Latest news with #reliability
Daily Mail
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
The 10 most reliable used small cars that rarely suffer major faults
City cars and superminis are some of the most versatile vehicles on the road and appeal to a wide range of people. They're not just ideal for new drivers seeking the cheapest form of motoring available, families often pick them up for use as second vehicles for school runs and commutes, city dwellers love their and tiny dimension for navigating busy streets, and downsizers often turn to them when they no longer need a large motor. Fortunately, to cater for such high demand are plenty of quality examples on the market. In fact, a third of used car transactions last year were small models, with 2.5million superminis changing hands in Britain in 2024. But which of these compact cars can be depended on to start first time, rarely breakdown and not drain your bank account when faults do arise? Warrantywise has revealed which 10 small motors are most reliable, based on the volume of claims made by extended warranty customers over the last three years. Each model has been given a rating out of 100. The scores and rankings are based on the frequency of faults recorded for each model. It also takes into account the car's average age and mileage at the time of repair and how long it typically took to get it back on the road again. For each model, we have also listed the average cost of bills to fix them and the highest claim amount paid out between 2022 and 2025, with some proving more expensive to keep running than others. The data is based on vehicles that are between four and 10 years old. Antony Diggins, managing director at Warrantywise, said the data back up the theory that superminis are 'one of the safest bets you can make in the used car market'. He added: 'At a time when people are being more careful with their money, it's reassuring to know that you don't have to spend big to get a dependable car. 'With a number of these superminis not requiring major repairs until they're nearly a decade old, and many models showing excellent cost-per-mile performance, they are an especially wise buy in today's market.' But that's not to say every supermini is bulletproof or inexpensive to fix. Analysis of the records show electrical issues account for over half of supermini repairs, with engine faults making up just over 30 per cent. In terms of cost to repair, some can ring in close to £10,000 to resolve a significant mechanical problem. However, it's important to take into consideration that Warrantywise customers are only likely to make claims for costly problems, such as complete engine failures or gearbox replacements. Here's a countdown of the best performers... =10. Mini Hatch - 75.9 reliability score The Mini Hatch is one of the most desirable small cars. Extended warranty claims aren't too frequent, but there are instances of incredibly high repair cost payouts in the last three years Average repair claim: £1,118 Most expensive repair claim: £9,224 There are few superminis more desirable than the Mini Cooper. It's iconic name, retro looks and fashionable appeal makes it one of the most popular new superminis - and an in-demand second-hand model too with prices for 10-year-old examples with around 50,000 miles on the clock ringing in around £7,000 - usually less if you opt for a diesel. Warrantywise scores it 75.9 for reliability. But repairs are far from cheap. The average used warranty claim amounts to more than £1,100, while the biggest seen over the three-year period is in excess of £9,000. =10. Hyundai i20 - 75.9 reliability score Average repair claim: £871 Most expensive repair claim: £4,444 Hyundai's i20 is often overlooked but is a worth rival to more popular models of similar size, such as the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa. The Korean offering is typically better equipped and sold with more features as standard. A decade-old i20 can be had for around £6,000 today. Based on the volume of claims, the age and mileage at the time of repairs and how quickly they were fixed, the i20 scores the same 75.9 reliability rating as the Mini. However, the Hyundai appears less expensive to fix when big issues occur. The average bill of £871 is slightly easier to stomach than that of the Mini, though one owner claimed for a £4,444 repair. 9. Dacia Sandero - 77.8 reliability score Average repair claim: £615 Most expensive repair claim: £3,217 The Dacia Sandero for over a decade has been the epitome of cheap motoring. The nation's least expensive new motor for years, it has proved popular among Britons on tighter purse strings or on the market for an uncomplicated motor that's not laden with tech. Used examples dating back to 2015 with around 50k on the clock can be had for less than £4,000 today, making this a truly inexpensive car to get your hands on. And it's relatively affordable to put right when serious issues occur. When owners with extended warranties have made a claim to cover the cost of a big repair bill, the average amount is £615 - which is one of the least expensive among superminis of this size. The biggest repair claim in the last three years has been for just over £3,200. 