Let's say you buy or PCP a used car for a decent price. You go home, find out it's a bucket of bolts, and pretty soon you're driving the banged-up old jalopy to the repair shop (if it makes it there, that is).
Rinse. Repeat.
The great thing about a lease car is that it's brand new AND comes with the full manufacturer's warranty, which already gives you a head start in the 'What If This Car Breaks Down On Me?' department.
But new cars can still kick the bucket, can't they? And even if the warranty means you don't have to cough up any maintenance costs, it's still a hassle to deal with.
Soooo, here's your comprehensive list of cars that can barely put a wheel wrong.
Which Brands Make the Most - and Least - Reliable Car?
We're taught not to judge a book by its cover, but it's fair to say that some car manufacturers have a . . . reputation.
Thing is: a lot of that is just myth.
Take Alfa Romeo, for example. It still gets labelled as unreliable due to certain faulty cars that it produced in the 70s and 80s, despite the fact that Alfa Romeo's recent models benefit from a high reliability score, even if they aren't quite as durable as your Mazdas and your BMWs.
Traditionally, German and Japanese manufacturers tend to produce the most reliable cars. Their engineering is second to none.
Of course, that's not to say that other car brands don't produce reliable cars. Instead, it's better to think of them as less good, but still . . . good.
The fact is that more advanced technology, better regulations and better safety checks means that car reliability has never been better, so you're unlikely to end up with a bucket of bolts anytime soon. So even though cars from obscurer makes like BYD and GWM might be 'Made in China', they're definitely not plastic toys.
Are Cars Getting More Reliable?
You bet they are.
In the 1970s, if a car had 70,000 miles on its clock, you'd raise an eyebrow if it was still running fine. But in 2024, a car can easily get to 100,000 miles and it's no big deal.
Otherwise, how would carmakers have come up with all this fancy new electric technology? There's been that significant shift in the new car market over the past few years, with an enormous spike in the number of cutting-edge hybrid and pure electric models storming the market. And because they run on batteries, they tend to be more reliable than petrol and diesel cars, which were still pretty reliable to begin with.
High Scores for Hybrids
Just above electrics, hybrid cars tend to be among the most reliable cars, despite the perception that they're more complicated under the bonnet.
Most issues with hybrid cars aren't linked to their drivetrains or any other critical component, but instead with touchscreen systems and electrical gadgets in the cabin.
You'd take a dodgy touchscreen over a dodgy engine any day of the week!
But of course, not everyone wants a hybrid or an electric car, which is why we've still included petrol and diesel models in our list below.
10. Nissan Leaf
Automakers should take a 'leaf' out of this car's book, because this is one fine runner.
Widely regarded as a reliable electric vehicle since its 2010 introduction, the Nissan Leaf benefits from a more simple drivetrain compared to vehicles going off of an internal combustion engine (petrol & diesel). That means there's fewer moving parts and therefore fewer things that can go wrong. Happy days.
And as we've mentioned, electric vehicles typically have fewer maintenance issues anyway due to not needing oil changes, transmission servicing etc. But as with any car, regular maintenance is still essential in order to keep up the Leaf's longevity and reinforce its reliability. So don't get lazy.
9. Ford Mustang Mach-E
A relatively new electric vehicle from Ford, the Ford Mustang Mach-E has yet to show its mettle over the long term, but the initial feedback and reliability rating does indicate that it's not to be faulted.
Ford have made big investments in the development and production of the Mustang Mach-E, focusing on quality and craftsmanship. Its solid build quality, high-quality materials and attention to detail bear fruit in a pleasant yet powerful drive. Plus, you get all the usual safety features like advanced driver-assistance systems and passive safety features, only helping to enhance the vehicle's credibility and keep you safe out on the road.
On top of that, electric vehicles like this one have fewer moving parts compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles, leading to fewer maintenance issues and greater reliability over time.
8. Hyundai Kona
Among the most reliable new cars out there, the Kona has received positive reviews for its safety features, build quality and driving dynamics. So if you’re on the lookout for a safe and reliable car, this one should at least be on your radar. Plus, the car doesn't load you with hefty running costs, meaning less money spent whilst on the move.
The Hyundai Kona boasts a well-built interior and exterior, with high-quality materials and attention to the smallest detail. A mix of gasoline and electric powertrain options gives you plenty of options too. Hyundai's engines are known for their robust efficiency and reliability, and the vehicle comes equipped with a variety of standard safety features, including but not limited to forward collision avoidance, blind-spot collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Keeping you safe.
7. Toyota Corolla
Who knew that the British made reliable cars? 5 million Corollas have been built here in the last 30 years, to be precise. And it does something to dispel the notion that the UK is no longer a player in the automotive world. Widely regarded as one of the most reliable cars in its class, this Toyota backs up the brand's image for producing reliable cars with top-notch durability, longevity, and all-around car reliability.
