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Daily Mail
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE The 10 most reliable older cars that are cheap and dependable - and the lemons to dodge
For drivers on the hunt for a reliable car, there's no need to spend big on a brand new model. There are plenty of cheap older motors that provide hugely dependable at a fraction of the price. For less than £3,000, you can pick up a second-hand motor between 10 and 15 years old with a stellar track record for barely suffering problems, rarely breaking down and being cheap, easy and quick to fix. We reveal which older motors offer near fault-free ownership, according to Britons who currently drive them daily. Exclusive data provided by Which? from its annual car survey has named 10 ageing models with five-star reliability ratings - and we can tell you what percentage of owners reported faults and breakdowns, and how many days their vehicles spent off the road being repaired last year. From city cars to roadsters and large SUVs, there's an option for every driver on the hunt for a second-hand vehicle they can truly count on. Michael Passingham, senior researcher at the consumer group, said it is hybrid cars that dominate the list of most reliable 10 to 15-year-old motors. 'Why do these cars perform so well? One reason could be that the hardest part of a car's life – starting and pulling away – are mostly handled by the small electric motor,' he explains. 'These motors have fewer moving parts than combustion engines and, along with sturdy main battery packs, really don't have to work all that hard. 'The downside is that our data shows a much higher failure rate of the 12V battery (the small battery all cars have) on full hybrids; this component is worked hard so it pays to buy a quality one and get it replaced every five years or so.' He says the reliability of 'full' hybrids (also referred to as 'conventional' and 'self-charging' hybrids) bodes well for the future, with new examples given a five-year stay of execution from the 2030 ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars. This was confirmed by Sir Keir Starmer in April when he relaxed electric vehicle sales targets to support manufacturers in the immediate wake of US President Donald Trump announcing increased tariffs on all foreign car export. 'While plug-in hybrids are one of the least reliable engine types according to our data, full hybrids should provide owners with fuss-free motoring for years to come,' Michael said. So which examples of 10 to 15-year-old cars are the most dependable? Here's the countdown... 10. Toyota Auris (2012-2019) Average used price: £4,650 The Auris - replaced by the Corolla in 2019 - was for almost two decades Toyota's family hatchback rival to the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and VW Golf. With the choice of hybrid drivetrains, it was considered one of the greener options, as well as one that carrying a strong reliability background. And it appears the second-generation Auris - sold between 2012 and 2019 - continues to provide plenty of dependability. With fewer than three in ten owners saying their Auris had a fault in the previous 12 months, its proving to be a car you can count on, even if some models are over a decade old. While just 7 per cent of drivers said their Toyota broke down, an average of 5.3 days off the road for repairs is higher than the rest of the cars in this list.. For around £4,650, there aren't many practical family motors that can match this level of reliability for so few pounds sterling. 9. Suzuki Alto (2009-2014) Average used price: £2,800 Launched in 2009, the Suzuki Alto was incredibly cheap. Though for a reason. This supermini was sparse on equipment, luxuries and comfort, with the aim to sell an affordable model that appealed to the masses. Produced in conjunction with Nissan - on a shared platform with the Pixo - it was budget friendly even when new. With such simplicity comes lots of reliability, it would seem. With just a quarter of owners saying their 10 to 15-year-old Altos had developed faults, it's proving remarkably robust. Just 1 per cent of drivers said their Alto broke down in the 12-month period, and just 2.6 days on average off the road for repairs is testament to how easy to fix these cars are. With used prices typically around £2,800, this is the cheapest choice from the list. What might put you off is its three-star EuroNCAP crash rating scored in 2009. By today's standards, it's probably not the most secure motor you can buy. 8. Toyota Yaris (2011-2020) Average used price: £3,100 For more than 25 years, the supermini typically recommended to drivers wanting a dependable small car has been Toyota's Yaris. Its durability has been one of its biggest selling points since the Mk1 model arrived in 1999, and this third-generation variant available new between 2011 and 2020 has carried on these traits. The Yaris has always been practical and roomy. With the addition of hybrid drivetrain, it's one of the most economical too. Less than one in four owners of this generation of Yaris said they had experienced a fault, and just 6 per cent a breakdown. And just 3.1 of the 365 days of the year off the road isn't too bad for a car that's up to 14 years old. With prices now just over £3,000, this is very good option. 