8 Hyundai i10 - 78.4 reliability score Average repair claim: £855 Most expensive repair claim: £3,774 Hyundai's i10 is more city car than supermini, being smaller in scale than its i20 sibling already mentioned in this list. Warrantywise rates it as the eighth most reliable used small motor based on severity of repairs and the time to fix them. In terms of claims made by the average i10 owner, they've utilised their extended cover for bill of £855. However, one driver in the last three years has claimed for a repair amounting to more than £3,750. Strong reliability, a low insurance grouping and typical price of £5,000 for a 10-year-old model with 50k on the clock makes this a very good option for younger drivers who've just passed their test. =6. Renault Clio - 79 reliability score Renault's Clio has been around for some time, with the first-generation car dating back to 1990. Warrantywise gives it a 79/100 reliability score Average repair claim: £721 Most expensive repair claim: £4,928 France's perennial small car, the Renault Clio, has always been a popular option in the UK, amassing over 1.3 million sales since it first hit showrooms way back in 1990. For those looking for an affordable small car, you can find plenty for sale online for around £5,000 with well under average mileage of 50k on the clock. WarrantWise says it's one of the top supermini performers in relation to receiving a low volume of claims from owners in the last three years. Those who have used their extended warranties to cover large repairs have been paid out on average £721. However, one owner put in a successful claim of almost £5,000. =6. Ford KA - 79 reliability score Average repair claim: £628 Most expensive repair claim: £2,430 Ford's KA wasn't a particularly big seller in Britain a decade ago, likely because visitors to showrooms ran by the blue oval brand were shifting Fiestas in record numbers at the time. But Warrantywise reckons it might be worth a look-in as a cheap small runaround today. Used examples of the company's city car can be hand for well under £4,000 today, even if you're looking for something with below-average mileage. As well as getting one of the best reliability scores from the warranty provider, it's also relatively affordable to fix when big things go wrong, averaging £628 per claim over the last three years. 5. Peugeot 108 - 80.3 reliability score Average repair claim: £550 Most expensive repair claim: £3,546 French cars and reliability aren't two things that have always gone hand-in-hand. But the 108 is a slightly different story, thanks to Peugeot's collaboration with Citroen and Toyota to produce a shared-platform city model that are mechanically very similar. For a decent example that was first registered in 2015, you should need to pay only around £4,500. And the 108 then is a pretty dependable motor, with Warrantywise suggesting it receives a small volume or repair claims from owners for major garage bills, hence its 80.3 score out of 100. The average price of a claim over the last three years in £550, while the most expensive since 2022 was for £3,500. 4 Citroën C1 - 82.8 reliability score Average repair claim: £673 Most expensive repair claim: £2,715 You've only just read about the C1's sister model - the Peugeot 108 - moments ago, so it should come as little surprise to see the Citroën appear in fourth spot in Warrantywise's list of most dependable small cars. Again, a good one with 50,000 miles on the clock should cost between just £3,500 and £4,000 and be an ideal first new motor for any new driver. Those owners who did make claims for significant repairs did so for bills amounting to an average of £673. The biggest claim in the last three years is £2,715. 3. Kia Picanto - 86.8 reliability score Average repair claim: £438 Most expensive repair claim: £2,324 Another city car that's proving reliable is the Kia Picanto, which is produced on a shared platform with the Hyundai i10 (in 8th in this countdown). Between £4,500 and £5,000 should get you a good condition example today. Based on the volume of claims made by Warrantywise customers, time off the road being fixed and the severity of issues relating to age and mileage, it is third overall in terms of the most dependable small cars. The average repair claim for major issues was £438 over the last three years, with the biggest of all being just over £2,300. =1. Suzuki Swift - 88.6 reliability score Average repair claim: £784 Most expensive repair claim: £3,993 There's no outright winner in the supermini segment in terms of dependability, according to the Warrantywise Reliability Index. Based on the 2022 to 2025 data, the Suzuki Swift is the joint best, with a score of 88.6 out of 100 for the durable Japanese supermini. It's roomy, good to drive and - according to the warranty provider - not a motor that typically suffers lots of problems. They're good value too, with standard (non-Sport) examples available for around £5,000. When something pretty serious does go wrong, the average claim made by customers is £784. And the biggest in the last three years in just shy of £4,000. =1. Toyota Aygo - 88.6 reliability score Average repair claim: £420 Most expensive repair claim: £1,297 It won't come as a huge surprise to petrolheads that a Toyota tops this chart - but it's not the Yaris. Instead, Warrantywise lists the Aygo city car as the joint most reliable small motor you should buy second-hand. As previously mentioned, it was produced in partnership with Peugeot-Citroen and is mechanically similar to the 108 and C1 respectively. However, it is slightly ahead of its two sister models in this department, scoring 88.6 in the Reliability Index. Average used prices are typically higher too, around £5,500 for a good example of a decade-old Aygo with £50,000 miles covered in its lifetime. An average repair claim of £420 in the last three years is the cheapest of all, while the biggest payout to cover a garage bill of £1,297 is also a lot more reasonable than any other car listed here.
