Drivers urged to save hundreds on repair bills with most reliable used cars - Ford, Toyota, Kia and more

The Reliability Index factors in repair frequency, vehicle age, mileage and labour time to determine reliability scores.

The tied first-place finish highlights how both Japanese manufacturers have produced superminis capable of delivering exceptional long-term reliability for UK motorists seeking affordable and dependable transport solutions.

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​French manufacturers demonstrated strong performance across the rankings, with four models featuring in the top ten list, including Citroen and Peugeot.

Superminis continue to dominate the UK's used car market, accounting for 32.3 per cent of all used cars sold in 2024.
This makes them the most popular type of used car in the UK for the second consecutive year, whilst also ranking as the second most popular new car class.
The enduring appeal of superminis stems from their combination of low running costs, accessible pricing and impressive longevity.

French manufacturers demonstrated strong performance across the rankings, with four models featuring in the top 10 list, including Citroen and Peugeot.

Superminis continue to dominate the UK's used car market, accounting for 32.3 per cent of all used cars sold in 2024.

This makes them the most popular type of used car in the UK for the second consecutive year, whilst also ranking as the second most popular new car class.

The enduring appeal of superminis stems from their combination of low running costs, accessible pricing and impressive longevity.

These characteristics make them particularly attractive to first-time buyers, city dwellers and downsizers seeking dependable transport without substantial financial commitments.

Antony Diggins, Managing Director of Warrantywise, said: "Our latest data backs up what many drivers already know, superminis are one of the safest bets you can make in the used car market. They're affordable, efficient, and, as our research shows, can be remarkably reliable."

Over 60 per cent of the vehicles in the top 10 rankings demonstrate exceptional durability, showing no faults until they reach at least eight years of age.

When problems do eventually occur, electrical issues account for over half of all supermini repairs, with engine faults comprising just over 30 per cent of reported problems.

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Despite their strong reliability credentials, supermini owners are not immune to unexpected repair bills when problems do arise.

Warrantywise's data reveals that average repair costs range from £420 up to £1,118, with some faults potentially costing between £1,297 and £9,224 depending on the specific model and nature of the problem.

Diggins added: "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."

"That said, no vehicle is perfect, and issues can happen, so we always encourage drivers to protect themselves with a comprehensive warranty, especially as labour and parts costs continue to rise."

Top 10 most reliable superminis based on overall score (with average repair request price)

1. Toyota Aygo - 88.6 (£420)
2. Suzuki Swift - 88.6 (£784)
3. Kia Picanto - 86.8 (£438)
4. Citroen C1 - 82.8 (£673)
5. Peugeot 108 - 80.3 (£550)
6. Renault Clio - 79 (£721)
7. Ford KA - 79 (£628)
8. Hyundai i10 - 78.4 (£855)
9. Dacia Sandero - 77.8 (£615)
10. Hyundai i20 - 75.9 (£871)