Find a reliable used car

Set your budget and limits. We rank Britain's 150 most common models by how often they pass their MOT first time compared with other cars the same age, and how costly they are to keep running.

Body type
Fuel

150 models match

Best record first · MOT data 2025 · prices are estimates

  1. 1

    Mazda MX-52008–2026

    8.1/10 · Excellent record

    The world's favourite roadster: fun, simple and reliable.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £1,500–£33,500
    MOT first-time pass
    +11.6 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    40k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Low

    Best years in your range: 2011, 2012

    Best version overall: ND 2.0 or rust-free NC

    Versions to avoid: rusty NC

    No costly known faults for these years.

  2. 2

    Audi TT2008–2023

    7.6/10 · Excellent record

    Iconic sports coupé and roadster; quality and quattro.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £2,250–£29,750
    MOT first-time pass
    +11.6 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    65k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Medium

    Best years in your range: 2012, 2013

    Best version overall: 8S 2.0 TFSI

    Versions to avoid: 8J 2.0 TFSI oil burners

    Costliest known fault: Oil consumption (2.0 TFSI), £1,500–£4,000

  3. 3

    Honda CR-V2008–2023

    7.5/10 · Excellent record

    One of the most durable family SUVs.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £2,000–£27,250
    MOT first-time pass
    +9.3 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    79k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Medium

    Best years in your range: 2013, 2014

    Best version overall: 2018+ Mk5 2.0 Hybrid or Mk4 1.6 i-DTEC

    Versions to avoid: none notable

    Costliest known fault: Air-con compressor failure (2.0 i-VTEC / 2.2 i-DTEC), £500–£900

  4. 4

    Honda Jazz2008–2026

    7.4/10 · Excellent record

    Among the most durable cars in Britain: highest survival in our data.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £1,250–£26,250
    MOT first-time pass
    +8.6 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    45k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Low

    Best years in your range: 2011, 2012

    Best version overall: 2015–2020 Mk3 1.3 i-VTEC or 2020+ e:HEV

    Versions to avoid: i-SHIFT automated manual (2008–2011)

    Costliest known fault: IMA battery degradation (1.3 IMA Hybrid), £1,000–£2,000

  5. 5

    Toyota Prius2009–2022

    6.9/10 · Better than most

    The original hybrid: frugal and very reliable.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £2,000–£21,000
    MOT first-time pass
    +6.8 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    152k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Low

    Best years in your range: 2010, 2012

    Best version overall: 2016+ XW50

    Versions to avoid: high-mile XW30 with EGR/head gasket signs

    Costliest known fault: Inverter coolant pump / EGR cooler (older cars) (1.8 Hybrid), £300–£900

  6. 6

    Honda HR-V2015–2026

    6.9/10 · Better than most

    Practical small SUV with Magic Seats; hybrid-only from 2022.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £4,750–£37,000
    MOT first-time pass
    +7.4 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    43k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Low

    Best years in your range: 2015, 2017

    Best version overall: Mk3 e:HEV

    Versions to avoid: none notable

    No costly known faults for these years.

  7. 7

    Volkswagen up!2012–2023

    6.8/10 · Better than most

    Clever, well-built city car; also the e-up! EV.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £1,500–£11,000
    MOT first-time pass
    +6.4 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    40k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Low

    Best years in your range: 2012, 2013

    Best version overall: 1.0 MPI 75 manual or up! GTI

    Versions to avoid: ASG automatic

    No costly known faults for these years.

  8. 8

    Volkswagen Golf2008–2026

    6.6/10 · Better than most

    The benchmark family hatch; Mk7 with EA211/EA288 engines is the sweet spot.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £1,750–£34,750
    MOT first-time pass
    +5.9 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    79k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Medium

    Best years in your range: 2014, 2015

    Best version overall: 2013–2020 Mk7/7.5 1.4/1.5 TSI or 2.0 TDI manual

    Versions to avoid: Mk6 1.4 TSI 160 twincharger; DSG DQ200 without history

    Costliest known fault: Piston / ring failure on 160ps twincharger (1.4 TSI 122/160ps), £2,000–£4,000