Globe and Mail
17 hours ago
- Automotive
- Globe and Mail
What used minivan for less than $30,000 is best for my young family?
I am in the market for a used minivan to support my young family (front- and rear-facing car seats, strollers and a big dog). I am looking for utility and reliability at a reasonable price. I have no use for a lot of the features of newer models - I can't use Stow 'n Go or Magic Slide seats with a car seat, our kids are too young for RES/CabinTalk, etc. My wish list includes heated front seats, leather interior and Apple CarPlay (but I can do without). What guidance can you provide? I'm hoping to keep it under $30,000, taxes in. – Brendan Mark Richardson: Ah – a new father who recognizes the practicality and value of a minivan. I was that person once. Miranda Lightstone: A long, long time ago, Mark. Richardson: Yeah. Minivans have changed a lot in the 25 years since I first started to appreciate them. Lightstone: I know most think your soul goes to die in a minivan, but they are hugely practical and can actually be enjoyable to drive. I've always been a fan, especially of the Toyota Sienna because: all-wheel drive. Richardson: All-wheel drive is nice to have, but unless Brendan lives out on some rural gravel road, he probably doesn't need it. AWD adds weight and complexity to any vehicle, not to mention the extra cost. Lightstone: No matter what, he's bound to encounter some snowy conditions wherever he is in Canada and, with a family on board, it provides that extra stability and reassurance on the road. Richardson: But most used Siennas are well over Brendan's $30,000 cap. Toyotas hold their value well, especially now when used Siennas are an alternative to the new Siennas that are American-built in Indiana. Lightstone: I'd look to the Chrysler Pacifica next then. You want practicality, this minivan has it all. Richardson: No it doesn't, or at least, not all in the same vehicle. If you want the plug-in hybrid version, you can't have all-wheel drive or Stow 'n Go for the second row. There isn't enough space under the van for all the features together. Lightstone: You said yourself that Brendan won't want all-wheel drive, and he's already said he doesn't want Stow 'n Go, which folds the second row beneath the floor. Richardson: He might like a hybrid, though, and the plug-in hybrid is too expensive for his budget. Chrysler doesn't offer a regular hybrid minivan, like the current Sienna, which would be less costly but still over his budget. Lightstone: Hybrid is a great feature in today's economy, and especially with a vehicle that has a larger footprint like a minivan. Richardson: I think he'll want to keep his van for a while, however, and he'll want that extra space from Stow 'n Go once the kids are out of car seats. Stow 'n Go has been around for 20 years now, so it'll be in those less costly, older Chryslers and Dodges. Lightstone: The idea of Stow 'n Go is lovely, but have you ever tried to fold those seats into the floor? I have and it made me realize that being able to fold seats down normally without storing them inside the floor of the car is more than okay for added storage later on down the road. Richardson: They're still in the way, though. And yes, I've folded away many Stow 'n Go seats didn't find it difficult. But the challenge here is finding the best van for less than $30,000, because used car prices are so strong right now. Lightstone: Ah yes, while dad figures out the Stow 'n Go, mom figures out everything else… Richardson: Stow 'n Go means I can also go to the hardware store and buy some eight-by-four sheets of plywood and fit them all in the back with my tools, because the extra seats aren't in the way. Contractors love the feature for that. Lightstone: Some contractors, anyway – the ones who don't drive pickup trucks. Richardson: Let's get back to basics. Brendan should be able to find a basic edition of the 2020 Honda Odyssey with less than 100,000 kilometres that will come in on budget. That's still the current generation and it's very reliable – it should have at least another 100,000 kilometres of easy-maintenance driving in it. Lightstone: I have always liked the Odyssey – it drives well and is super comfortable and easy to maintain. But what about a used Kia Carnival? It's not often on buyers' radar but it really is worth looking at