Hatchback

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

AUDI

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

DS has only existed as a standalone manufacturer since 2015&nbsp;(prior to that the badge was used on upmarket&nbsp;Citroëns), but it is now the premium brand in the Stellantis group, which also includes&nbsp;Citroën, Peugeot and Vauxhall.

The first DS models were essentially rebadged Citroëns, but more recently its cars are now standalone models in their own right. Yet under the skin, they're still very closely related.

Its models are&nbsp;influenced by the French fashion industry and are designed&nbsp;to take on the ubiquitous offerings of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.

Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.

That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.

JAGUAR

Buyers seeking value for money should have Kia towards the top of their shopping list.

Although once a niche brand in the UK, today Kia outsells many more established brands, helped by its market-leading seven-year warranty and a strong reputation for reliability; in fact, Kia regularly finishes towards the top of our reliability surveys.

There are plenty of models to choose from, too, ranging from the small Picanto city car to the Ceed family hatchback and the Sorento large SUV. The Picanto was the first Kia to win its class at the What Car? Car of the Year awards.

Land Rover is synonymous with SUVs, and especially with the Defender – the rugged runabout that has seen service in war zones across the world, but also as part of the Queen’s personal garage.

If off-road prowess is one of Land Rover’s core values, though, the other is luxury. Indeed, the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar are among the best luxury SUVs you can buy.

The Discovery, meanwhile, is a practical rival for the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, while the stylish Evoque (which is available as a three-door convertible as well as a traditional SUV) goes head to head with Audi’s Q3 and BMW’s X1.

In the coming years, we’ll see a new road-biased ‘Road Rover’ as well as an all-new Defender.

LAND ROVER

In the same way that Infiniti acts as Nissan’s premium arm, Lexus has a similar tie-in with Toyota. And since most of Toyota’s models are offered as hybrids, it’s no surprise to see the same from Lexus, although there are some traditional petrol engines, too.

The brand focuses heavily on SUVs – namely the NX and RX – but also has the CT hatchback, ES executive saloon and LS luxury car among its portfolio. More small and large SUVs are expected in the future.

Like Toyota, Lexus has built a very strong reputation for reliability and regularly finishes very close to the top of our annual Reliability Survey.

LEXUS

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.

Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.

The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.

MINI

The VW Group famously spends more money on research and development than any rival – and as a result, perhaps it should be no surprise that our testers rate its cars so consistently highly.

The fact that many of those cars use the same underpinnings also helps, because it means that if they get it right once, they have the foundations to keep on getting it right.

However, the Volkswagen brand faces plenty of tough competition, often from within, because the rapidly rising Seat and Skoda brands that are also part of the group have access to the same technology.

VOLKSWAGEN

Volvo is now a true rival to the likes of Audi, BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz, offering an alternative take on premium executive cars to a rapidly growing fanbase.

After a string of strong launches – notably with the Mk2 XC90 and XC60 SUVs – it struck gold in early 2018 when it launched its smallest SUV, the XC40. When our testers compared the car with its rivals, they concluded that it was the best launch of the previous 12 months, earning it our coveted overall Car of the Year Award.

The good news is that, like many car makers, Volvo now uses the same structure underneath most of its cars – so if they get it right on one model, it usually bodes well for the rest. That’s the case here, with Volvo’s subsequent saloon and estate launches complementing the SUVs and making for a generally extremely appealing line-up.

VOLVO

DS 7

GOLF

SORENTO

used-car-of-the-year-awards-used-car-scheme

The Lexus and Toyota Service Activated Warranty is one of the very few to provide cover for cars up to 10 years old and very much does what it says on the tin, by offering buyers of eligible used Lexuses and Toyotas almost unparalleled peace of mind.Somewhat confusingly for our purposes here, there are actually two complementary schemes – one for Lexus and one for Toyota – but they come from the same parent company and are identical in every way, so they’re joint winners.The length of the warranty is linked to your car’s service schedule. Take it to a franchised dealer every 12 months for a service and you’ll be rewarded with another 12 months’ worth of warranty and UK-wide roadside assistance courtesy of the AA, until the car is 10 years old or has covered 100,000 miles. The scheme covers the same parts and labour as the three-year Lexus/Toyota new car warranty. What’s more, the hybrid batteries that help to power most Lexus and Toyota models are covered separately for 15 years.

