Carwow teamed up with Warrantywise, the UK’s leading provider of aftermarket warranties, to identify the most reliable used cars of 2024. Using data from thousands of breakdowns and repairs, Warrantywise created a reliability index, scoring cars out of 100—the higher the score, the more reliable the car. Only cars with over 100 warranty plans were included, and all vehicles were under 10 years old, with no manufacturer warranty left. Let's take a look at which used cars are more reliable.
10th Place: Mitsubishi ASX and Honda CR-V (Score: 85.3)
The Mitsubishi ASX scored 85.3 with common suspension issues and an average repair cost of £755. The most expensive repair seen was £3,343 for an engine issue. The Honda CR-V (fourth and fifth generations, 2014 onwards) also scored 85.3. Its average repair cost was £592, mostly related to electrical issues, though a gearbox repair could cost up to £2,819.
9th Place: Volkswagen Up and Kia Ceed (Score: 87.1)
The Volkswagen Up earned 87.1 with common air conditioning issues and an average repair cost of £554, with the highest at £1,048. The Kia Ceed had an average repair cost of £612, mostly brake-related, and a high bill of £2,450 for gearbox repairs. The Up had fewer miles and issues, so both shared the same reliability score.
8th Place: Toyota Avensis (Score: 88.9)
The Toyota Avensis (third generation, 2015–2018) had the highest average mileage in the top 10, with common fuel system problems. The average repair cost was £89, but turbocharger repairs could reach £1,958.
7th Place: Toyota Aygo and Mazda 2 (Score: 88.4)
The Toyota Aygo had an average repair cost of £51, mostly clutch-related, with the most expensive bill at £590. The Mazda 2 faced suspension issues, with an average repair cost of £63, though a fuel system repair once cost £3,636. Repairs on the Mazda were faster, so both models scored equally.
6th Place: SEAT Mii (Score: 89)
The SEAT Mii had an average repair cost of £489, with cooling system issues as the most common. The highest bill was £1,296 for a gearbox problem. It scored higher than the Volkswagen Up due to its greater average mileage and lower likelihood of breakdowns.
5th Place: Suzuki SX4 (Score: 89.3)
The Suzuki SX4 (second generation, 2014+) scored 89.3. Common problems involved the cooling system, with an average repair cost of £1,358. However, engine repairs could reach £6,483. The SX4 had a high average age of nearly 9 years before needing repairs.
4th Place: Suzuki Swift and Toyota Hilux (Score: 89.6)
The Suzuki Swift (second and third generations) averaged a repair cost of £588, commonly for air conditioning, though engine issues could cost up to £2,411. The Toyota Hilux, the only pickup in the top 10, had an average repair cost of £1,512, mostly suspension-related. A suspension repair could cost up to £3,894, but it broke down less often than the Swift, earning the same score.
3rd Place: Toyota Yaris (Score: 91.5)
The Toyota Yaris (third generation) scored 91.5, with electrical issues being the most common. The average repair cost was £587, while a gearbox repair could cost up to £2,366.
2nd Place: Kia Venga (Score: 93.6)
The Kia Venga rarely broke down but, if it did, electrical issues were the most common, with an average repair cost of £684. Steering issues could reach £2,883.
1st Place: Suzuki Alto (Score: 95.1)
The most reliable used car was the Suzuki Alto, with a score of 95.1. Its average repair cost was £687, with very few reported issues overall. Warrantywise recorded a gearbox repair at £1,584, but the data lacked any specific common problems, indicating high reliability.
These results highlight some of the most reliable cars of 2024, offering insights into models that balance performance with durability and manageable repair costs. From compact city cars to small SUVs, these vehicles demonstrate strong dependability across different categories.Whether you want to buy a new car or want to buy one in the used market, choosing one of these top-scoring models could save you on repair bills and keep you confidently on the road for years to come.