in terms of practicality and price. Richardson: The Kia was less expensive to buy new than the Honda or Toyota, but it really doesn't offer any additional features to sell it as a used vehicle, unless it's priced attractively. These days, used prices are all over the map. Lightstone: Alright Mark, so I've managed to give Brendan three decent options here – Sienna, Pacifica and Carnival – and you've offered up the Odyssey. What else have you got up your veteran sleeve as a suggestion if those don't fit the bill? Richardson: There's basically a choice of five different vans sold in Canada over the last decade: the most expensive to buy used is the Toyota Sienna. Lightstone: We know I prefer a higher-end vehicle, even used, because the end result is a vehicle you want to drive and own. Brendan does have to live with this vehicle and like it every time he gets behind the wheel. Richardson: Then, in rough order of price, there is the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, Kia Carnival and Dodge Grand Caravan. None of them are bad – the Grand Caravan used to have a questionable transmission, but that was a long time ago. Brendan should fix on his budget and then compare what he can get from each of those five, but I'd recommend the Odyssey or the Grand Caravan. Lightstone: I stick by the Sienna and Carnival as top choices for Brendan. But it will come down to him test-driving them back-to-back on the same day so he can really get a sense for each one. What car should you buy? Write to Mark and Miranda at globedrive@ and use 'What car' as as part of your subject line. Emails with different subject lines may not be answered. Shopping for a new car? Check out the new Globe Drive Build and Price Tool to see the latest discounts, rebates and rates on new cars, trucks and SUVs. Click here to get your price.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Hundreds of Thousands of Toyota Tundras Recalled Over a Hidden Problem
If there's one thing people count on from Toyota, it's rock-solid reliability. These are the vehicles that rack up miles like trophies and rarely flinch. But hey, even legends have off days. Toyota just announced a major recall of its full-size Tundra pickup—proof that perfection's a high bar for anyone. This recall affects over 443,000 Toyota Tundra and Tundra Hybrid trucks from model years 2022 through 2025. That's a hefty number of pickups, but thankfully, the problem at hand isn't catastrophic. We're not talking fireballs from mirror adjustments or transmissions going full Michael Bay. Instead, it's a much smaller gremlin: the reverse lights might not turn on when you're backing up. Still, it's not something to shrug off. Without those lights, drivers lose visibility at night, and pedestrians or nearby cars might not realize a truck is moving in reverse. The culprit? Moisture sneaking into the light housings and slowly corroding the electrical connections—annoying, but fixable. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has weighed in on the situation, and its report offers some specifics. 'This recall only affects the 2022–2025 model year Tundra and Tundra Hybrid vehicles equipped with reverse lamp assemblies of a specific design using a specific adhesive for the vent patch." In other words, not every truck is guaranteed to have the issue, but plenty might. As the report puts it, 'Toyota is unable to estimate the percentage of the involved vehicles to contain the defect.' It's a bit of a moisture mystery. 'Whether the issue, in each case, will actually lead to both reverse lamps not illuminating depends on whether the multi-layer vent patch has allowed moisture to enter the reverse lamp assembly and caused corrosion of electrical components.' Toyota will fix the reverse light issue by swapping out the faulty lighting assemblies and repairing the wiring harness, at no cost to you. If your Tundra is part of the recall, expect an official notice in the mail by June 25, 2025. Toyota's internal codes for this fix are 24TB06 and 24TA06, while NHTSA's official campaign number is 25V322000. Got questions? You can reach Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or find more details on Source: NHTSA, TopSpeed
Telegraph
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
Ask the expert: Which £2,000 small car delivers the most driving pleasure?