7. Suzuki Swift (2010-2016) Average used price: £3,500 The second model from Suzuki to make the list of reliable older motors is the 2010-2016 Swift supermini. Criminally overlooked, the Swift is a practical package that for years has offered affordable motoring. It's also very good to drive, with a well-balanced chassis and some impressive engine options. A fault count of 27 per cent of owners in the previous 12 months isn't as high as others in this list, though with 8 per cent of cars breaking down, it has required the services of the AA, RAC, Green Flag and the likes more so than any other car in this top 10. However, spending just 1.4 days off the road for repairs in the year-long period shows the Swift is easy to put right. And with prices as low as £3,500, this is a great option for new drivers looking for a dependable vehicle. 6. BMW X1 (2009-2015) Average used price: £5,200 Luxury SUVs are rarely described as reliable, especially as they get older. But the first-generation BMW X1 appears to be bucking that trend, according to Which?... It's incredibly rare for the words 'luxury SUV' and 'reliability' to be used together. Expensive large models can often mean lots of problems and expensive repair bills, but it seems BMW's smallest SUV is bucking that trend. The first-generation X1 launched in 2009 and on sale until 2015 is one of the most reliable older family cars, according to Which?'s latest poll. While a third of owners encountered a fault or two in the last year of driving, just 7 per cent said their Beemers broke down. And with an average time off the road of 2.1 days, the X1 is being fixed quicker than other models higher in this list. As is the case for ageing SUVs, there's been plenty of depreciation as drivers steer clear to avoid potentially high running costs. But prices of £5,200 combined with this reported steely robustness makes it a strong used car candidate. 5. Skoda CitiGo (2009-2019) Average used price: £4,500 Skoda discontinued its city car, the CitiGo, just over five years ago, but it's still one of the best options if you want a brilliant little runaround that's easy to manoeuvre around town, is impressively frugal on petrol and - in most instances - free to tax. The sister model to the Seat Mii and VW Up!, these three cars were mechanically identical and produced in the same factory. But the Skoda was always the cheaper option - though typically provided a little extra equipment to satisfy its generally older customer base. Five-door models are surprisingly roomy, the low insurance group means affordable premiums for all ages and - at around £4,500, values are now invitingly cheap. As are repair bills, it would seem. Just over one in five CitiGo owners told Which? their car had developed an issue in the previous 12 months, with only 5 per cent suffering breakdowns. Time off the road being fixed is nearly 3 days on average. 4. Honda Jazz (2008-2015) Average used price: £3,800 Given the more advanced age of the typical Which? member, the Honda Jazz is unsurprisingly owned my thousands and loved eternally. But there's very good reason for why Honda's supermini is popular among a certain demographic. Easy to drive, extremely roomy, packed with clever features (like its 'Magic Seat' design) and cheap to run, there's a lot to love about the Jazz. And it's also performed incredibly well for reliability. It is another five-star rated older motor for dependability. The second-generation car, sold from 2008 to 2015, might be over 10 years old now but is still going strong. One in four owners reported a fault with their cars and the average time in the garage was 2.7 days being fixed by mechanics. Some 4 per cent of drivers said they'd suffered a breakdown in the previous 12 months, too, but it's still impressive for a small car of this vintage. And with prices now below £4,000, the Jazz is a commendably cheap and reliable option. 