How reliable is your car? - Introduction

Reliability isn't too much to ask when we're spending thousands on a car, is it? Sadly, we hear of too many motorists who are left feeling disappointed, having bought a car they find they can't trust.

That's why the annual What Car? and Warranty Direct Reliability Survey is vital for car buyers. It tells them which models are most likely to require repairs and how much they can expect to pay to fix them.

That kind of information isn't easy to come by - manufacturers keep reliability data on cars still covered by their warranties closely under wraps. However, we are able to give you the low-down on 111 models from 26 manufacturers, thanks to independent warranty provider Warranty Direct (0800 731 7001; www.warrantydirect.co.uk).

Warranty Direct has carried out exhaustive research on 38,000 cars to reveal the nature of the repairs carried out on every model - from faults with the electrics, brakes and suspension to problems with the engine, transmission, or heating and cooling systems. The average age of cars in our survey was 4.9 years, and the average repair cost was £309.

Each manufacturer has been given a ranking out of 26, and we also provide last year's ranking to show which makes have improved.

Click here for a manufacturers' reliability table.