What Car? says...

If you’re buying new and want a car that’s the epitome of dependability, the high-ranking Japanese and Korean brands should be on your wish list. However, there’s more to picking a reliable car than that. Choose certain Nissan models and you could be in for multiple trips to the service department.

Opting for a premium brand won’t guarantee a durable car, either. Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo all feature near the bottom of our brand table.

Look at reliability by model and four cars stand out: the Audi A3 Saloon, Honda Jazz, Lexus CT200h and Toyota Aygo all achieve a remarkable 100% reliability rating.

The most common faults in our survey were non-engine electrics, with air-con and sat-nav the most frequent complaints. This highlights the need for car makers to think more about build quality when adding ever-more equipment to their cars. Many models at the bottom of the league were also plagued by major mechanical issues that rendered them undriveable and, in a small percentage of instances, owners were asked to pay for costly repair work.

The notable contrast between the best and worst performers means it’s vital to check the reliability of any potential purchase before you buy.

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