Long considered a steady staple of British roads, the Ford Fiesta doesn’t even feature in Which?’s list of the top 10 most reliable cars
When it comes to buying used cars, many drivers believe older models will ultimately lead to persistent problems and massive mechanical bills.
But the latest survey from consumer champions Which? has blown this myth out of the water, revealing some more than decade-old cars are not just surviving, they’re thriving — boasting reliability records putting numerous newer models to shame.
Topping Which?’s comprehensive survey of over 60,000 UK drivers, the Lexus CT Hatchback Hybrid (2011–2020) has been crowned the most reliable car in the 10–15-year-old category. This full hybrid hatchback, which quietly went off sale in 2020, has proven itself to be the definition of dependability.
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In the 12 months leading up to the survey, not a single respondent reported a breakdown in their Lexus CT, with only 13% experiencing any kind of fault at all — a staggeringly low figure for a car of this age.
And when issues did arise, owners reported their cars spent just over a day off the road for repairs, compared to the 4.5-day average for cars in this age group.
The Lexus CT’s reliability isn’t just a fluke. Toyota’s luxury arm has long been known for its commitment to hybrid technology and robust engineering.
Owners also benefit from Lexus’ generous 10-year warranty (as long as the car is serviced at an official dealership), which encourages regular maintenance and helps nip potential issues in the bud.
The CT scored four out of five stars for satisfaction in the Which? survey, with a third specifically praising its reliability, and further third lauding its comfort.
‘The finest car I have ever crowned’
While some found the rear legroom and boot space lacking, most of the feedback for the model was glowing. As Graham Elliott from Scarborough put it, the CT is “the finest car that I have ever owned”.
The Which? survey also highlights other reliable models, including the Mazda MX-5 Convertible (2005–2015) and the Lexus RX Hybrid (2009–2015), both of which also reported zero breakdowns in the year leading up to the survey.
The Honda Jazz (2008–2015), Skoda Citigo (2012–2019) and BMW X1 (2009–2015) all performed admirably, but none could quite match the Lexus CT’s dependability.
So if you’re in the market for a used car and want peace of mind, the data is clear — the Lexus CT Hatchback Hybrid is the second-hand motor most likely to keep you one the road and out of the repair shop.