Based on the data from 20.000 live policies issued for models aged 3 to 6 years, manufactured by European automakers, Warranty Direct has determined the most reliable used cars on the market.

Overall winner is a German executive model but also a number of cars from the medium and economy segment are doing very well, with the Skoda Fabia coming in second place.

If you consider buying a previously owned car, this list gives some good indications of what is good value for money and also hints at the weak spots of each model that you should be looking out for.

10. Seat Ibiza

The third generation Seat Ibiza (2006-2009) opens the top ten with an annual incident rate of 21%, the percentage of cars with problems. The largest claim registered for this model amounted to £343.64 and 46% of problems on this model occured on axle and suspension.

9. MINI (BMW) One

On ninth position comes the MINI One with an incident rate of 20%. This second generation MINI is manufactured since 2007 and registered its most expensive claim with £1,078.72, most common issues relate to the transmission with 25%.

8. Citroën C3 Pluriel

The C3 Pluriel was manufactred from 2003 to 2010. The French model makes it to eigth position with an incident rate of 19%. The weak point of the model appears to be the axle and suspension with 30% of issues originating here. The highest claim for this car cost £1,544.57.

 

7. Volvo S80

A Swedish model comes on seventh position with an incident rate of 18% overall. The Volvo S80 is manufactured since 2006 and its highest claim was £856.31. The most problematic area is the cooling and heating, motivating 25% of all claims.

6. Peugeot 207

The Peugeot 207 city car is in production since 2006 and snatches a sixth place with its incident rate at 17%. The largest claim filed for this model was £1,992.70 and its weak point seems to be the engine as 24% of problems arise from there.

5. Renault Scenic

On fifth position comes the second generation Renault Scenic with an incient rate of 17%. The car produced from 2003 until 2009 had its largest claim costing £967.31 and has a weak spot on axle and suspension that accounts for 28% of all insurance claims.

4. Volvo C70

The second Volvo in this top ten is the C70, available on the market since 2006, with an incident rate of 16%. The car's electrical system is responsable for 41% of all problems and the highest amount claimed was £1,888.62.

3. smart fortwo

Opening the top three of this list is the smart fortwo built since 2007. The small runabout has an incident rate of just 15% and the highest amount claimed was £347.32. Most problems on this model arise from the cooling and heating system.

2. Skoda Fabia

Second place goes to the Skoda Fabia that convinces in its second generation (since 2007) with an incident rate of 15% and very low claims (maximum was £180.35). The most problems in this model arose with 33% from its electrical system.

1. Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The fourth generation E-Class beats all other competitors with the lowest incident rate of only 10%. The German model registered its largest claim with £637.22 and most problems originate in the axle and suspension section.

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Europe's 10 Most Unreliable Used Cars