Top 10 Reliable Used Cars

Reported faults: 28%
Breakdowns: 7%
Average days off the road: 5.3

If you're after a reliable used car that won’t break the bank, the Toyota Auris is worth a serious look. It was replaced by the Corolla in 2019, but during its run, the Auris quietly took on big names like the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra, and VW Golf.

You could get it with a hybrid drivetrain, making it a smart choice for fuel savings—and it built a strong rep for reliability along the way.

Owners of the second-gen Auris (2012–2019) seem to agree. Fewer than 3 in 10 reported a fault in the last year, and just 7% said theirs had broken down. Not bad for a car that could easily be more than 10 years old now.

The one downside? If it does need fixing, expect it to be off the road for a little longer than most—an average of 5.3 days.

Still, for around £4,650, it’s hard to find a more dependable and practical used hatchback for the money.

Average used price: £2,800
Faults: 25%
Breakdowns: 1%
Average days off the road: 2.6

If you’re just after cheap, no-fuss motoring, the Suzuki Alto might be your perfect match. Launched in 2009, it was built to be as affordable as possible—no fancy features, just a small car that gets the job done.

Co-developed with Nissan (it shares a lot with the Nissan Pixo), the Alto kept things simple, and that simplicity has paid off in reliability. Only 1 in 4 owners reported any faults, and just 1% had an actual breakdown. Even when things do go wrong, it’s usually back on the road in under three days.

At around £2,800, it’s the cheapest option on this list—and running costs are just as low.

The only real downside? Safety. It scored just three stars in Euro NCAP crash tests back in 2009, so it’s not the most reassuring choice by today’s standards. But if your priority is budget-friendly reliability, it’s a strong contender.

Average used price: £3,100
Faults: 23%
Breakdowns: 6%
Average days off the road: 3.1

If you want a small car that just keeps going, the Toyota Yaris is a top pick. It’s been known for being super reliable since the first version launched back in 1999—and this third-gen model (sold between 2011 and 2020) continues that tradition.

It’s practical, surprisingly spacious for its size, and with the option of a hybrid engine, it’s also seriously cheap to run.

Less than a quarter of owners reported any faults, and only 6% had a breakdown. Plus, if it does need repairs, it’s usually back on the road in just over three days—pretty solid for a car that could be over a decade old.

With used prices starting at just over £3,000, the Yaris gives you reliable, no-drama driving without draining your bank account.

Average used price: £3,500
Faults: 27%
Breakdowns: 8%
Average days off the road: 1.4

The Suzuki Swift might not get the hype it deserves, but it’s actually one of the best used car options if you’re after something cheap, reliable, and fun to drive.

This 2010–2016 version is a solid all-rounder. It’s practical, easy to run, and surprisingly enjoyable behind the wheel thanks to its well-balanced handling and decent engine choices.

Just over a quarter of owners reported a fault in the last year, and while 8% experienced a breakdown—the highest in this top 10—it’s not all bad news. Repairs are usually quick and simple, with the average time off the road being just 1.4 days.

At around £3,500, it’s a smart choice for new drivers or anyone who wants a dependable car with a bit of personality.

Average used price: £5,200
Faults: 35%
Breakdowns: 7%
Average days off the road: 2.1

You don’t usually hear “luxury SUV” and “reliable” in the same sentence—but the first-gen BMW X1 (2009–2015) is an exception.

Despite being a premium brand, this is one of the more dependable used family cars out there. Sure, around 35% of owners reported a fault in the past year, but only 7% had an actual breakdown, and it’s back on the road fast—just 2.1 days on average.

It’s no secret that older SUVs can come with high running costs, which is why the X1 has dropped in price over the years. But now, at around £5,200, you’re getting a premium badge, solid reliability, and a lot of car for the money.

If you’re after a stylish, practical used SUV that doesn’t scare you with constant garage visits, the X1 is a strong pick.

