The Top 10 Most Reliable Used Cars

We bet you didn’t expect to see a BMW at the top of this list. However, the plucky 1 Series has come out on top to become the most reliable used option out there, with this generation of car providing all of the thrills and solid build quality that you’d expect from a BMW.

This generation of 1 Series was the last to adopt a rear-wheel-drive setup (the latest one has gone to front-wheel-drive instead) and that makes it an engaging drive, regardless of which engine option you for. And speaking of powertrains, there are both petrol and diesel options there to choose from, with the smaller-capacity units delivering great efficiency as well.

The interior is nicely made, too, and though it might be a bit of a squeeze in the back in terms of headroom, the 1 Series still has more than enough space for most occasions.

Reliability score: 100%

Matching the 1 Series in terms of reliability comes Ford’s striking Mustang Mach-E. It’s been Ford’s core electric model for a little while now and remains the firm’s sole member of the fully electric segment. It’s got a range of up to 372 miles in its longest-legged version, so has more than enough in the ‘tank’ for those longer journeys, while fast charging capability means that 77 miles of range could be added in just 10 minutes.

But – and most importantly for this list – it’s also very reliable. Naturally, electric vehicles have fewer moving parts and are therefore more reliable than the petrol or diesel-powered counterparts, but the Mach-e has still proven a cut above the rest when it comes to overall dependability.

Reliability score: 100%

Lexus vehicles are commonplace on lists of most reliable cars. In fact, regardless of the year it’s likely that you’ll see a Lexus within the top 10 as this company has rather formidable expertise in making cars that simply don’t go wrong.

The NX is a mid-size SUV which packs all of the learnings and specialities that Lexus is known for into one good-looking but relatively compact package. The NX’s hybrid setup makes it very efficient, too, ensuring that those monthly fuel costs won’t be sky-high. Plus, and as we’ve found with other Lexus models, the NX comes with a very eye-catching exterior design which is great for drivers looking to stand out from the crowd. A good palette of colours ensures that you can find a model that fits your character, too.

Reliability score: 99.8%

Suzuki is yet another brand with a near-constant presence on the list of most-reliable new models, so it’s not much of a surprise to see the inclusion of the Swift here. It’s a car which has a whole lot to offer; it’s great to drive, efficient regardless of specification and cheap to repair should something need replacing.

There’s a Sport model for people who want something a little more dynamic, but even the ‘regular’ versions of the Swift are great fun to drive. Compact and relatively square in shape, the Swift is also a doddle to park while light controls make it a breeze to drive around town. Later Swifts turned to hybrid-only engines, too, making it even more cost-effective to run – road tax and insurance won’t be high, either.

Reliability score: 99.5%

You might not expect a car like the Mini Electric to feature on this list, but a recent WhatCar? reliability survey showcased just how hassle-free this model has proven to be. In fact, it has turned out to be Mini’s most reliable model and was one of the best-scoring electric cars in the survey too. 

While the Mini’s 145-mile range might be slightly limited, if you’re only doing local journeys then this snazzy electric hatch could prove to be the ideal partner. Inside, it’s got a typically well-made interior with a large central screen. Plus, when you’re looking to drive in a more spirited manner then the Mini Electric is just as exciting to drive as its petrol-powered counterparts, with all of that classically involving handling that you’d expect from this brand. 

Reliability score: 97%.2

Again, it’s a Suzuki car which comes to the fore. This time, it’s the quirky Ignis, which has been a part of Suzuki’s range for some time but has evolved into an interesting compact crossover-style model. In fact, it’s hard to stress just how small the Ignis is – it’s tiny even when compared to a traditional supermini. That said, it packs a lot into a small area with plenty of standard features and a boxy design which means there’s more headroom than you might think.

The latest Ignis models – as with other Suzukis – are only available with a hybrid engine setup which helps to boost this car’s fuel-saving credentials. But, most importantly, the Ignis is a car which has a superb reputation for reliability, so you really shouldn’t have to worry about this car failing on you. A range of eye-catching colours help to make this micro-SUV stand out even more, too.

Reliability score: 99.4%

The Yaris is a car which has become a by-word for reliability. As one of Toyota’s most popular models, it’s a common sight on the UK’s highways but because of its never-going-wrong ability, it’s not one that you’ll usually see at the side of the road with the hazards on.

This third-generation Yaris was a real show-stealer, too, with its sharp exterior design being underpinning by an efficient engine setup and a roomy cabin that made more space despite the car’s small exterior dimensions. Its popularity means there are plenty of options in the used market, too, so you’re bound to find a deal on this ultra-reliable supermini. Plus, the sheer number of Yaris models produced means that parts are plentiful and cheap to source and fit.

Reliability score: 99.3%

That’s right, it’s another Lexus. But don’t fear, it’s not yet another variant of NX, but something slightly different – the UX. As with other Lexus models it’s a hybrid, but the UX aims to bring something different to the market when compared with rivals like the Range Rover Evoque and Volvo XC40. In typical Lexus fashion it’s got a sharper, more futuristic styling approach and the same goes for the interior where sharp screens meet plenty of high-end materials.

Lexus also offers the UX as a fully electric model which brings a range of up to 279 miles from a charge. It means that if hybrid life isn’t for you, then there is an alternative that could deliver even better efficiency and surprisingly low running costs.

Reliability score: 99.3%

BMW’s iX3 was one of the manufacturer’s first attempts to create a ‘regular’ electric car. It had, after all, had huge success with the compact i3, but whereas that model debuted with an eye-catching and quirky design – which was reflected by an equally interesting interior – the iX3 was designed to be a little more subtle and under-the-radar.

In fact, when put alongside the standard X3, the electric iX3 is hard to differentiate against its petrol and diesel-powered stablemate, save for the blanked-off kidney grilles which help aid aerodynamic efficiency. The way the iX3 drives is quite traditionally ‘BMW’, too, with good body control and pleasant steering which creates a car that is both enjoyable yet easy to live with. BMW claims an electric range of up to 285 miles for the iX3, too, while thanks to rapid charging a 10 to 80 per cent top-up could take around 30 minutes.

Reliability score: 99.3%

The Ioniq took a three-pronged approach when it arrived back in 2016. Offered with hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric setups, it’s a car which should, in theory, be available in a version that can work for anyone.

It’s also a car which has just squeaked into the top 10 list of most-reliable cars, meaning that it’s also a very reliable choice overall. However, the Ioniq’s zero-fuss approach is what we really appreciate, from its well-made but robust interior to its comfortable driving style. The hybrid version, which requires no plugging in, also does well when it comes to efficiency.

Sure, it may not have the interior materials of other more premium cars on this list, but it delivers where it matters, namely in terms of space and practicality where the Ioniq’s well-sized boot and comfortable cabin help to make this a great choice, particularly for families or commuters.

Reliability score: 99.2%