Most reliable used car brands to buy second hand – from bargain Japanese motors to luxury Swedish models

BUYING a second-hand car can be a bit of a Wild West – and data shows a premium badge doesn’t always mean reliability.

Whether you’re worried about your newly bought motor conking out on the way home – or finding out it’s been stolen or has outstanding finance, it can be a headache.

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A Honda car dealership with new and used cars on display in Cardiff[/caption]

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The dealership shop of Toyota in London[/caption]

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A row of used second hand BMW Mini cars for sale on a dealers forecourt[/caption]

Vehicle history services, however, see companies running specialist background checks on used cars to prevent any nasty surprises.

One such provider, CarVertical, has analysed car history checks on the top 20 manufacturers carried out last year to reveal which brands typically have the cleanest records.

Honda (72%), Toyota (70%) and Volvo (70%) have the best records, according to analysis of almost 100,000 reports conducted last year.

While Minis (69%), Porsches (69%) and Peugeots (67%) make up the rest of the top five.

However, at the bottom are a string of German brands – Audi (52%), Mercedes-Benz (59%), BMW (61%) and Volkswagen (62%).

While Kia rounds out the bottom five (58%).

VW was the most popular brand among new car buyers in Britain in 2024, followed by BMW in second, Audi in third and Mercedes in second, reports the MailOnline.

Matas Buzelis, of CarVertical, said: “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. 

“This practice can be more common with more stylish and expensive vehicles as there is more money to be made.

“But with many people dreaming of owning a premium car, there is a risk that buyers prioritise price over due diligence, and look beyond a vehicle’s history in favour of getting what they think is a good deal.

“Unfortunately, once hidden defects start to emerge, owners may face surprise and unexpected costs, with major repairs driving up ownership expenses unpredictably.

“To ensure a vehicle remains reliable for years to come, buyers should always check its history report, take it for a thorough test drive, and have it inspected by a trusted professional. 

“The last thing you want is the excitement of owning a new car giving way to frustration and disappointment.”

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A row of Ford cars at a second hand dealership[/caption]