Dear Alex, I drive a nice, safe Skoda Kamiq automatic. But I wish to buy a small car with a manual gearbox to drive to Switzerland and Scotland, to recreate driving memories from the 1980s in a Mini Metro and Citroën AX, when I was in my 20s. It obviously needs to be reliable, although outright performance is not important. What should I get for £2,000? – DH Dear DH, At this price, reliability is largely dictated by provenance, rather than brand. So it pays to buy chiefly on condition, history and length of MOT rather than aiming for a particular model. Having said that, the most reliable choice for that money would be a first-generation Toyota Yaris (1999-2005). I love these cars – cute, characterful and dependable. Your budget should get you a good one, although I'd recommend a 1.3-litre engine rather than a 1.0 for motorway driving. I found a 2003 T3 with only 54,000 miles and a year's MOT for £2,000. The Yaris should be enjoyable to drive, particularly compared with your Kamiq, but there are also more entertaining options within your budget. I'm thinking in particular of the original Ford Ka, renowned for its brilliant chassis, which was produced from 1996 to 2007. It will be less refined on a motorway than the Yaris, but more entertaining when you reach twisting roads. The Ka's mechanicals are hardy, but almost any example will have some sort of rust, so check it carefully. The 1.6-litre SportKa is immense fun; little else offers as many smiles for your cash. However, its rarity means you will probably have to settle for the standard 1.3, which is still a joy to drive. I found a 2005 Luxury, with leather seats, air conditioning, a long MOT, a full history and a very reasonable 77,000 miles, for £1,500. My final suggestion is a Suzuki Swift, the generation produced from 2004-10. Your budget probably won't quite get you into the marvellous 1.6-litre Sport, which would be ideal, but a standard Swift in 1.5-litre form gets close. They're great fun to drive and while they feel a little tinny, they're dependable. A 1.5 GLX with a full history, a year's MOT and 99,000 miles for £1,995 should be the ideal partner for your road trip.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
15 Best Car Brands, Ranked By Reliability
Reliability and a hassle-free ownership experience are some of the main reasons we buy new cars. According to CarEdge, a site dedicated to making car ownership easier, average new car prices are creeping closer to $50,000. If you're spending that much on a vehicle, you certainly don't want to spend your time hanging out at the repair shop. Luckily, we have independent organizations like Consumer Reports that fight for a fair marketplace. Every year, they list the best and worst vehicles on the market based on predicted reliability ratings, and using data from its annual reliability surveys. Traditionally, the two top spots have been held by Toyota and its luxury brand, Lexus, but this year, there's a new king of the hill. Let's look at the 15 best car brands you can buy in 2025, as per Consumer Reports' reliability rankings. Subaru is, without a doubt, the biggest surprise on this year's reliability list. According to RepairPal, an online automotive complaint resource, the Japanese brand has been known to suffer from certain issues, such as head gasket failure, excessive oil consumption, and CVT transmission problems. However, this year, the Subaru Impreza and Forester received well-above-average reliability scores, while the rest of the lineup, except the Solterra EV, is rated above average and average. One reason for this is that Subaru uses tried-and-tested technology, resulting in fewer problems. Lexus is usually found in the first or second spot on Consumer Reports' reliability rankings, so nothing has really changed for 2025. This Japanese brand builds cars that'll last you a lifetime, and they're right up there with the Europeans in terms of luxury. Four of Lexus' models received an above-average score, while three managed an average rating. In this year's rankings, Consumer Reports says Lexus and Toyota have traded the two top spots for many years, but Toyota has now been knocked down to third. The brand took a hit due to below-average reliability ratings for three of its vehicles — the bZ4X EV, the Tundra, and the redesigned Tacoma. Coincidentally, the bZ4X is the same vehicle as Subaru's Solterra, so that one should definitely be avoided. If not for those models, Toyota would still reign supreme, as four Toyota models scored well above average, seven scored above average, and five scored average. Honda is another Japanese carmaker known for making reliable, high-quality cars, and is usually found near the top of every Consumer Reports rating. This