Used cars don’t have to be bought from a Lexus or Toyota main dealer or have been serviced by one in the past to be eligible for the Service Activated Warranty. Nor do they need to have a full service history. A 145-point vehicle health check is part of the service package, and this covers all mechanical and electronic parts, helping to detect potential problems at an early stage. Any existing defects that are present at the time of each service will be excluded, though, and as with other similar warranties, wear-and-tear items are not covered.It’s worth pointing out that this level of cover doesn’t affect the prices of individual services; the costs are transparent and no higher than they would have been otherwise. That means they’re very competitive, particularly in Toyota’s case. Given how comprehensive this scheme is, that annual outlay seems like money well spent.<hr /><h2>Runner-up</h2><h3>Suzuki</h3>

Also offering cover for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles on the proviso that you have your car serviced every year at a franchised dealer, the Suzuki scheme finishes second here by the narrowest of margins. In truth, there’s little to separate it from our highest-rated used car scheme – and that’s hardly surprising when you remember that Suzuki and Toyota share much of their expertise in small cars and electrification respectively.The only differences we could find were that the Suzuki scheme offers a ‘comprehensive’ check but not a specified number, like Lexus/Toyota’s 145-point check, and it doesn’t offer the 15-year hybrid battery warranty like the Lexus/Toyota scheme does.<hr /><h2>Also consider...</h2><h3>Kia</h3>

Several manufacturers, including Dacia, MG and most of the newer Chinese brands, now offer seven-year transferable warranties from new.However, it’s the one from Kia that stands out. If you buy a used car up to 20 months old from a Kia main dealer, it will top up the warranty to a full seven years, the same as you would get if you were buying the car new. True, we’d like it even more if it applied to slightly older cars, but that’s still a healthy chunk of cover.<hr />For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

Used Car of the Year Awards: Used car scheme

Used Car of the Year Awards: Used Car scheme

how-to-buy-a-used-car-tips-for-buying-second-hand-cars

Volkswagen

The UK is packed to the brim with <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars">used cars</a>. According to official figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), more than two million exchanged owners during the first quarter of 2025.For many, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tag/buying-a-used-car">buying a used car</a> is the most cost effective way to get behind the wheel of a dependable model; however, it can also be a stressful experience.As well as choosing the right model to buy used, buyers will need to decide where they purchase the car from and inspect it thoroughly to reduce the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/most-common-car-scams-and-how-to-avoid-them/n26372">risk of being scammed</a> or forced to spend a fortune on unexpected repair bills. Fortunately, What Car? is at hand to help you find a high-quality used car at a reasonable price. Here, we’ll share the pros and cons of buying a used car from a private seller, dealer and auction, and the many things you should check before deciding whether to buy.<h2 dir="ltr">Where should I buy a used car?</h2>Used cars can be found in a surprisingly large number of places, but the types of model up for sale, the condition they’re in and the after-sales support you’ll receive differ considerably depending on where you go. <h3 dir="ltr">Approved used dealerships</h3>Many main car dealerships will stock a range of ‘approved used’ models. These cars were traded in by customers who bought a new car and typically undergo an extensive inspection before they are put on sale to make sure they meet the manufacturer’s approval. Many dealerships also have eligibility criteria each car must meet in order to go on sale, meaning most models will be no more than five years old, have a low mileage and just one or two previous owners.