  9. 9

    MINI Hatch2008–2024

    6.6/10 · Better than most

    Fun and stylish; the 2014+ F56 with B38/B48 engines fixed most R56 problems.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £1,250–£20,250
    MOT first-time pass
    +5.8 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    63k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Medium

    Best years in your range: 2014, 2015

    Best version overall: 2014+ F56 Cooper 1.5 (B38) manual

    Versions to avoid: 2007–2010 R56 Cooper S (N14) without chain/turbo history

    Costliest known fault: Timing chain, carbon build-up, turbo oil feed (1.6 Turbo Cooper S), £800–£3,000

  10. 10

    Toyota RAV42008–2026

    6.6/10 · Better than most

    Pioneering SUV; latest hybrids are very reliable and frugal.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £2,000–£44,250
    MOT first-time pass
    +6 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    80k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Medium

    Best years in your range: 2013, 2014

    Best version overall: 2019+ XA50 2.5 Hybrid

    Versions to avoid: 2.2 D-4D with head gasket signs

    Costliest known fault: Head gasket failure (2AD) (2.2 D-4D), £1,500–£3,000

  11. 11

    Audi Q22016–2026

    6.6/10 · Better than most

    Small premium crossover; Polo-sized with Audi quality.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £4,750–£32,250
    MOT first-time pass
    +6.1 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    43k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Medium

    Best years in your range: 2016, 2017

    Best version overall: 35 TFSI manual

    Versions to avoid: early 1.6 TDI used for short trips

    Costliest known fault: EGR and DPF faults on short trips (1.6 TDI), £300–£1,200

  12. 12

    Smart Fortwo2008–2024

    6.6/10 · Better than most

    Tiny two-seater city car; parks anywhere.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £750–£12,500
    MOT first-time pass
    +5.3 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    67k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Low

    Best years in your range: 2011, 2012

    Best version overall: 453 EQ fortwo for city use

    Versions to avoid: neglected 451 with jerky gearbox

    Costliest known fault: Engine wear on neglected cars (1.0 / 1.0 Turbo), £1,500–£3,000

  13. 13

    Land Rover Freelander2008–2014

    6.5/10 · Better than most

    Compact 4x4; capable but reliability varies.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £2,250–£8,750
    MOT first-time pass
    +6.4 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    118k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Medium

    Best years in your range: 2011, 2014

    Best version overall: 2011–2014 SD4

    Versions to avoid: cars with Haldex/rear-diff noise

    Costliest known fault: Rear diff / Haldex coupling failure (2.2 TD4 / SD4), £600–£2,000

  14. 14

    Audi A32008–2026

    6.4/10 · Better than most

    Premium Golf; 8V (2012–2020) is the best used generation.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £1,750–£37,000
    MOT first-time pass
    +5.3 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    82k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Medium

    Best years in your range: 2014, 2015

    Best version overall: 2012–2020 8V 1.4/1.5 TFSI or 2.0 TDI

    Versions to avoid: 8P 1.8 TFSI oil burners; S tronic without mechatronic history

    Costliest known fault: Oil consumption (piston rings) on 1.8/2.0 TFSI (1.4 TFSI / 1.8 TFSI), £1,500–£3,500

  15. 15

    Volkswagen T-Roc2017–2026

    6.4/10 · Better than most

    Golf-based small SUV with sharp styling; very popular since 2017.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £5,500–£33,500
    MOT first-time pass
    +5.3 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    37k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Medium

    Best years in your range: 2018, 2019

    Best version overall: 2018+ 1.5 TSI manual

    Versions to avoid: early DSG with judder

    Costliest known fault: DPF blockage on short trips (2.0 TDI 150), £300–£1,500

  16. 16

    Skoda Citigo2012–2020

    6.3/10 · Better than most

    Well-built city car; twin of the VW up!.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £1,250–£6,500
    MOT first-time pass
    +4.8 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    52k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Low

    Best years in your range: 2012, 2013

    Best version overall: 1.0 MPI 75 manual

    Versions to avoid: ASG automatic

    No costly known faults for these years.