year, Honda earned fourth place overall in the reliability rankings. Three of Honda's models, including the CR-V and HR-V compact SUVs, received an above-average score, with another seven getting an average rating. With Honda in fourth, it's no surprise that its luxury brand follows right behind in fifth. Surprisingly, Acura no longer offers any hybrid models, despite Honda being one of the pioneers of that game. This year, Consumer Reports has only ranked two Acura models, the RDX and MDX SUVs. The RDX received an above-average score, and the MDX was rated as average. Mazda offers a wide variety of models, from the open-top 2-seater MX-5 Miata to the midsize three-row SUV CX-90. Its models tend to be affordable, good-looking, fun to drive, and reliable. Several of Mazda's vehicles have earned above-average reliability ratings by Consumer Reports, with the SUVs and crossovers consistently ranking among the best in the segment. Audi is the first non-Japanese brand on the list. European luxury vehicles are loaded with modern technology, which, according to Scientific American, tends to fail more often than older tech that's been tried and tested. Even the entry-level vehicles in Audi's lineup offer excellent build quality and are more luxurious than most of the Japanese models. That said, they also come with higher maintenance and repair costs, so Consumer Reports says it's hard to recommend used models. BMW is perhaps Audi's fiercest competitor, and the two have duked it out for decades. This time, Audi won the battle, but the Bavarians are following right behind. All the things we said about Audi also hold true for BMW. It's one of the top brands if you're in the market for a new luxury vehicle, but expect it to be costlier to own than a Lexus or Acura. A couple of decades ago, no one would've guessed that Korean carmakers Kia and Hyundai would feature in the top-ten most reliable car brands, but here we are. Kia now offers vehicles in most modern segments. They're usually not among the top in terms of reliability, but the low price and excellent warranties help offset that. Everything we said about Kia also goes for Hyundai, which secures the tenth spot on Consumer Reports' rankings. It's possible to find some serious bargains in Hyundai's lineup, and while they may not last as long as a Lexus, they'll certainly run for a few hundred thousand miles. The electric Ioniq 5 N is even one of the most fun EVs on the market today. Just missing out on the top ten, we find Buick, the first American brand on the list. If you want to buy American and reliability is important, then Buick is clearly the brand to go for — at least according to Consumer Reports. Buick offers two- and three-row SUVs with better interiors than you'll find in a Chevy or Ford, but for less money than traditional luxury brands such as Lexus, Lincoln, and Cadillac. It's no secret that Nissan's vehicles have struggled with various reliability issues over the years. Nissan Problems, a website dedicated to tracking issues related to various Nissan vehicles, mentions problems with the CVT transmission, engine failures, and a smorgasbord of other issues. Consumer Reports also says the brand's overall scores suffer because of up-and-down reliability and average to below-average owner satisfaction. Still, they managed to squeeze into 12th place of the 22 car manufacturers in this year's ranking. Ford sells its pickup trucks under the "Built Ford Tough" slogan, but the Blue Oval is only the 13th most reliable brand. The F-150 remains one of the best-selling trucks on the North American market, but Consumer Reports gave it a below-average reliability rating. In fact, with the exception of the Ford Mustang, the electric Mustang Mach-E, and the small Maverick truck, most Ford vehicles have been given an average to below-average reliability rating. Genesis, Hyundai Motor Group's luxury brand, goes head-to-head with all the established luxury carmakers but often costs less than the competition. Consumer Reports says Genesis models tend to be impressive during road tests, but the reliability varies, with some models having dropped to below-average reliability ratings. Gone are the days when Volvo was known for making brick-shaped cars that were surprisingly fun to drive and so well-built that they could probably emerge unscathed from a demolition derby. While the Swedish carmaker still builds safety-focused cars, it suffers in other areas—reliability, in particular. Consumer Reports says most of Volvo's new cars scored average or below average in their reliability rankings. Although Volvo ranks 15th for new car reliability, it's 17th in owner satisfaction, and 24th in maintenance and repair costs, giving it a 22nd place overall.