The stringent requirements and thorough inspection means approved used cars are often some of the best pre-owned models on the market. However, since the standards are very high, these cars are typically more expensive than the equivalent model being sold elsewhere.In our last study of approved used car schemes, Volkswagen came out on top, offering their pre-owned models with a 24-month warranty, a 30-day/1000-mile no quibble exchange policy and five days of free Volkswagen Drive Away insurance. The company’s approved used models also undergo a 142-point check, which assesses the mileage and service history.<h3 dir="ltr">Independent used car dealerships</h3>One of the most traditional ways of buying second-hand, used car dealerships usually offer a wide range of vehicles in one place. Some used dealerships will specialise in a particular manufacturer’s models; however, most will stock different car types to suit the requirements and budgets of all buyers.The models sold by many used car dealerships will be inspected and prepared before going on sale, meaning they are often in good condition. Moreover, most dealers will be able to offer <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/pcp-or-hp-which-car-finance-option-makes-most-sense/n1163">financing options</a> to help you afford the car you’re looking for, and many also feature a short warranty, typically lasting between three and 12 months, to offer further peace of mind to buyers.That said, you should still take care when buying a used car from a dealership of any kind. Before visiting, look up the dealership’s name online and read the reviews from previous customers on reputable platforms such as Trustpilot. Also check to see that the dealership is accredited by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or is approved by a reputable motoring organisation like the AA or RAC. These accreditations mean that the dealer has been inspected and meets the standards of a respected authority.

If the dealer seems trustworthy, check whether their cars are advertised online and only visit if they have a specific model you might be interested in. Knowing what you’re after will help to prevent the salesperson trying to ‘upsell’ you into a more expensive model you don’t really want.<h3 dir="ltr">Private sellers</h3>Alternatively, you can always buy a car directly from its current owner. Privately sold used cars are often cheaper than counterparts available from dealerships because there’s no middleman involved. This makes buying privately especially useful for drivers looking for a car on a limited budget. Private sales also allow you to meet the car’s current owner, which can often help you get an idea of how it’s been cared for.Privately sold used cars are typically advertised on online retail sites, such as <a href="https://www.autotrader.co.uk/">Auto Trader</a>, for a pre-determined asking price or auctions, in which potential buyers make bids within a certain period of time. Some social media platforms also allow users to advertise cars for sale, like Facebook Marketplace. Nevertheless, buying a used car privately is not without its risks. Most notably, private sellers aren’t able to offer any kind of guarantee that the car won’t go wrong after you buy it, meaning you’ll have to fund any repairs yourself. Similarly, private sellers aren’t always as good at spotting issues as trained used car salespeople, meaning it’s down to you to thoroughly check the condition of the vehicle before you decide whether or not to buy it. As a result, it’s always a good idea to thoroughly check the car in person before deciding to buy, even if you have the option to purchase it online.<h3 dir="ltr">Car auctions</h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/used-car-auctions-your-complete-guide/n1129">Auctions</a> are seen by many as being one of the riskiest places to buy a used car; however, with a bit of know-how, you can drive away in a solid model for significantly less money than it would cost elsewhere.Many auctioneers will allow you to make a bid in person or online. While online auctions should feature comprehensive descriptions of each car going under the hammer, we would always recommend visiting the auction house in person so that you can give any models you are interested in a thorough inspection before making a bid.

Most auction sites will list all of the vehicles on their website before the auction takes place and, on the day, allow buyers to look around them. It’s important to use this time wisely and decide which cars are worth bidding on and, in particular, the maximum amount you’re willing to pay.When bidding begins, the auctioneer will introduce each car and start by asking for a starting bid. If this bid is met, they will then increase the fee, usually in increments of £100 or £200. To avoid confusion, it’s best to maintain eye contact with the auctioneer and clearly raise your hand or paddle each time you want to make a bid. Don’t forget that, if you make the winning bid, you’ll also have to pay a buyer’s fee, which will typically be about 4 to 6% of the winning bid. This is a fairly minimal fee on top of older, less-valuable cars but could add a considerable amount if you’re buying something more expensive. To avoid an unexpected bill taking you by surprise, it’s best to find out what the buyer’s fee is before the auction begins.<h2 dir="ltr">What should I check when looking at a used car?</h2>No matter where you buy a used car from, it should be thoroughly checked to make sure its condition matches your expectations. The more scrupulous you are during a viewing, the less likely it is you’ll encounter unexpected problems later down the line.<h3 dir="ltr">Check the history</h3>One of the most important things to do when buying any kind of used car is to look at its history via an online service such as <a href="http://gov.uk/check-mot-history">gov.uk/check-mot-history</a>. By entering the car’s number plate into one of these websites, you’ll be able to see information, such as the vehicle’s engine and date of registration, along with previous MOT results, including the recorded mileage and any advisories.

