Honda is ‘most reliable used brand’

What Car? and Warranty Direct research reveals that Honda is the most reliable used car brand in the UK for the seventh consecutive year. Honda has an enviable reliability record, with just a one in 10 chance of cars suffering a breakdown in any given 12-month period. Toyota and Lexus are close behind in the league table.

Warranty Direct’s managing director, Duncan McClure Fisher, said “for most used car buyers, there are only a couple of factors that are taken into account when choosing a car. Reliability is always one of the top priorities. Cars have become increasingly complex, with lots of gadgetry on board, especially on executive models, where buyers expect more and more bang for their buck. Owners of these cars pay over the odds for the premium badge, but our study shows they could also be paying over the odds just to keep the car on the road. It’s a balancing act for used car buyers. You can get cars that break down less often, but have higher repair bills, or you can buy a car that won’t cost you much when it fails, such as a Renault, but lumbers you with more than a 50% chance of doing so. The one thing you do appear to be able to rely upon is buying Japanese.”

What Car?’s editor in chief, Chas Hallett said “reliability is so important to motorists, especially when times are tough. Japanese car makers really do deliver on reliability and Honda is exceptionally good at this. What will be surprising to many is the fact that several of the more desirable brands did not fare so well regarding reliability, and the cost of their repairs are high. They need to do better.”

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