A comprehensive reliability survey of over 50,000 UK car owners has revealed a surprising trend , vehicles aged five to ten years are proving significantly more reliable than brand new cars fresh from the showroom.
The findings, from Look Into’s annual car reliability survey, challenge the assumption that newer always means better when it comes to dependability.
Why older cars are winning
Modern vehicles are packed with complex electronic systems, advanced driver assistance features, and intricate infotainment setups , and it’s these technologies that are causing the most problems. Our survey found that software glitches, sensor malfunctions, and electrical faults accounted for 45% of all reported issues in cars under two years old.
By contrast, cars aged five to ten years have typically had their teething problems resolved through software updates and recalls, and their simpler electronic architectures mean fewer things to go wrong.
The most reliable cars
Topping our reliability charts for older vehicles were Japanese manufacturers, with Toyota and Honda models consistently scoring highest. The Toyota Corolla (2018-2022) achieved a remarkable 97% reliability rating, while the Honda Civic (2017-2021) scored 95%.
Among newer cars, Hyundai and Kia performed best, with their five-year warranty providing additional peace of mind for buyers.
What this means for buyers
If reliability is your top priority, our data suggests that a well-maintained car aged five to seven years could be a smarter purchase than a brand new model. You’ll benefit from proven reliability, significant depreciation savings, and lower insurance costs.
Check our full reliability ratings for detailed scores on over 300 car models, and use our free car checker tool to investigate the history of any used vehicle before you buy.