For a small fee, many companies also offer more comprehensive history checks which will tell you whether the car in question has previously been <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-a-cat-a-cat-b-cat-s-or-cat-n-write-off/n1103">written off</a>, has outstanding finance or has been reported stolen. As a result, a quick check can easily identify whether a used car has had a worse history than the seller claims.<h3 dir="ltr">Speak to the seller</h3>Whether you’re thinking about buying from a private seller or dealer, it’s a good idea to give them a call to discuss the car before you decide whether to see it. To get a better idea of the car’s condition, ask specific questions about whether there are any dents, scratches or rust patches on the bodywork, if all the electrical components are in full working order, and when it was last serviced.If the car is being advertised by a private seller, always start by saying you’re interested in ‘the car’, rather than the specific model. This can help to identify any traders posing as private sellers. It’s also worth asking a private driver why they decided to put their car up for sale.<h3 dir="ltr">Look at the documents</h3>When viewing the car, always ask the seller to see the car’s service history. This gives you an overview of how the seller and any previous owners have treated the car, featuring details including where it was regularly serviced and any repairs that had to be conducted. Used cars with an incomplete or missing service history are generally worth less money because they are considered to be riskier purchases.

Perhaps the most important document to check when buying a used car is the V5C. Sometimes referred to as the logbook, the V5C should feature information including the seller’s full name and address, and the car’s colour, body type and registration number – all of which should match the car you’re looking to buy. The document will also contain the vehicle identification number (VIN) – a 17-digit number that’s typically located on the driver’s door jamb, on the lower passenger corner of the windscreen or on the scuttle panel under the bonnet. When checking the V5C, also remember to look for the ‘DVL’ watermark at the top left corner. <h3 dir="ltr">Inspect the bodywork</h3>The condition of the bodywork plays a huge role in determining whether a car looks as if it’s just rolled out of the factory or is about to be towed into a scrapyard. No matter where you’re buying a car, ask to see it in clear daylight, which can make any imperfections more visible. In particular, keep a close eye out for signs of rust and bubbling on the sills, bottoms of the doors and wheel arches – the parts of the car that typically encounter the most salt in winter but are least thoroughly washed – and any minor dents. Small scratches, bumper scuffs, and paint chips may also look unsightly but are much easier and cheaper to put right, so shouldn’t be such a concern.Much more of an issue is inconsistent panel gaps. Bodywork panels with gaps that start out narrow and get increasingly wider may suggest that the car you’re looking at was involved in an accident and repaired badly. Panels that are a slightly different colour to the rest of the car may also be a sign that the vehicle has undergone extensive repairs.<h3 dir="ltr">Assess the interior</h3>If the condition of the interior doesn’t match the car’s mileage, it could be a sign that the vehicle has been clocked. If the car you’re interested in has a low mileage, make sure the upholstery isn’t faded or torn and that plastics regularly touched by the driver, such as the door handles, gear knob and steering wheel, aren’t shiny. Looking around a car’s interior can also help you identify how the current owner has treated it. Yellow stains on the headlining or signs of burn marks on hard plastic surfaces are common signs that the car has been previously smoked in, even if air fresheners are doing a good job to mask the smell. While spending time inside the car, it’s also worth making sure that all of the features fitted to the car are working correctly. This is particularly important for advanced components like parking cameras, the touchscreen and wireless phone chargers, but you shouldn’t neglect more conventional features like the central locking and electric windows.<h3 dir="ltr">Check the wheels</h3>If the car you’re interested in features alloy wheels, check the edges to make sure they’ve not been scraped or curbed. It’s also worth thoroughly inspecting the tyres to make sure they have plenty of tread on them and that the sidewalls aren’t cracked, including the spare if the car has one.

