The most reliable make for the second-hand car market was revealed last month as Honda, according to What Car? Magazine and warranty company, Warrant Direct. This accolade has been retained by the popular Japanese brand for the ninth consecutive year.
The reliability survey is carried out annually, comparing 37 car manufacturers and analyzing 50,000 warranty policies covering vehicles between three and eight years old. Japan scored highly, along with South Korea, with Suzuki and Toyota coming second and third. Other brands to feature high up in the second hand market were Chevrolet, Ford, Skoda, Peugeot and Fiat.
Yet in other news, Auto Trader magazine reports that the used Citroen Grand C4 Picasso is currently the UK’s fastest-selling second-hand make and model. The diesel MPV takes an average of just 15 days to shift from forecourt to the customer, according to statistics released at the beginning of May. Other popular models for rapid second hand sales include the Ford C-Max and Ford Focus. This is based on sales recorded in March 2015.
Despite Citroen and Ford’s successes in rapid turnover, however, Honda still remains a perennial favourite for used car buyers. This is mainly down to the manufacturer’s impressively low failure rate. When Honda cars go wrong, the faults are relatively inexpensive to fix. People looking to buy second hand cars place a high value on making a reliable purchase that will last them a good, long time. While this is also true of the Citroen and Ford models, Honda has long enjoyed an enviable reputation for reliability and long-term viability on the road.
Reliability is normally calculated by taking several aspects into account. These include failure rate, age, mileage and cost of repair. Most faults recorded in second hand cars in the UK are either electrical, or concerned with the axle and suspension. Air conditioning problems are the least likely to occur or cause concern amongst used car buyers.
Tips for buying a reliable used car include finding out as much as possible about the car’s history, getting details in writing for added reassurance. This includes a full service history, plus number of previous owners, MOT and insurance records and any modifications made. Do your research in advance to get a good idea about how much you should be paying, and never let your heart overrule your business decision. Consider a private history check too, to check for any outstanding finance.
Itrat Batool
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