Whether you’re buying a new or a used car, reliability is one of the most important factors. Its also a gamble with any car, as there are often certain engine or model designations that are more dependable than others, which is why it makes sense to fully research any potential purchase.
However, the annual JD Power reliability index is always a good place to start, as it uses genuine customer satisfaction data to determine which cars are the most reliable on the market. Here are the UK’s top examples in each market segment.
Peugeot 108
According to JD Power, the Peugeot 108 is the city car that has the best owner satisfaction rating, with the car’s comfort and build quality scoring very highly indeed. Previously, Peugeot hasn’t enjoyed the best reputation for dependability, so the 108’s performance is a significant step in the right direction for the French brand.
Skoda Fabia
It probably comes as no surprise that Skoda is the most prevalent brand in the top 10, having continued to exceed customers’ expectations for the past 20 years. The Fabia is dutifully reliable, as well as great value for money, comfortable and among one of the most spacious superminis on the market. It may not be exciting, but it’s a very good car.
Volvo V40
The latest V40 is a return to form for Volvo, which, for many years, was a company renowned for building reliable cars. The last decade or so has seen wobbly reliability ratings for the Swedish brand, but the last V40 is the best-performing compact family car in the annual JD Power ratings, which suggests the company is well and truly back on track.
Vauxhall Meriva
The recently discontinued Meriva will be missed by quite a few loyal customers, who not only rated its dependability but also its incredible practicality, with its rear-hinged back doors making it ideal for getting children and child seats in and out, as well as giving better comfort for less mobile individuals. A Vauxhall in the top 10 is also a massive step forward for the brand – and the Meriva isn’t the only one. It is the most dependable small MPV according to JD Power.
Skoda Yeti
Britain’s favourite small SUV in terms of satisfaction and reliability is the Skoda Yeti – a car that fulfils multiple roles for the family motorist. SUV, MPV, estate car, van – it’s one of the most versatile vehicles that money can buy. It’s great news for Skoda – and for Yeti owners – that it’s also one of the most reliable.
Vauxhall Insignia
Don’t underestimate the significance of the Insignia’s appearance in the UK’s list of top cars for satisfaction and reliability, as the best family hatchback. The rating relates to the recently replaced model, which replaced the Vectra in 2009 and transformed Vauxhall’s reliability ratings. They’re also great used bargains, as the general public have yet to catch up with how dependable they are.
Jaguar XF
Jaguar has one of the best return customer loyalty ratings of any car brand, and the XF is a perfect example of why. Not only is it beautifully executed inside and out, but the craftsmanship visible in its design clearly relates to its engineering quality as well. Since the first XF appeared 10 years ago, it has been a more or less permanent fixture in JD Power’s top car ratings. No wonder it’s the best compact luxury car.
Kia Sportage
Any manufacturer that’s prepared to honour a seven-year warranty with its cars must have a level on confidence in their reliability, so it’s no real surprise to see the Kia Sportage at the top of the tree for SUV reliability. Its also one of the best equipped and best value family SUVs on the market, making it a great choice for new and used car buyers alike.
Nissan Qashqai
The UK’s favourite crossover is also the one that British buyers are happiest with, according to JD Power. The Qashqai has proven itself to be reliable as well as seriously hot property on the new and used car market, meaning it retains its value better than most cars on the road. It’s also brilliantly designed – family cars don’t really come much better.
Skoda Superb
Another Skoda in the top 10 of the UK’s most reliable cars gives the Czech manufacturer a hat trick. The Superb is the UK’s most reliable executive saloon, as well as being far and away one of the best value ones as well. Indeed, the Superb has pretty much everything going for it, including the option of a truly massive estate variant.
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