<h3 dir="ltr">Open the bonnet</h3>Even if you’re not mechanically minded, you can get a good idea of how a car has been cared for by how it looks under the bonnet. Make sure the oil, coolant and brake fluid are all topped up to the right levels and look clean. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for any signs of a leak around the engine bay or underneath the car, particularly after the engine has been warmed up. It’s also worth unscrewing the oil cap and checking for any sign of a white substance underneath. This is commonly caused by the engine’s coolant and oil mixing, indicating that the head gasket has failed and must be replaced – a repair that could cost you thousands of pounds to put right.<h3 dir="ltr">If it’s electric, check the battery</h3>While studies predict that electric car batteries are capable of lasting up to 20 years, poor charging practices can quickly cause permanent damage. To make sure the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/buying-a-used-electric-car-everything-you-need-to-know/n24703">used electric car</a> you're thinking of buying has a durable battery, ask the seller to give it a full charge before your viewing and see how much of a difference there is between the estimated range figure on the instrument panel and the model’s official range.You can also see how much the battery loses charge during the test drive by checking how far the estimated range figure drops over a certain number of miles. <h3 dir="ltr">Get a professional</h3>If you’re not confident that you’ll be able to spot potential issues, you can always pay an expert to inspect the car for you. Many companies offer pre-purchase inspections, in which a trained mechanic will give the car a thorough mechanical inspection and a short road test to spot any hidden faults. In some cases, the mechanic will also plug in diagnostic software to see whether the engine control unit (ECU) has issued any fault codes and check the bodywork for signs of damage.A pre-purchase inspection is a good way to get peace of mind when buying a used car but will likely be expensive. Most companies charge around £100 for a basic inspection and up to £250 for more comprehensive checks.<h3 dir="ltr">Go for a test drive</h3>If you’re happy with how the car looks, the next step is to find out how well it drives. <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/how-to-test-drive-a-car/n1114">Test drives</a> typically last less than half an hour, so it’s a good idea to plan a route in advance that incorporates a wide range of road types – spanning from residential streets to dual carriageways and motorways.

When testing a car, it’s important that you make sure you enjoy the way it drives. A few minutes on a fast-moving road should determine if it has plenty of power, whereas parking it in a tight space can help you judge its manoeuvrability. However, it’s also important to make sure that the potential purchase isn’t showing any warning signs of troublesome faults. When the coast is clear behind, apply the brakes and make sure they don’t feel spongy or unresponsive. Similarly, if it’s a manual car, the clutch pedal shouldn’t feel heavy or cause the car to judder when changing gear – a telltale sign that the clutch is slipping.Listen out for any knocks when travelling over potholes and speedbumps, which could be a sign that there’s an issue with the suspension components. Similarly, if you experience judders and knocks when taking corners, it’s likely that there’s an issue with the steering system.<h2 dir="ltr">How do I get the best price for a used car?</h2>Although some will state ‘no offers’ when advertising a car, most private sellers and almost all dealerships will let you <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/how-to-negotiate-a-car-sale/n1105">haggle</a> for a better price. You should never be afraid to ask for a discount but, in order to get the best price, it’s always best to have some justification.Before going to view a car, make sure you know that model’s typical market value by checking our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/car-valuation/">free car valuation service</a>. By entering the registration number and mileage, you’ll be able to see the typical asking price for the model (including the trim level, engine and overall condition) if it was being sold privately or at a dealership. You may also wish to haggle if you think the condition of the car is not as good as the seller claimed in the advertisement.

If you decide to make the seller an offer, it’s important that you’re polite and reasonable. Don’t expect the seller to cut a significant percentage off the asking price unless there’s a serious issue they hadn’t noticed. If they make a counter offer, consider it carefully and don’t be afraid to walk away if the price is still too high.That said, don’t forget that you can negotiate more than the price of the car, too. You could always ask the seller to pay for a service, MOT or, if you find an issue with the car when you view it, whatever repairs need to be made. <h2 dir="ltr">What Car? verdict</h2>What Car? content editor, Jack Mortimer, says: “The used car market is so large that it’s all too easy to become overwhelmed when looking for your next model. Fortunately, this feeling can be prevented by making sure you’ve done all the preparation.“Start by deciding exactly what you want to buy – ideally including which trim level and engine – and how much you’re willing to pay. Then, when you go to view an example, check it thoroughly to make sure you like it and it’s in an acceptable condition. “Moreover, if a car doesn’t meet your expectations, don’t convince yourself to buy it. Chances are you’ll be able to find a near-identical example for sale elsewhere and, if not, another will be on the market soon.”For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a><h2 dir="ltr">Read more: <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/most-common-car-scams-and-how-to-avoid-them/n26372">Most common car scams and how to avoid them</a> &gt;&gt;</h2>

