Which dependable hatchback is best to replace an unreliable one?

Telegraph

14-03-2025

Dear Alex,
I'm tired of my 65,000-mile, 2016 Peugeot 308 breaking down. I would like to replace it with a used car – possibly a Hyundai, Kia, Toyota or Mazda as I've heard they're reliable. I need a manual petrol hatchback with five doors, that can handle my 80-mile round-trip commute, no more than four or five years old (and ideally not a Ford with an EcoBoost engine, as my garage says these have wet timing belts like my Peugeot, which bitter experience tells me can be troublesome). What can I get for £15,000? Should I trade in the Peugeot, or sell it via We Buy Any Car, mindful of the fact they may haggle my online quote down when I turn up in person?
– SN
Dear SN,
I'll deal with your second question first: it depends how easy you want to make the transaction. Trade-ins are favoured by a majority because they're the most hassle-free option – turn up in your old car, drive your new one away. Of course, for this reason, you'll also get the lowest value for your car.
We Buy Any Car will usually give you a little more, but not much – and they always caveat their quotes with the proviso that they may reduce the price when you arrive. This is, to be fair, not unreasonable; many buyers won't be entirely truthful about – or even aware of – any damage, so the company has to have some room to manoeuvre.
The same goes for Motorway, which operates a little differently; it's effectively an auction platform for dealers buying your car, where We Buy Any Car will buy it from you directly.
You tend to find this means you get more money again via Motorway – although be aware that any dealer will probably spot undocumented damage instantly when they pick up the car and may still haggle you on price over something you hadn't mentioned.
The way to get the most for your car is to sell it privately. Fewer and fewer people favour this option, as the hassle of time-wasters, showing people around, haggling and handling cash can be exasperating.
What should replace your Peugeot? My top pick for your budget is the Honda Civic. The 1.0-litre turbo model has a perky engine that delivers excellent fuel economy, plus a high-quality interior with plenty of space, especially in the boot.
The Civic should feel stable and secure on the motorway and comfortable enough to spend 80 miles in each day. And it has an excellent reputation for reliability. Your budget is enough to get a one-owner 2021 SR with only 22,000 miles and a full history, like the one I found for £14,995.
The value option is a Kia Ceed. It is a little on the bland side and the interior isn't quite as smart as the Honda's but you get a slightly newer car for your cash, as well as more equipment.
What's more, the Ceed should prove comfortable enough for your usage, although GT-Line versions with larger wheels are best avoided due to a firmer ride.
Instead, go for a 1.5 T-GDi 3 like the one I found, a 2022 example with 27,000 miles. A car like this will still have the balance of its seven-year manufacturer warranty remaining – so, in this case, you'll get four years' worth of cover. That should help with your peace of mind.