

Model: Nissan Leaf

The slightly older Nissan Leaf comes in second place, with the BMW i4 taking joint third with the Renault Megane E-Tech.

The granddaddy of EVs, the Prius, doesn’t feature in the top 10, and the only Tesla in the list is Model 3, coming in ninth place.

When it comes to EVs, common faults include motor electrics, the battery and brakes, but it’s a mixed bag.

What are the most reliable automatic cars?

In the UK used market, the most reliable automatic cars which are great on fuel efficiency, spaciousness, and overall driving experience, range from compact city cars to luxurious saloons.

• Toyota Corolla
• Mercedes C-Class
• Honda Jazz
• Hyundaii10/i20
• Mazda 2
• Kia Picanto
• Dacia Sandero

Toyota Corolla

Toyota’s long-running hatchback, the Corolla, is renowned for its excellent reliability, fuel efficiency, and a surprisingly spacious boot.

Mercedes C-Class

The luxurious saloon or estate car delivers a smooth and comfortable ride with a refined automatic gearbox.

Honda Jazz

The no-thrills Jazz is dependable and excellent on fuel, especially the Jazz Hybrid.

Hyundaii10/i20

The hugely popular Korean brand makes an excellent automatic motor, and their smallest cars offer reliability and a pleasant driving experience, as well as low insurance costs.

Mazda 2

A reliable option with a torque converter automatic gearbox.

Kia Picanto

Much like the i10, the ever-dependable Picanto is fun to drive, lightweight and very agile.

Dacia Sandero (2012 onwards)

Britain’s cheapest new car is also an excellent budget-friendly used example, while also boasting a solid reliability record.

Buying a used car? Find cars for under £200 on Sun Motors here.

​Used car FAQs

What to look for when buying a used car?

Reliability is an important factor, of course, but as we’ve stated, how a car has been driven, serviced and maintained is as important. 

You should check:

• Service history: A complete, dealer-stamped service history is the gold standard, but as long as it’s been done regularly, it should be fine. 
• Recalls: Check your car has had all recalls fixed.
• MOTs: You can check out all old MOTs online and see what sort of problems (if any) your car has had. Remember, any car under three years old won’t have an MOT yet.

All Sun Motors cars are checked and sold by trusted UK dealers. You can buy with confidence and get a car that won’t let you down in the long run.

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Are used electric cars more reliable than petrol or diesel cars?

Electric vehicles are newer technology than petrol or diesel internal combustion engines, so you’d think they’d be less reliable.

The stats, however, suggest that’s not the case. WhatCar? says electric cars are ‘mid league’ in its reliability survey. 

It’s reassuring to know that most problems aren’t with the electric powertrain but with other elements of the car.

What are the best used cars to buy for a first-time used-buyer?

If you’re buying your first car, we recommend going with something small and reliable from a tried and tested brand.

The Mini is, as the reviews suggest, a great car – but it is expensive. 

You won’t go far wrong with a car from an established name like VW, Audi, Seat, Renault, Honda, Toyota, Skoda or Suzuki.

Don’t discount newer brands like Dacia. They’ve built a solid reputation for reliability and low cost. (Dacia actually came sixth in the Which? reliability survey.)

It can be tempted by a top-of-the-range car, but if you’re just starting on the roads, we’d go with something more affordable. You can find details of some of our favourite cars available for less than £200 per month in our guide.

Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you’re looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.