How to buy a used car: tips for buying second-hand cars

used-car-of-the-year-awards-2022-approved-used-car-schemes

Ceed

Toyota

Yaris

Saloon

Lexus

The recently revised <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/volkswagen">Volkswagen</a> Approved Used scheme now gives you a rare 24-month warranty, as well as two years’ worth of of free MOT tests, two years’ roadside assistance and, if you buy the car through Volkswagen’s own PCP finance scheme, two free services as well.There’s also a 142-point check on each car, a 30-day/1000- mile no-quibble exchange policy, service history checks, independent vehicle history and mileage checks and five days of complementary Volkswagen Drive Away insurance.

On top of that, it covers cars of any age that are offered for sale on VW forecourts, up to a 100,000-mile limit.It’s this last quality that sets it apart from the few other rivals schemes that also offer 24 months’ worth of warranty cover but generally for younger cars only. All told, this scheme’s sheer breadth is unparalleled.<h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/volkswagen?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true&amp;postCode=tw1%203sp">Find used Volkswagen cars for sale &gt;&gt;</a></h3><hr /><h2>Also consider...</h2><h3>DS Certified</h3>

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/ds">DS </a>Certified scheme is a previous overall winner in this category, but this year it has to give way to the Volkswagen scheme. That’s because although DS, too, offers a splendid 24-month warranty, it’s not as all-encompassing, in that it only covers cars up to four years old that have done less than 50,000 miles.Still, DS also provides an extensive 120-point mechanical check, two years’ EU and UK breakdown recovery, a full history and mileage check, free MOT test cover and a 30-day/1000-mile exchange programme.Meanwhile, if you’re buying a DS between four and seven years old with no more than 100,000 miles on the clock, a 12-month warranty is offered.<h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/ds?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true&amp;postCode=tw1%203sp">Find used DS cars for sale &gt;&gt;</a></h3><hr /><h3>Toyota/Lexus Relax</h3>

Anyone buying a car through the approved scheme offered by <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/toyota">Toyota</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/lexus">Lexus</a> gets a 12-month/unlimited-mileage warranty that covers used cars up to eight years old with a maximum of 100,000 miles. On top of that, you’ll get one year’s UK and European roadside assistance, a multi-point mechanical check and full vehicle preparation, a full service history guarantee, a free MOT test and, if a demonstrable fault is unable to be fixed, a 30-day or 1000-mile exchange policy.Additionally, if you take your Toyota or Lexus to be serviced at a main dealer every year, its warranty will automatically be extended for another year until the car reaches 10 years old or accrues 100,000 miles on the odometer.<h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/toyota?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true&amp;postCode=tw1%203sp&amp;sort=asc&amp;sortBy=distance">Find used Toyota cars for sale &gt;&gt;</a></h3><h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/lexus?used=true&amp;nearlynew=true&amp;postCode=tw1%203sp&amp;sort=asc&amp;sortBy=distance">Find used Lexus cars for sale &gt;&gt;</a></h3><hr />For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

