When buying a second-hand car, you want to ensure you’re getting a good deal and it turns out that some vehicles are better than others when it comes to avoiding scams, and the list will shock you
Reliability is essential when purchasing a second-hand car. No one wants to invest in a vehicle only to discover hidden faults, an accident history, or tampered mileage.
While some brands have built a reputation for durability, others may not be as dependable when bought used. A recent analysis of vehicle history checks conducted by CarVertical, a VIN check service and vehicle history reporting company, has revealed the most reliable used car brands, and the findings might surprise you.
The used car second-hand market can be treacherous for buyers, primarily because of mileage rollback. This illegal practice, commonly referred to as “Clocking” or odometer fraud, involves some sellers manipulating the odometers to make it seem like the vehicle has lower mileage than it actually does.
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Top 10 Most Reliable Used Car Brands
According to data from vehicle history check provider CarVertical, the top 10 most reliable used car brands, based on the percentage of vehicles with clean records, are:
- Honda: 72.1%
- Toyota: 70.2%
- Volvo: 70%
- Mini: 69.5%
- Porsche: 69.4%
- Peugeot: 67%
- Fiat: 67%
- Land Rover: 66.6%
- Renault: 65.5%
- Citroën: 65.1%
These percentages indicate the proportion of vehicles from each brand with clean records, suggesting fewer past issues and a higher likelihood of reliability.
While contrary to popular belief, some premium German brands rank lower in terms of used car reliability:
- Volkswagen: 61.5%
- BMW: 60.7%
- Mercedes-Benz: 58.8%
- Audi: 56.2%
This is particularly noteworthy given that Volkswagen was the most popular brand among new car buyers in Britain last year, followed by BMW and Audi.
Matas Buzelis of CarVertical emphasises the significance of conducting thorough vehicle history checks, “A vehicle’s history can highlight potential risks or warning signs for buyers to be aware of. Dishonest sellers often try to mask damage, hide defects, and falsify mileage in an effort to maximise their profits.”
By investing in a comprehensive vehicle history report, buyers can uncover hidden defects, previous accidents, or mileage discrepancies, ensuring a more informed purchasing decision.
When navigating the used car market, it’s essential to look beyond brand prestige and focus on reliability metrics. Brands like Honda, Toyota, and Volvo have demonstrated higher reliability in the used car sector, offering peace of mind to buyers. Conversely, while premium brands like Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW are renowned for luxury and performance, their used vehicles may require more diligent checks to ensure a sound investment.
Ultimately, conducting thorough research and obtaining detailed vehicle history reports are crucial steps in securing a reliable and satisfactory used car purchase.