3. Lexus RX 450h (2009-2015) Average used price: £6,400 Which? members really love the RX. So much so, in fact, that they voted it the most satisfying car to own in 2024. So, it should come as little surprise that robust reliability has factored into this decision. Based purely on the hybrid-powered examples, just one in 16 owners of the 2009-2015 variant told the watchdog that their RX 450h had developed a problem over the 12 months prior. Zero breakdowns were recorded by owners, while those who were forced to have their big Lexus SUVs repaired typically had to do without them for two days. With average second-hand prices of this generation of RX down to around £6,400, this is a top candidate for a family car that's both dependable and relatively fuel efficient. 2. Mazda MX-5 (2005-2015) Average used price: £3,800 Sports car and reliability are two words that rarely go together, but not if you're talking about the world's best-selling roadster of all time. Mazda's MX-5 is iconic. Debuting way back in 1989, it is a staple of Britain's roads and continues to be loved by drivers today. The model in question here is the third-generation car, which is proving hugely reliable still thanks to that bulletproof Japanese build quality that has carried the MX-5 for decades. Not a single owner of this era of MX-5 reported a fault in the previous 12 months and only a quarter said they had to deal with faults. Even when these did occur, drivers were typically without their cars for just 1.7 days while they were being repaired. With prices as low as £3,820, this is both cheap and fun driving on a seriously small budget. 1. Lexus CT 200h (2011-2020) Average used price: £7,300 The Lexus CT 200h was the Japanese marque's answer to the Ford Focus and VW Golf in the medium-size family hatchback segment for a decade. Owners say they are incredibly robust still today, despite being up to 14 years old Faults: 13% Breakdowns: 0% Days off the road: 1.2 Top of models with five-star 10 to 15-year reliability is the Lexus CT 200h, a full hybrid hatchback that was first released in 2011 that remained in showrooms until 2020. Based on owner feedback, models of this car over 10 years old suffered zero breakdowns in the 12 months before completing the survey, and just 13 per cent of drivers reported any kind of fault. When something did go wrong, these cars spent just over a day off the road for repairs on average; far below the average of 4.5 days for cars this age. It can be bought for somewhere between £5,000 and £10,000 and is also loved by owners, scoring four stars out of five for satisfaction in the consumer watchdog's annual poll. While some complained about rear legroom, a small boot and clunky infotainment system, feedback from owners was generally glowing; a third specifically mentioned reliability as a thing they love about the car, while another third raved about comfort. Graham Elliott, from Scarborough, said it is 'the finest car that I have ever owned'. Another respondent's only criticism was that Lexus no longer makes them. The diesel Vauxhall Zafira B (2005-2014) is the least dependable older car between 10 and 15 years of age - and one Which? says you are best to avoid Look away now Sunderland factory workers: The first-generation Nissan Qashqai, produced at the North East car plant, is listed as the second least reliable older motor in the Which? survey Which older cars do you need to avoid? Vauxhall's Zafira (2005-2014) with diesel engines is the car Which? recommends buyers try to avoid if they want to evade high repair bills and a high risk of being stranded at the roadside. The MPV has become synonymous with fires in recent years due to issues with the heater blower motor and regulator. This is primarily due to owners replacing parts on this second-generation model with cheap aftermarket components. But it appears fixing a Zafira is a frequent task, with more than half of owners telling Which? they encountered a fault of some sort in the last 12 months - and three in ten suffering a breakdown. An average of more than a fortnight off the road for repairs is also a huge inconvenience nobody wants. Another notable poor performer is the first-generation Nissan Qashqai (2007-2013), again with the diesel engines, which suffered a high volume of faults, too many instances of breakdowns and almost a week per year in garages being repaired. Which? says that in the 10 to 15-year-old car age group, diesel is by far the least dependable fuel type with an average fault rate of 48 per cent. This compares to just 39 per cent for petrols and a mere 23 per cent for hybrids. LEAST RELIABLE OLDER CARS AGED 10-15 YEARS Car make and model Faults Breakdowns Days off road Vauxhall Zafira DIESEL (2005 - 2014) 55% 30% 16.9 Nissan Qashqai DIESEL (2007 - 2013) 61% 13% 4.8 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2007 - 2014) 62% 14% 8 Skoda Octavia Estate (2005 - 2013) 67% 9% 2.5 Audi A4 (2008 - 2015) 59% 15% 6.8 Source: Which? Car Survey Breakdowns, time off road and faults (weighted for severity of each fault) all impact the overall reliability rating for each car. Data based on an online survey of 60,448 drivers who told us about the 71,002 cars they owned, conducted April 2024 to June 2024