  17. 17

    Toyota Auris2008–2019

    6.2/10 · Better than most

    Reliable family hatch; the hybrid is the one to have.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £1,500–£11,250
    MOT first-time pass
    +4.1 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    83k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Low

    Best years in your range: 2013, 2014

    Best version overall: 2013–2019 1.8 Hybrid

    Versions to avoid: high-mile 1ZR with oil use

    Costliest known fault: Inverter coolant pump / EGR cooler (older cars) (1.8 Hybrid), £300–£900

  18. 18

    Mini Countryman2010–2024

    6.2/10 · Better than most

    The bigger, five-door Mini crossover; premium feel, mixed reliability.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £2,250–£26,500
    MOT first-time pass
    +6.4 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    54k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Medium

    Best years in your range: 2013, 2015

    Best version overall: 2017+ F60 Cooper 1.5 or Cooper S

    Versions to avoid: R60 diesels without chain records

    Costliest known fault: Timing chain stretch (Cooper D / SD), £1,500–£3,000

  19. 19

    Peugeot 1082014–2022

    6.2/10 · Better than most

    Small, reliable city car; triplet of Aygo and C1.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £1,750–£8,500
    MOT first-time pass
    +4.5 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    32k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Low

    Best years in your range: 2014, 2016

    Best version overall: 1.0 manual

    Versions to avoid: ETG automatic

    Costliest known fault: Clutch wear in town (1.0 VTi 68), £300–£500

  20. 20

    Skoda Yeti2009–2017

    6.2/10 · Better than most

    Quirky, practical small SUV with a cult following.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £1,750–£9,000
    MOT first-time pass
    +4.1 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    88k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Low

    Best years in your range: 2011, 2013

    Best version overall: 2.0 TDI 4x4 or post-2015 1.4 TSI

    Versions to avoid: 1.2 TSI with chain noise

    Costliest known fault: Timing chain stretch (1.2 TSI), £600–£1,200

  21. 21

    SEAT Ateca2016–2026

    6.2/10 · Better than most

    Sharp family SUV with VW engines.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £5,000–£34,750
    MOT first-time pass
    +4.6 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    47k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Low

    Best years in your range: 2016, 2017

    Best version overall: 1.5 TSI manual

    Versions to avoid: early DSG with judder

    Costliest known fault: DPF blockage on short trips (2.0 TDI 150), £300–£1,500

  22. 22

    Toyota Yaris2008–2026

    6.1/10 · Better than most

    One of the most reliable cars on UK roads; hybrids are a top used buy.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £1,250–£26,250
    MOT first-time pass
    +3.7 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    56k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Low

    Best years in your range: 2011, 2015

    Best version overall: 2012–2020 1.5 Hybrid or 2020+ 1.5 Hybrid

    Versions to avoid: MMT automated manual (2008–2011)

    Costliest known fault: Hybrid battery ages after 10+ years (1.5 Hybrid), £1,000–£2,500

  23. 23

    Ford Puma2019–2026

    6.1/10 · Better than most

    Fun, practical small SUV; same 1.0 EcoBoost care as the Fiesta.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £6,500–£30,000
    MOT first-time pass
    +4.1 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    28k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Low

    Best years in your range: 2021, 2022

    Best version overall: 2020+ 1.0 EcoBoost mHEV 125 manual

    Versions to avoid: none major; check belt/oil history

    Costliest known fault: Wet timing belt (oil-bathed) wear; oil pump belt (1.0 EcoBoost (100/125/140ps)), £700–£1,100

  24. 24

    Skoda Karoq2017–2026

    6.1/10 · Better than most

    Practical family SUV with clever VarioFlex seats.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £6,000–£36,000
    MOT first-time pass
    +4 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    38k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Low

    Best years in your range: 2018, 2019

    Best version overall: 1.5 TSI

    Versions to avoid: early DSG with judder

    Costliest known fault: DPF blockage on short trips (2.0 TDI 150), £300–£1,500

  25. 25

    Suzuki SX4 S-Cross2013–2026

    6.1/10 · Better than most

    Light, practical crossover with optional AllGrip 4x4.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £3,000–£32,250
    MOT first-time pass
    +4.2 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    27k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Low

    Best years in your range: 2020, 2022

    Best version overall: 1.4 BoosterJet AllGrip

    Versions to avoid: none notable

    No costly known faults for these years.