The Corolla is fairly unique among medium-size hatchbacks in being the only one that's available with self-charging hybrid powertrains. The 2.0-litre version provides a nice kick and quite lively performance, with strong fuel economy topping it off. Plus, you get loads of nifty features fitted as standard. What's not to like?
6. BMW i3
Make car reliability a worry of the past with this bad boy. The BMW i3 kickstarted the brand’s all-electric 'i' range back in 2013, meaning it is a little surprising to still see this one rank so highly in 2024. But rank highly it does.
It may have aged a little too badly for some, but it's hard to argue with the fact that the i3 is still as easy and as fun to drive as it was in 2013. While now an older car, the German brand’s forward-thinking design keeps it thoroughly in the modern era. BMW isn't known for making faulty cars, and the i3 helps prove it.
5. Toyota Prius
Yep, another Toyota, and it shouldn't be a surprise for this one to have made the top 5 reliable vehicles, being as it is a car with an impeccable reputation and an excellent range of features.
The Prius actually pioneered hybrid car technology and it's only continued to be improved over several generations. It's known for Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system (combining a gasoline engine with electric motors), which is recognised and known for its reliability, efficiency and longevity.
The Prius gives you a well-built interior and exterior, featuring high-quality materials and an excellent fit and finish throughout. And being a hybrid car, you also get above average fuel economy, reducing wear and tear on the engine and the components. It operates more efficiently than traditional petrol and diesel engines, contributing to its overall reliability. Certainly one to consider in the Most Reliable Cars category.
4. Mazda CX-5
Yet another Japanese car manufacturer, Mazda have built themselves a reputation for producing vehicles with strong build quality, engaging driving dynamics, and reliable performance, with the CX-5 being no exception.
Mazda places a strong emphasis on workmanship and attention to detail, resulting in what is a well-built vehicle suited to the rigors of daily driving. It's available with a range of efficient and reliable engines, including Mazda's Skyactiv-G gasoline engines and Skyactiv-D diesel engines. And whether automatic or manual, the CX-5's transmissions are going to give you a smooth and durable drive every mile of the way.
3. Toyota GR Yaris
A high-performance variant of the standard Toyota Yaris, this one adds a little extra kick, furthering its appeal. It's another win for Toyota, a brand that has long proven its reliable status.
And no, an excellent reliability rating might not be the first thing that you associate with hot hatches, which makes this one all the more remarkable. The build quality is good, the reliability rating is good, and you get plenty of cool 'GR' badges throughout the car for bragging rights and envious looks. Plus it's sporty, so what's not to like?
Yes, the GR may be a specialist model that’s a little different mechanically to the standard Toyota Yaris, but a lot of the technical components are shared, meaning that any issues relating to software should be relatively easy to fix.
2. Subaru Outback
You've probably noticed that a lot of these reliable cars are coming from Japanese manufacturers, and Subaru joins the list with this model making the list of the top 10 most reliable cars.
Like Toyota, it's a brand with a reputation for building durable and long-lasting vehicles, with the Outback being no exception. Several factors contribute to its reliability, such as the symmetrical all-wheel drive which comes as standard, giving you superb traction and stability in a range of driving conditions.
Subaru vehicles are known for their sturdy construction and robust design, and the Subaru Outback also comes equipped with a wealth of advanced safety features and driver-assistance technologies, giving you an added layer of protection. These safety systems help contribute to the vehicle's overall reliability by mitigating the risk of collision and injury.
1. Lexus NX
The luxury division of Toyota, Lexus is well-known for producing vehicles that are the very best in terms of quality, and the Lexus NX is no exception. Several factors contribute to its reputation for reliability, like the high-quality materials and attention to detail, as well as the fact that Lexus vehicles undergo rigorous testing and quality control measures before hitting the road.
The Lexus NX can be had with a range of efficient engine options, including turbocharged gasoline engines and hybrid powertrains. And whether automatic or continuously variable (CVT), the transmissions are also designed for smooth operation and durability. You also get advanced safety features and driver-assistance technologies, enhancing your safety level.
Lexus vehicles are known for their longevity and durability, often delivering high mileage and years of hassle-free driving. You'll be in it for the long haul.
Summary
And there you have it: a comprehensive run-down of the most reliable cars on the market in 2024.
But don't just take our word for it. Remember, do your own research before putting pen to paper on that lease deal.
FAQs
What is the most reliable car in UK?
The Lexus NX is arguably the UK's most reliable car. Great interior quality, distinctive looks and a raft of standard equipment all conspire to make it a great choice for car reliability. Lexus cars are basically Toyotas on steroids, so you'll be getting that little bit of extra performance and comfort too.
Which car brand is most reliable?
Lexus is the most reliable car manufacturer. Still a fairly young brand, it represents the luxury arm of Toyota, and it recently became Japan's highest-selling premium car brand. Since the start of the new millennium, Lexus has also expanded outside Japan, with increased sales in the US, Europe, and South America.