The Drive
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
Carmakers Can Just Disconnect Your 'Connected' Car Whenever They Feel Like It
The latest car news, reviews, and features. A few years ago, all major U.S. cell carriers began shutting down their 3G wireless networks, which subsequently took vehicles that relied upon it offline. This effectively ended remote start, location, and locking services for some of the earliest connected cars to hit the market. This week, an Acura owner shared a letter they'd received on Reddit, announcing that a range of 2014-2022 model year vehicles would also be dropping support for AcuraLink, the automaker's connected car platform. It's a disappointing reminder that no matter how long a car remains on the road, the tech inside it often carries a much shorter shelf life. The letter identifies the following vehicles as ending AcuraLink support on July 21: 2014-2020 Acura RLX 2014-2020 Acura MDX 2015-2020 Acura TLX 2016-2018 Acura RDX 2016-2022 Acura ILX 2017-2022 Acura NSX Yes, every Acura NSX ever built, including the one-last-bang Type S model from 2022, will lose its AcuraLink features, from roadside assistance to stolen vehicle tracking, remote locking, and concierge. Those who are currently subscribed to an AcuraLink term that runs beyond July 21 will receive a prorated refund. AcuraLink being discontinued on older cars byu/orange9035 inAcura It's unclear if this decision was prompted by a technical limitation, like the 3G shutdown, or some other reason. Nevertheless, the fact that vehicles up until 2022 are affected is a pretty tough pill to swallow for owners of new-ish Acuras. The Drive has reached out to the company for more insight, and to find out if any associated HondaLink vehicles are affected. We will update this story with whatever we learn. This is, unfortunately, the modern reality of car ownership. The capabilities that rely on systems automakers have no control over, like data networks, are never guaranteed to be up and running forever, and there's no replacement for them once they go dark. Yes, you could argue that these owners got the service they paid for, for an established length of time they agreed to. But many people base their vehicle purchasing decisions on technologies like these (because carmakers advertise them), completely unaware that they won't last forever. Or even just three years! The interior of a 2019 Acura NSX. Acura It's simply not a good situation for consumer confidence, and it's bound to frustrate people who purchased their vehicles intending to keep them for a good number of years. I mean, I probably have canned food products in my pantry that I bought in 2022 that still haven't expired yet. There had to be a better way Acura could've handled this situation, especially for the most recent models affected. It's frankly a surprising move from the same company that offered to retrofit late-model Accords with Wireless CarPlay for a very reasonable price. If you happen to own one of the impacted vehicles and use AcuraLink, let us know in the comments if you've received a similar notice, and how you're feeling about all this. Got tips? Send 'em to tips@
Globe and Mail
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Globe and Mail
Dollarfix App Sets New Standard in Car Diagnostics with Smart Tools and Community Support
Ontario, California--(Newsfile Corp. - May 22, 2025) - In an era when digital automotive services are transforming the industry, a truly innovative tool for car owners is setting new standards. The Dollarfix team is proud to announce the official launch of their cutting-edge APP-a platform designed to "Connect Devices, Connect Knowledge, and Connect Users"-that promises a one-stop smart car maintenance solution for drivers around the world. Seamless Integration for Global Coverage The Dollarfix APP revolutionizes automotive diagnostics by integrating directly with a wide ecosystem of diagnostic hardware. Users can easily sync their current devices or purchase officially recommended, multi-brand diagnostic tools with just one click. With support for over 140 global car brands and more than 100,000 models, the platform delivers precise diagnostics tailored to both novices and experienced DIY technicians alike. A Dynamic Community for Car Owners Beyond its technical capabilities, the new community feature transforms Dollarfix into an interactive learning hub. Car enthusiasts, professional mechanics, and everyday drivers can access an expansive library of maintenance tips, engage in meaningful discussions, and even form their own interest