The most reliable car brands in the UK

If you’re looking for a new car, it’s crucial to find something reliable. Whether you’re looking for a family run-around or a performance-focused vehicle, it’s always worth doing some research to find out about the first-hand experience of other drivers. In this guide, we’ll discuss some of the brands you should avoid if you’re looking to buy a new or used car in the UK this year. 

What’s the importance of owning a reliable vehicle? 

In short, motoring is expensive. From the outright cost of the vehicle to maintenance, repairs, and fuel costs, driving comes hand-in-hand with continuous – and sometimes unpredictable – expenses. In the midst of the cost-of-living crisis, it’s more important than ever to look for ways to be economical and save money if you’re a driver. 

That’s where buying a sturdy, reliable car comes in. If you choose a car from a manufacturer that’s known to produce quality vehicles with a good track record, you’ll not only feel safer on the roads, but you’ll be more likely to enjoy a reduced premium on your car insurance, too. 

Take the figures seriously 

Even if you’ve been tempted by a car brand that’s generally deemed unreliable – be that because the bodywork looks fantastic, or you want to get the same model as a friend – it’s important to steer clear of cars proven to be a poor investment.  

For instance, even though Ford is amongst the most popular brands of new cars registered in the UK, with over 150,000 new Ford cars sold in 2020 alone, it rarely tops other manufacturers when it comes down to reliability. In fact, in the What Car? 2021 Reliability Survey, Ford didn’t even make the top ten. Instead, Lexus, Nissan, and Hyundai models featured amongst the most reliable brands. 

Don’t assume that an SUV will be more reliable 

If you live in a rural area or in a part of the country with striking, hilly terrain, there are certainly advantages to buying a sport utility vehicle (SUV). Along with improved traction and handling in poor weather, mostly thanks to four-wheel drive transmission systems, large SUVs make practical, roomy options for a growing family. 

However, you might be surprised to learn that Land Rover tops the What Car? list as the most unreliable vehicle on the table. Specifically, with a score of just 43.4%, the Land Rover Discovery was found to be the least reliable model. 

Choose carefully 

Overall, there’s so much more to factor in than just what the car looks like. Performance and everyday functionality are vital, but reliability should never be overlooked.