Most Reliable Cars
In this busy world, the last thing you need is a car that's not very reliable. Cars are part of the family, and play a vital part in our everyday lives, and perhaps we don't appreciate just how much of a luxury a reliable car is, especially in the UK, where public transport is anything but reliable.
Luckily, there are quite a few cars out there, new or used, which have a reputation of being reliable. Of course, you can help in ensuring your car stays reliable by keeping on top of maintenance, and by having a bit of mechanical sympathy. But then some cars just have that reputation for giving you a stress-free ownership experience, with some of the below being some of the most reliable new and used cars available in the UK.
Contents:
- Honda Jazz
- Volkswagen Golf
- Mazda MX-5
- Toyota RAV4
- MINI Countryman
- Skoda Octavia
- BMW 4 Series
- Toyota Yaris
- Porsche 718 (Boxster/Cayman)
- Tesla Model Y
Honda Jazz
The Japanese are rather good at making reliable cars, with Honda being one of the brands responsible for their renowned dependability. And so, the humble little Jazz offers a fine entry into the Honda range, which punches well above its weight.
This is because the Jazz offers plenty of interior space, rivalling larger cars, along with being frugal and well-built, too. These traits help the Jazz keep its value well, and not depreciate as much as other cars.
It could be deemed pricier than rivals, but with the Jazz, it's a case of you get what you pay for. And, with it being one of the most reliable cars you can buy, it's still a bit of a bargain in that respect. It is quite simply one of the most reliable new or used cars you can buy.
Search Used Honda JazzVolkswagen Golf
The Volkswagen Golf has a solid reputation, having been on sale since 1974. At the time of writing, the Golf is in its eighth generation, and is very much the textbook answer if you want a solid, reliable, well-built car, there's even an Estate version too (pictured above), along with the more familiar hatch.
Older models tend to hold their value, especially for the more dynamic and sportier models like the iconic GTI or R models, with models like a Mk5 Edition 30 GTi or Mk2 Golf Rallye commanding decent money for well-kept, enthusiast-maintained examples.
You could say the Golf is like an iPhone, it's just a good package which is neat, tidy and inoffensive. And like the iPhone, it's reliable, too.
Search Used Volkswagen GolfMazda MX-5
Produced since 1989, today the Mazda MX-5 is in its fourth generation. It's always been the same ingredients, just improved with each new evolution, but the same principles have seen it be celebrated for its character, dynamics and reliability.
It's still a lightweight, 2-door roadster, providing great handling, with just enough power to not get you into trouble easily. Not only that, but it's pretty economical for a sporty roadster, and there's not much to go wrong due to the car's somewhat humble engine, without the need for masses of power.
If you want a textbook roadster that's lightweight, good to drive and reliable, the MX-5 continues to be a textbook choice.
Search Used Mazda MX-5Toyota RAV4
In the UK, the SUV is still proving to be ultra-popular, and if you want one of the most reliable models available, then it's worth considering the Toyota RAV4.
Unsurprisingly, the RAV4 is Japanese, and has developed itself a solid reputation since its introduction in 1994. Now in its fifth generation, it continues to add a super all-round package for those looking for decent reliability, fine economy and impressive practicality.
With multiple engine choices, along with mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options too, the Toyota RAV4 is perhaps the textbook answer for those wanting a dependable SUV.
Search Used Toyota RAV4MINI Countryman
Another dependable SUV is the MINI Countryman, and staying true to the list, despite MINI wanting you to believe the Countryman is British, it's technically German, due to MINI being owned by BMW.
Like the aforementioned RAV4 the Countryman offers fine practicality, with multiple engine choices, again with plug-in hybrid versions. Latest versions also boast fully-electric versions, too, although as the latest version hasn't been on sale long, here we're focusing on the previous generation model.
You could argue the interior is cooler, and features a funkier vibe than the RAV4 SUV alternative mentioned above, but if you like the retro charm and style of the MINI brand, then a Countryman offers a fine overall package, which is further heightened by reliability, too.
Search Used MINI CountrymanSkoda Octavia
As a member of the VW group, it's perhaps no surprise to see the dependable Skoda Octavia on the list. A favourite with taxi drivers tells you it's got a reputation for mile munching, with most of the miles being pretty stress-free.
There's a choice of engines too, all pretty strong, whilst offering decent performance and of course economy. The Octavia is a pretty handsome car, and with the underpinnings coming from parent company VW, you know you've got a great foundation.
Build quality and tech is similar to its VW siblings, and with the added reliability factor too, a new or used Skoda Octavia is a decent choice for sure.
Search Used Skoda OctaviaBMW 4 Series
The BMW 3 Series is an icon in the premium saloon game, and with the 4 Series being essentially the coupé version of it, the traits, reputation and general all-round excellence of it shine through.
There's a great choice of strong engines, and if you need extra doors, then the 3 Series is pretty much the same in reliability terms.
Both the 3 Series and 4 Series are amongst the UK's most reliable cars, whether it's buying new, or buying used. And being a BMW, there's the excellent build quality, and driver-focused feel, ideal for those who love driving. Another car, or a pair of cars, that offer a great all-round package.
Search Used BMW 4 SeriesToyota Yaris
Another Japanese car, another Toyota, the little Yaris has always been famed for its reliability, since its introduction in 1999. Some generations proved to have the odd fault here and there, but on the whole the Yaris is yet another reliable Toyota model.
It's also properly frugal, and there's a good selection of engine choice, with a decent hybrid-petrol choice which will prove popular with most.
With five doors as standard, the little Toyota is like the Honda Jazz and offers a bit more space than you perhaps may think.
Search Used Toyota YarisPorsche 718 (Boxster/Cayman)
Perhaps many think reliable cars have to be pretty normal, but the Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman demonstrate you can also have a renowned sports car, whilst having your cake and eating it.
Phenomenal handling, typical sports car performance and the fact you have the iconic Porsche badge make the 718 seem like a textbook choice, and of course, it is.
Add in reliability, which is sometimes not what first springs to mind with sports cars, and it sees the 718 pairing being a rather popular choice, which may be a little unexpected. The 718 also holds its value well, and if you want the ultimate, you can opt for the hallowed GT versions.
Search Used Porsche 718Tesla Model Y
Finally, a break in the Japanese German dominance of our list, with the American Tesla Model Y.
It's not always been the case with older Tesla models, but the Model Y is the quite simply one of the most reliable electric SUVs you can get. It's also practical, with a massive 854-litre boot, and plenty of interior space. Then there's the masses of technology, all controlled by the large central iPad-like control screen.
It's quick too, with 0 to 62mph happening in as little as 3.5 seconds in the Performance version, which is supercar territory. A more 'normal' circa 6 second time to 62mph is still hot hatchback fast in the rear-wheel drive versions, whilst many Model Y models come with all-wheel drive, giving them another advantage over many SUVs these days, which only feature two-wheel drive.
Search Used Tesla Model YFind your perfect car with Evans Halshaw
No matter what car you are looking for, you can find a comprehensive selection of reliable new and used car offers at Evans Halshaw.
Alternatively, if you enjoyed reading this article, you can check out more like it in our dedicated blog section, which covers lots of topics and shares various buyers guides, owners guides and much more.