Used Car of the Year Awards 2022: Approved Used Car Schemes

kia-approved-used-car-scheme

It's true that the Kia apporved used scheme does provide the longest warranty in the industry, and this will appeal to a number of used car buyers who may have had to foot large repair bills shortly after taking ownership.However, it is also one of the more restrictive policies out there because all the cars that qualify have to be less than 20 months old and have done less than 20,000 miles. Most rival approved schemes offer cars for sale that are five years old, with the best extending this to 10 years. <a href="www.whatcar.com/news/bmw-approved-used-car-scheme/n22097">BMW Approved</a> and also <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/mini-approved-used-car-scheme/n22139">Mini Approved</a> go even further by not imposing an age or mileage limit at all.There are other benefits to the Kia scheme, such as a 60-day/1000 mile exchange guarantee along with accident aftercare should you be involved in a collision. The website also makes a big deal of the fact that all the cars available to buy are Euro 6 compliant and avoid <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/londons-ultra-low-emission-zone-everything-you-need-to-know/n15049">London's ULEZ</a> fee - but then you'd hope they would given that all cars are less than 20 months old.<table><tbody><tr><td>Name of programme</td> <td>Kia approved used</td> </tr><tr><td>Maximum age</td> <td>20 months</td> </tr><tr><td>Maximum mileage</td> <td>20,000 miles</td> </tr><tr><td>Warranty length</td> <td>7 years or 100,000 miles</td> </tr><tr><td>Breakdown cover</td> <td>12 months roadside, recovery, home start and EU cover provided by RAC</td> </tr><tr><td>Inspection</td> <td>Multi-point inspection</td> </tr><tr><td>Exchange policy</td> <td>Yes, 60 days</td> </tr><tr><td>Extendable warranty</td> <td>No</td> </tr><tr><td>Mileage guarantee</td> <td>Yes</td> </tr><tr><td>Full service history guarantee</td> <td>Yes</td> </tr><tr><td>MOT cover</td> <td>Yes, for the first year and up to the value of £1000</td> </tr><tr><td>Additional benefits</td> <td>Accident aftercare, seven days' complimentary insurance</td> </tr><tr><td>Number of dealers</td> <td>187</td> </tr></tbody></table>For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a><h2 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/kia">Find a used Kia for sale &gt;&gt;</a></h2><h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/approved-used-car-schemes">Read about more approved used schemes &gt;&gt;</a></h3>

Kia Approved Used Car Scheme

volvo-selekt-approved-used-car-scheme

The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-reviews/make/volvo">Volvo</a> Selekt used approved scheme mostly mirrors the benefits of rivals, although it can't match <a href="http://www.whatcar.com/news/bmw-approved-used-car-scheme/n22097">BMW Approved</a> for the age of cars covered, nor does it match the level of warranty cover provided by <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-reviews/make/jaguar">Jaguar</a>, which gives you 12 months of cover on cars up to the same seven year age limit. Anything that is over five years old under the Volvo scheme only gets six months of cover, with the option to upgrade it to 12 months for an additional fee.However, Volvo Selekt is one of the few that will guarantee that all cars under the scheme have a full service history, which should give buyers some peace of mind that they will be buying a car that has been maintained to the manufacturer's guidelines.  <table><tbody><tr><td>Name of programme</td> <td>Volvo Selekt</td> </tr><tr><td>Maximum age</td> <td>7 years</td> </tr><tr><td>Maximum mileage</td> <td>100,000 miles</td> </tr><tr><td>Warranty length</td> <td>12 months (less than 5 years, 6 months if more than 5 years - can upgrade to 12 months)</td> </tr><tr><td>Breakdown cover</td> <td>12 months roadside, recovery, home start and EU cover</td> </tr><tr><td>Inspection</td> <td>150+</td> </tr><tr><td>Exchange policy</td> <td>Yes, 30 days</td> </tr><tr><td>Extendable warranty</td> <td>Yes</td> </tr><tr><td>Mileage guarantee</td> <td>Yes</td> </tr><tr><td>Full service history guarantee</td> <td>Yes</td> </tr><tr><td>MOT cover</td> <td>Yes, up to the value of £750</td> </tr><tr><td>Additional benefits</td> <td>N/A</td> </tr><tr><td>Number of dealers</td> <td>104</td> </tr></tbody></table>For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a><h2><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/used-cars/volvo">Find used Volvos for sale &gt;&gt;</a></h2><h3><a href="https://www.whatcar.com/class/approved-used-car-schemes">Read about more approved used schemes &gt;&gt;</a></h3>

Volvo Selekt Approved Used Car Scheme