Overview
The speaker shares a list of the top five most reliable used cars under £5,000, based on 15 years of experience in the industry, and emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance to ensure reliability.
General Advice on Used Car Reliability
- Any car can become unreliable if neglected; regular servicing is essential.
- Always check the service history before purchasing.
- Consider what cars taxi drivers use, as reliability is crucial for their livelihood.
Top Five Reliable Used Cars Under £5,000
1. Skoda Octavia (2013–2020, 2.0L TDI)
- Highly reliable and favored by taxi drivers.
- Requires servicing every 10,000 miles.
- Timing belt and water pump should be replaced every 100,000 miles (£400–£500).
- 2.0L diesel recommended for reliability over the 1.6L diesel.
- Topped What Car’s reliability survey; practicality outweighs excitement.
2. Mazda MX-5 (Any Generation, esp. post-1989)
- Renowned for fun and reliability; chain-driven engine (no timing belt).
- Main issue is rust, especially on sills.
- Regular oil changes and rust protection advised.
3. Kia Sportage (2010–2016, Mk3, Petrol 2WD)
- Choose low-spec 2WD petrol for maximum reliability and minimal issues.
- Occasionally burns oil; easy fix with PCV valve replacement.
- Originally sold with a 7-year warranty, showing maker's confidence.
4. Toyota Auris (Corolla, 2013+)
- Opt for petrol manual for best reliability.
- Manual transmission preferred; avoid semi-auto and diesel versions.
- Hybrid models also reliable; shares system with Toyota Prius.
5. Honda Civic (2011+, 9th Generation, Petrol)
- Long-standing reputation for reliability.
- Look for petrol manual models; avoid diesel and automatic for simplicity.
- Estates offer additional practicality.
Used Car Buying Tips
- Always run a vehicle history check (e.g., via CarVertical) before purchasing.
- Budget £300–£500 per year for maintenance and servicing.
- Stick to regular maintenance to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Recommendations / Advice
- Factor in maintenance costs beyond the purchase price.
- Choose petrol and manual variants for optimal reliability.
- Prioritize vehicles with full service history and regular upkeep.