Honda tops UK used car reliability survey for seventh year
Honda has been named the most reliable used car brand in the UK for the seventh consecutive year, with just a 10 percent annual breakdown rate according to What Car? and Warranty Direct.
Honda has been named the most reliable used car brand in the UK for the seventh year in a row, according to the annual reliability survey carried out by What Car? magazine and Warranty Direct. The 2012 results put Honda ahead of all other major manufacturers, with just a 10 percent probability of a breakdown in any given 12-month period.
The survey, which draws on data from Warranty Direct’s extended warranty policies and What Car?’s readership, measures the likelihood of a breakdown once a car has left its manufacturer warranty. Honda’s 10 percent failure rate is the lowest among all brands included, making it a strong choice for buyers seeking a used car with minimal risk of unexpected repair costs.
How other brands compare
Toyota came second in the survey, with a 17 percent annual failure rate, followed closely by Lexus at 18 percent. At the other end of the scale, Land Rover was found to be the least reliable for the eleventh year running, with a 71 percent chance of a breakdown in a year. German premium brands including Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar also featured among the ten least reliable used car brands, according to the survey data.
The results underline the continued dominance of Japanese manufacturers in used car reliability. The survey’s methodology, based on real-world warranty claims, provides a practical indication of the risks owners face once the original warranty expires. For buyers, the figures give a clear steer on which brands are least likely to result in unexpected garage bills after purchase.
What it means for used car buyers
For those shopping for a used car, the findings reinforce Honda’s reputation for engineering durability. The low breakdown rate translates to fewer unplanned expenses, which is particularly relevant as vehicles age and fall outside manufacturer support. The data also suggests that buyers looking for reliability should prioritise Japanese brands, with Toyota and Lexus also performing strongly.
In contrast, owners considering premium European brands may face a higher risk of faults and higher repair costs, as indicated by their lower rankings in the survey. The continued poor performance of Land Rover highlights ongoing concerns about long-term dependability in that segment.
Annual reliability rankings at a glance
| Brand | 12-month failure rate |
|---|---|
| Honda | 10% |
| Toyota | 17% |
| Lexus | 18% |
| Land Rover | 71% |