  26. 26

    BMW 3 Series2008–2026

    6.0/10 · Better than most

    The default executive saloon; 2015+ B-series engines are the safe bet.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £2,250–£47,750
    MOT first-time pass
    +6.3 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    93k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Medium

    Best years in your range: 2008, 2009

    Best version overall: 2015–2019 F30 320d (B47) or 2019+ G20 320d

    Versions to avoid: 2008–2015 N47 diesels without timing-chain evidence

    Costliest known fault: Timing chain (rear-mounted) stretch / failure — engine-out job (320d / 318d 2.0 diesel), £1,500–£3,500

  27. 27

    Toyota Aygo2008–2026

    6.0/10 · Better than most

    Tiny, cheap and nearly unbreakable; perfect first car.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £1,000–£19,250
    MOT first-time pass
    +3.3 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    52k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Low

    Best years in your range: 2015, 2016

    Best version overall: 2014–2022 Mk2 1.0 manual

    Versions to avoid: x-shift automated manual

    Costliest known fault: Clutch wear (city use) (1.0 VVT-i 68ps), £300–£500

  28. 28

    BMW 4 Series2013–2026

    6.0/10 · Better than most

    Coupé, Convertible and Gran Coupé versions of the 3 Series.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £5,000–£53,750
    MOT first-time pass
    +6.1 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    65k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Medium

    Best years in your range: 2013, 2014

    Best version overall: 2016–2020 420d/420i Gran Coupé

    Versions to avoid: 2013–2014 N47 420d

    Costliest known fault: Timing chain stretch (rear-mounted, engine-out) (420d (2013–2014)), £1,500–£3,500

  29. 29

    BMW X12009–2026

    6.0/10 · Better than most

    Premium compact SUV; front-drive from 2015.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £2,500–£44,250
    MOT first-time pass
    +5.8 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    77k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Medium

    Best years in your range: 2010, 2011

    Best version overall: 2016+ F48 18d/20d

    Versions to avoid: E84 N47 diesels

    Costliest known fault: Timing chain stretch (rear-mounted, engine-out) (18d / 20d), £1,500–£3,500

  30. 30

    Suzuki Vitara2015–2026

    6.0/10 · Better than most

    Light, frugal small SUV with optional 4x4.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £3,750–£28,750
    MOT first-time pass
    +4 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    48k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Low

    Best years in your range: 2015, 2021

    Best version overall: 1.4 BoosterJet AllGrip

    Versions to avoid: none notable

    No costly known faults for these years.

  31. 31

    Audi Q32011–2026

    5.8/10 · About average

    Compact premium SUV; dependable with diesel 2.0 TDI.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £3,000–£43,000
    MOT first-time pass
    +4.9 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    60k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Medium

    Best years in your range: 2011, 2019

    Best version overall: 2015–2018 8U 2.0 TDI or 2019+ F3

    Versions to avoid: none major; S tronic service history

    Costliest known fault: DPF / EGR (2.0 TDI), £300–£1,200

  32. 32

    Audi A52008–2024

    5.8/10 · About average

    Stylish coupé, Sportback and cabriolet based on the A4.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £2,500–£37,250
    MOT first-time pass
    +5.3 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    87k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Medium

    Best years in your range: 2008, 2009

    Best version overall: 2017+ F5 Sportback 40 TDI

    Versions to avoid: 8T Multitronic CVT

    Costliest known fault: Piston rings → oil burning (2.0 TFSI), £1,500–£4,000

  33. 33

    Toyota Corolla2019–2026

    5.8/10 · About average

    Very reliable hybrid family hatch, estate and saloon.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £8,000–£36,000
    MOT first-time pass
    +2.9 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    37k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Low

    Best years in your range: 2019, 2020

    Best version overall: 1.8 or 2.0 Hybrid

    Versions to avoid: cars in cat-theft areas without protection

    Costliest known fault: Inverter coolant pump / EGR cooler (older cars) (1.8 Hybrid), £300–£900