groups. On Dollarfix, every user becomes both an educator and a learner-empowering them to transition effortlessly "from learning to repairing, and from repairing to saving". Innovative Rewards System Dollarfix elevates user engagement through its pioneering "Points + Level" system. Whether it's for daily check-ins, community interactions, device integrations, or task completions, every action earns users valuable points. As members progress through different levels, they can achieve monthly rewards of up to 5,000 points. These points can then be redeemed for a host of practical auto care benefits, making every contribution both rewarding and worthwhile. A User-Centric Approach to Continuous Innovation At the heart of Dollarfix is a dedicated research and development team that champions a user-driven philosophy. Constantly gathering user feedback, the team commits to monthly feature updates-transforming every suggestion into a tangible step forward for the platform. "We want every user to feel a sense of belonging and growth on Dollarfix," stated Caleb Hong, the Product Lead, emphasizing the firm's commitment to co-creating an evolving, user-centric service. Looking Toward a Smart Automotive Future From linking state-of-the-art diagnostic devices to constructing an expansive knowledge-sharing community and incentivizing engagement through rewards, the Dollarfix APP is more than just a tool-it's a vibrant digital community that unites car owners across the globe. As automotive services continue to move towards intelligent solutions, Dollarfix is poised to accompany every driver on an exciting journey toward smarter car maintenance. Download the Dollarfix app today and take control of your car care with smart diagnostics and community support. Learn more at More Official website: Logo To view the source version of this press release, please visit
The Sun
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Third of young Brits call their car ‘a second home' with change of clothes, snacks and deodorant, new study reveals
Almost a third of Gen Z claim their car is their 'second home' – and they keep a change of clothes, deodorant and snacks to hand. A poll of 2,000 vehicle owners found 23 per cent of the younger generation use their motor for storing things - three times more than Boomers (seven per cent). 6 6 And while 31 per cent of Gen Z and 19 per cent of Millennials claim they spend so much time in their car it's like their second home, less than one in 20 Boomers feel the same. It also emerged phone chargers, wet wipes and carrier bags are among the top 40 things which permanently live in vehicles. But while Gen Z are most likely to keep a travel cup, headphones and spare shoes in their car, Boomers are prepared with an A-Z map book and a first aid kit. Drivers are also prepared for all bouts of weather, with an ice scraper and umbrella the two most popular items to store, followed by sunglasses and gloves. With lip balm, a pair of shoes and a hairbrush to hand for any last-minute socialising. A spokesperson for car brand Dacia, which commissioned the research alongside its AR app's Boot Organiser tool, said: 'Our cars have become an extension of our homes, so much so they're becoming filled with lifestyle items. 'Gone are the days of just having a spare wheel and some de-icer in the boot, we like to feel prepared for all eventualities and carry the modern day essentials. 'We know how crowded people's boots can get, whether it's sports kits, children's bikes or prams and walking boots or wellies, we hope to be able to assist optimising space.' The research also found 41 per cent of owners have had to reconfigure items in their boot to fit things in when going on a holiday in the UK, taking an average of 18 minutes to do so. Others have had to rearrange the space when taking rubbish to the tip (31 per cent), heading out on a day trip (26 per cent), and going to the airport (22 per cent). With suitcases (26 per cent), bikes (17 per cent) and food shopping (16 per cent) the top things people struggle to fit into their car boot. The OnePoll data also saw eight in 10 claim the size of a boot is important when choosing a new car, as 11 per cent admitted they often leave the house with everything 'but the kitchen sink'. Following the findings, professional organiser Vicky Silverthorn, has teamed up with Dacia to give drivers tips on how to pack their boot efficiently. Vicky advises creating a checklist to tick off as you go and pack strategically, and said if you think twice about whether or not to bring something it's likely it's not actually needed. And if you're arriving at a destination late, make sure the items you'll need are at the top of the luggage, such as wash bags. Vicky said: 'With summer approaching, suitcases will likely cause some issues for road trips. 