Looking for the best value for money when buying your next car? Start by choosing from the UK’s most reliable used cars. Parkers bring you 10 of the most dependable second hand cars, plus the 10 most reliable approved-used cars to buy in 2024. Whatever your budget, you should be able to find a car that won’t let you down.
Which is important, because our research shows that reliability is the one of the main buying consideration among Parkers’ readers when looking to purchase their next car. We’ve compared info from aftermarket warranty provider, Warrantywise, which releases real-world claims data – including average cost – with the results from the latest Fleet News FN50 awards that reveal the top ten most reliable new and nearly-new cars over the lifespan of a typical lease.
The resulting line-up is heavily skewed towards Japanese and Korean cars, but there’s good news if you like BMWs or fancy a Tesla. The aftermarket warranty claims data suggests Toyota, Hyundai and Kia won’t be regretting their long manufacturer guarantees.
Top 10 most reliable approved-used cars to buy in 2024
With data from the largest fleets in the UK and based on a typical three-year lease, these are the pick of the crop you can buy from a typical franchised/main dealer when buying an approved-used car. The FN50 Most Reliable list is based on unplanned days off the road, excluding punctures, and as such doesn’t just reflect the reliability of the cars. There is also an aspect of how efficient and effective the dealers are are repairing issues when they do come up.
| FN50 rating 2023 (2023) | Most reliable fleet cars over three years |
|---|---|
| 1 (1) | BMW 3 series |
| 2 (4) | Toyota Corolla |
| 3 (-) | Hyundai Tucson |
| 4 (3) | Audi A4 |
| 5 (-) | Kia Sportage |
| 6 (2) | Tesla Model 3 |
| 7 (9) | Honda Civic |
| 8 (7) | Audi A3 |
| 9 (8) | Volvo XC40 |
| 10 (10) | Toyota C-HR |
Fleet News also looks at the most reliable brand – and in 2023, BMW lost the top spot to Toyota. Combined with the innovative 10-year warranty scheme, Toyota remains our top recommendation if you’re buying a second hand car for the first time and just need reliable transport.
Reliable, affordable used cars to buy in 2024
Based on warranty claims, MOT pass rates and your reviews in the Parkers owners’ reviews section. All our car reviews include a link to real-world experiences, and you can submit your own – good, bad or indifferent.
One to buy and keep forever if you want an easy life
Read our full Toyota Auris review
Pros
- Well-proven hybrid tech delivers great MPG
- Smooth and refined to drive
- Practical, roomy and easy to use
Cons
- Can be expensive to fix
- Dull as ditchwater to drive
Capable, reliable, but not much fun
Read our full Hyundai i20 review
Pros
- Long warranty means they tend to be looked after
- Roomy front and rear
- Cheap to buy
Cons
- Parts prices quite high
- A rational, rather than emotional, purchase
Tiny tearaway that’s excellent fun to drive – one of the cheapest reliable used cars
Read our full Toyota Aygo review
Pros
- Typically Toyota reliable
- Excellent dealer and warranty backup
- Inexpensive to run, good to drive
Cons
- Small boot and rear seats
- A bit lost on the motorway
Like an Aygo, but dealers make a difference
Now these are bargain-basement second hand cars they should be judged on the example you’re looking at. if you can’t find a good Aygo near you, the 107 is a solid alternative.
Read our full Peugeot 107 review
Pros
- Great score for small French hatch
- Is this the perfect used first car?
- Cheap to run, great to drive
Cons
- In reality, it’s a two-seater
- It has a lower score than the Toyota Aygo
Another pint-pot that’s impossible to ignore
Read our full Suzuki Alto review
Pros
- Cheaper than walking
- Surprisingly fun
Cons
- Not one for the motorway
- Getting on a bit now
Kia Rio
Hard to find used, but well worth seeking out especially if still covered by the seven-year warranty
Read our full Kia Rio review
Pros
- Well equipped
- That long warranty
- Good value
Cons
- Gutless engines
- Dull to drive
Kia Ceed
Strange name, but a rational, reliable used choice
Read our full Kia Ceed review
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Stylish, functional interior
- Lots of space inside
Cons
- Flat seats
- Lack of driving engagement
A fabulous sports car that’s available at all prices – reliability is a bonus
Bear in mind that an aftermarket warranty is unlikely to cover things like a leaking roof.
Read our full Mazda MX-5 Mk3 review
Pros
- Reliable sports car is a great combination
- Great to drive
- Can be cheap to run
Cons
- Lots of abused examples out there
- Oldest models are getting rusty
Mazda 2
The reliable supermini choice for keen drivers
Read our full Mazda 2 review
Pros
- Excellent reliability for interesting supermini
- Looks like a brand-new car
- Great to drive and economical engines
Cons
- Lack of space in the rear
- Not as many dealers as bigger brands
Honda Jazz
A safe place to invest your money – and surprisingly brilliant to live with
Read our full Honda Jazz review
Pros
- Excellent fuel economy
- It’s highly unlikely to ever let you down
- Practical city runaround
Cons
- Owners reluctant to give them up
- Parts prices higher than mainstream rivals
- Not many engine options
Now freelance, Richard Kilpatrick worked across several roles with us at Parkers and in Bauer’s Automotive team. We are a close-knit group here so has been able to get stuck into helping with buying guides, reviewing and road-testing cars, editing our newsletters, and more. They offer advice from their years of experience and a chance for you to learn from the mistakes they have made!