Average used price: £4,500
Faults: 22%
Breakdowns: 5%
Average days off the road: 2.8

If you’re after a cheap-to-run city car that’s surprisingly roomy and easy to live with, the Skoda CitiGo is still a great shout—even though it was discontinued back in 2020.

Built alongside the SEAT Mii and VW Up!, the CitiGo shares all the same parts but usually came in cheaper and often included a few more features. That combo made it popular with older buyers, but it works just as well for first-time drivers or anyone looking for a practical daily.

It’s compact and easy to park, sips fuel, and in many cases, is free to tax. Insurance is low too, which keeps running costs right down.

Reliability is strong for a city car: just 22% of owners reported a fault, and only 5% had a breakdown in the past year. Even if something does go wrong, it’s usually sorted in under three days.

At around £4,500, the CitiGo is a budget-friendly option that punches well above its weight.

Average used price: £3,800
Faults: 25%
Breakdowns: 4%
Average days off the road: 2.7

The Honda Jazz might have a bit of a ‘grandma car’ reputation, but don’t let that put you off—it’s a seriously underrated gem if you’re after something reliable, practical, and cheap to run.

This second-gen model (2008–2015) is easy to drive, surprisingly spacious, and packed with clever features like Honda’s famous ‘Magic Seats’, which flip and fold to give you loads of flexible storage space.

Despite being over a decade old, the Jazz still holds up really well. Only 25% of owners reported a fault, breakdowns are rare at 4%, and even when things go wrong, it’s usually back on the road in under three days.

With used prices now sitting below £4,000, the Jazz is a no-fuss, budget-friendly option that’s ideal for everyday driving—and way more practical than you might expect from a car this size.

Average used price: £6,400
Faults: 16%
Breakdowns: 0%
Average days off the road: 2

If you're looking for a premium SUV that won’t leave you stranded (or skint), the Lexus RX 450h is a seriously underrated option.

This hybrid SUV was rated the most satisfying car to own by Which? members in 2024—and for good reason. It’s super reliable, smooth to drive, and far more fuel-efficient than you’d expect from a big car like this.

Only 16% of owners reported any issues in the last year, and not a single one experienced a breakdown. Even if something does go wrong, it’s typically fixed in just two days.

With used prices around £6,400, you’re getting a lot of luxury and peace of mind for the money. If you want something spacious, efficient, and impressively low-maintenance, the RX 450h is a strong contender.

Average used price: £3,800
Faults: 26%
Breakdowns: 0%
Average days off the road: 1.7

A sports car that’s actually reliable? Yep, that’s the Mazda MX-5 for you.

This third-gen model (2005–2015) proves that fun doesn’t have to come with a side of stress or massive repair bills. The MX-5 has legendary status for a reason—it’s lightweight, great to drive, and built to last.

Only around 26% of owners reported any faults over the past year, and not a single one suffered a breakdown. Even when something does go wrong, it’s usually sorted in less than two days.

And with prices from just £3,800, it’s one of the most affordable ways to get behind the wheel of a proper driver's car. If you want open-top fun without the hassle, the MX-5 is a no-brainer.

Average used price: £7,300
Faults: 13%
Breakdowns: 0%
Average days off the road: 1.2

If you want a used car that’s ridiculously reliable, fuel-efficient, and a bit more upmarket, the Lexus CT 200h is a seriously solid shout.

This full hybrid hatchback was sold from 2011 to 2020 and has built a reputation for bulletproof reliability. According to owners, older models had zero breakdowns in the past year, and only 13% reported any issues at all. And if something does go wrong, the average repair time is just over a day—way better than most cars this age.

You can find one for anywhere between £5,000 and £10,000 depending on mileage and spec. Owners consistently rate it highly for comfort and reliability—even if the back seats are a bit tight, the boot's on the small side, and the infotainment system feels dated.

But if you’re after something comfy, hybrid-powered, and dependable with a premium badge, the CT 200h is hard to beat.