  34. 34

    Skoda Kodiaq2017–2026

    5.8/10 · About average

    Spacious seven-seat SUV; great value.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £7,250–£43,000
    MOT first-time pass
    +3 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    44k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Medium

    Best years in your range: 2017, 2018

    Best version overall: 2.0 TDI 150 DSG

    Versions to avoid: high-mile ex-fleet without DSG service

    Costliest known fault: DPF blockage on short trips (2.0 TDI 150), £300–£1,500

  35. 35

    Kia Stonic2017–2026

    5.8/10 · About average

    Rio-based small SUV with a seven-year warranty.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £4,250–£25,000
    MOT first-time pass
    +2.9 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    38k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Low

    Best years in your range: 2017, 2018

    Best version overall: 1.0 T-GDi 120 mild hybrid

    Versions to avoid: none notable

    No costly known faults for these years.

  36. 36

    Ford Kuga2008–2026

    5.7/10 · About average

    Good to drive; diesel Mk2 and PHEV Mk3 are the picks.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £2,000–£39,500
    MOT first-time pass
    +2.4 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    80k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Medium

    Best years in your range: 2008, 2013

    Best version overall: 2013–2019 Mk2 2.0 TDCi manual; 2020+ FHEV

    Versions to avoid: Mk2 1.5 EcoBoost without coolant records

    Costliest known fault: 1.5 EcoBoost cylinder-head coolant leak (1.5 / 1.6 EcoBoost), £1,500–£4,000

  37. 37

    Honda Civic2008–2026

    5.7/10 · About average

    Very durable hatch; strong survival in DfT data.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £1,750–£37,000
    MOT first-time pass
    +2.2 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    75k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Low

    Best years in your range: 2014, 2015

    Best version overall: 2012–2017 Mk9 1.8 i-VTEC or 1.6 i-DTEC; 2022+ e:HEV

    Versions to avoid: Mk8 i-SHIFT; rear-subframe rot on older cars

    Costliest known fault: Clutch / DMF (2.2 i-CTDi), £700–£1,200

  38. 38

    Audi A62011–2026

    5.7/10 · About average

    Executive saloon and Avant; superb on motorways.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £4,250–£59,750
    MOT first-time pass
    +8.7 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    80k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    High

    Best years in your range: 2012, 2013

    Best version overall: 2015–2018 C7 2.0 TDI Ultra

    Versions to avoid: early C8 with unresolved mild-hybrid faults

    Costliest known fault: EGR / DPF (2.0 TDI / 3.0 TDI), £400–£1,500

  39. 39

    Mercedes-Benz B-Class2012–2026

    5.7/10 · About average

    Practical premium compact MPV.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £3,250–£40,750
    MOT first-time pass
    +4.1 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    51k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Medium

    Best years in your range: 2012, 2019

    Best version overall: 2019+ W247 B200d

    Versions to avoid: W246 with harsh DCT

    Costliest known fault: Timing chain stretch (B180d / B200d), £1,000–£2,000

  40. 40

    BMW 1 Series2008–2026

    5.6/10 · About average

    Rear-drive premium hatch until 2019; check the engine code.

    Guide price (estimate)
    £1,750–£36,000
    MOT first-time pass
    +4.4 pts vs average car that age
    Typical mileage
    82k miles
    Repair & servicing costs
    Medium

    Best years in your range: 2008, 2010

    Best version overall: 2015–2019 F20 118i (B38) or 118d (B47)

    Versions to avoid: 2008–2015 N47 diesels without chain history

    Costliest known fault: N47 timing chain (118d / 120d), £1,500–£3,500

Showing the top 40. Narrow your search to see others.

How we rank

  • MOT record: each model and year's first-time MOT pass rate from DVSA's 2025 test results, compared with all cars of the same age. That makes a 2014 car fair to compare with a 2020 one.
  • Running costs: models with expensive servicing or very costly known faults lose points, even if they pass MOTs well.
  • Guide prices are estimates from list price and typical depreciation, not live market data. Use the AutoTrader link to see real prices.
  • A good model can still be a bad car. Always check the specific car before you buy.