'It's best to put them in the boot sideways rather than stacking them and soft cases are great to fit around hard ones to optimise the space - I've been trying it out in the Dacia Bigster, and I have loads of room spare. 'We all know how tricky it can be when you're going away and suddenly need to fill the car with everything you'll need, be it kid's toys and nappies or festival and camping gear. 'Remove the seasonal items you no longer require which seem to live in your boot - such as ice scrapers - and make room for what you know you'll be using, like picnic blankets and beach towels.' VICKY SILVERTHORN'S TOP 10 TIPS FOR PACKING A CAR BOOT 1. Be prepared: Create a 'Packing Checklist' of all the items you need. This helps ensure you do not forget anything and can actually help you pack more strategically. 2. When in doubt, boot it out: Think about what you actually need to bring with you. If you have to think twice, you probably don't need it. 3. Wheely spacious: There's probably more room in your car than you think. If you have space under the boot floor, use the spare wheel well for smaller items such as wellies. 4. Don't stack, side pack: Pack suitcases sideways instead of stacking them. This way, you can easily slide out the ones you need without having to lift off any others. 5. Layer up: Pack heavier items on the bottom, working your way up in layers. 6. Don't learn the hard way: Soft cases are great to fit around hard cases in a boot, optimising every inch of space. 7. Squeezy does it: Pack things tightly to avoid them sliding and moving around as you drive. 8. It's child's play: If you're taking one, make sure your pushchair is easy to access if you need it on arrival. 9. Boot foresight: If you are arriving late at your destination always pack the items that you will need when you get there at the top such as wash bags. 10. Only the essentials: Use an easily accessible rucksack or storage container to hold key items that you can grab quickly such as chargers and headphones. 6 6 6 6
Auto Express
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Entry-level cars are usually the pick of the range
We live in an incredibly polarised society, with people demonised for even the most trivial thing. Now, while I condemn this type of behaviour, there is one group of individuals that I, as well as I'm sure many other car enthusiasts, think are fair game: those who 'upbadge' a car. Advertisement - Article continues below For those unfamiliar, 'upbadging' is the act of affixing the logo of a more premium model on your car in order to trick passers-by into thinking your vehicle is more expensive than it is. These badges are easy to come by, and they cost a lot less than the actual step up to a more luxurious model. Now this all may seem harmless, if a tad conceited, but it's also pointless. Your average person won't be able to tell the difference if there's an extra badge on the bootlid, while true car enthusiasts will pick you out as an imposter. But what's most frustrating about upbadging, however, is that while it's easy to be ashamed of owning the 'base' model, put your pride aside and you'll see that entry-level cars are often more attractive than you'd expect. The cheapest Tesla Model Y, for example, has all the range and performance most buyers will ever need, so stepping up to the Long Range model (or even the top-spec Performance) is a waste of money unless you plan to spend most of your days on the motorway or the drag strip. The Skoda Octavia is another perfect illustration of why baseline models don't have to feel unadorned; the cheapest SE Technology version gets heated seats, a touchscreen, wireless phone charging and front-and-rear parking sensors. Typically, the only incentives to step up to the range-topper (other than bragging rights) are some blink-and-you'll-miss-it visual upgrades; S line Audis, for example, usually feature blingier wheels, tinted windows and, of course, lots of extra badges to justify the premium you pay for them. In fact, the thousands you'll spend on specifying your car to the limit won't necessarily pay dividends in the long run. Perhaps surprisingly, many car-valuation firms frequently predict that base cars with lower starting prices will hold their value a little better over the course of ownership, compared with top-spec examples. So, next time you're about to immediately ignore the base model in a range because it doesn't have an additional shiny badge on the exterior, just remember that it's what's on the inside that counts – and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Do you agree with Tom? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section... View Octavia View Octavia View Octavia
