How does What Car? test used cars compared to new ones?

When What Car? tests a new car, our experts assess the car from every perspective – from the fuel economy you can really expect through to rear legroom and acceleration times. We also analyse costs and the general ownership experience to give new-car buyers the most well-informed view. But when we write a used car buying guide, we look at each model through the prism of a used-car buyer. That means we interrogate tens of thousands of responses to our reliability survey to find out not only how reliable each car is, but what goes wrong – and how good dealers are at fixing the problem. We look at pricing, too, allowing you to choose between various models at different ages, and once you’ve settled on one, we’ll explain which version will best suit your needs.

What are the most reliable used car brands in 2026?

According to our extensive ownership survey data, Honda makes the most reliable used cars. Its enviable 96.6% score put it just ahead of Mini (96.4%), Suzuki (95.7%), Toyota (95.2%) and Vauxhall (95.1%). So if you’re buying a used car which is less than five years old, these are the best bets for hassle-free motoring.

Is a high-mileage modern car still a safe purchase?

Absolutely. Modern cars are built to tighter tolerances and use more advanced electronics, meaning they’re less likely to leave you stranded.What’s more important than mileage is an impeccable service history, showing that oil changes have been carried out regularly – in line with the manufacturer’s service intervals – and other major components have been properly maintained or replaced.

How do I check a used car's history before buying?

When you view the car, it’s important to see what work has been done – and when. Depending on the age of the car, you’ll be looking at a pile of service history paperwork to scan through, or a digital logbook, which should be accessible via your local main dealer.It’s also a good idea to view the DVLA’s MOT checker, which is a free service enabling you to see the results of previous MOT test results, so you can get a better view of previous faults and whether they’ve been addressed.We strongly recommend you pay for a vehicle history check from providers such as HPI, the AA or the RAC. These services will tell you if the car you’re looking at has been recorded as stolen, as an insurance write-off or subject to outstanding finance.

What should I look for during a used car test drive?

Once you’ve settled on the car you want, you’ll need to drive it. Here you’ll be trying to find out if the car fits your needs, and to check that there’s nothing mechanically amiss.The former is very much subjective, depending on how you value factors such as space and comfort. But when it comes to spotting mechanical maladies, take the following steps:Listen for strange rattles from the engine, particularly when starting the carBangs when driving over bumps can point to suspension issuesJudders through the steering wheel could suggest a range of steering or suspension problemsCheck the clutch and manual gearbox engage smoothly, and if you’re driving an automatic, gearshifts should be similarly smoothCheck all the car’s features work – from headlights to air-con and electric seats. Push all the buttons, in other words.Uneven tyre wear can suggest geometry problems which can be easily corrected – but could point to something more serious

What is the difference between a dealer ‘Approved Used’ car and a private sale?

The distinction between a dealer sale and a private sale is clear: the former will be selling the car as part of their business, and as such has legal obligations. A private sale is usually a regular person looking to sell their car.Approved used cars are different. These used cars are typically only sold through a main ‘franchised’ dealership and have been inspected, reconditioned, and given a manufacturer-backed seal of approval. You can expect warranties, 100+ point checks and a fully-checked vehicle history, offering peace of mind.

How often are your used car reviews updated?

We update our used car reviews on a rolling basis, emphasising the most in-demand models. When we update these reviews, we take a forensic look at pricing, checking the latest prices on the used car forecourts and trying to find those models that offer the best value when bought at a given age. We’ll also update any tax changes and recall information, and we’ll analyse tens of thousands of responses to our reliability survey in order to point out how reliable a particular car is and to highlight any recurring age-related faults.

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Used Hyundai Santa Fe 2018-2024

Large, practical and good value, a Hyundai Santa Fe is a great alternative to the premium front-runners.

Used Volvo XC40 2018-present

The Volvo XC40 expertly mixes style, space and comfort. It's great value, and a terrific used car.

Used Audi A6 Avant 2018-present front cornering

Used Audi A6 Avant 2018-2025

The Audi A6 Avant is comfortable, quiet and capacious, and a good used buy. Reliability is an issue, though.

Used Volkswagen ID 7 2023-present

It’s not as cheap as some rivals on the used market, but the Volkswagen ID 7 has a long range, a spacious interior and lots of standard kit

Used Range Rover Sport 2022-present

It’s an expensive used buy, but the Range Rover Sport is comfortable, luxurious and very practical

Used Honda Civic 2022-present

Few family cars are as polished as the Honda Civic. It's good to drive, efficient and generously equipped.

Used Fiat 500 Electric 2021-present

The all-electric Fiat 500 is great fun to drive and has a reasonable range. Used prices are tempting, too.

Used Audi A3 hatchback 2020-present

The Audi A3 is comfortable, spacious, enjoyable to drive and has a good range of punchy and efficient engines.

Featured used car reviews

Used Kia Sportage 2021-present front cornering

Used Kia Sportage 2022-present

The Kia Sportage is a spacious and practical family SUV with a smart interior that makes a lot of sense as a used buy.

Used Toyota Yaris 2020-present

The Toyota Yaris is economical, punchy around town and good to drive,making itan appealing used buy.

Used Range Rover 2022-present

The Range Rover is an incredibly capable SUV with a very luxurious interior. Land Rover's reliability record is a concern, though.

Used Audi A1 2018-present

Decently practicaland brimming with tech, the Audi A1 is a fine used buy. It's not as cheap as its closest rivals, though.

Used car comparisons

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New Volkswagen Golf GTI vs used Volkswagen Golf GTI

The 2005 Volkswagen Golf GTI is still revered by fans. We put it up against the latest version to see what 20 years of progress has brought to its game

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New Kia Sportage vs used Volvo XC60

The Kia Sportage is one of the best SUVs you can buy new, but would you be better off spending the same money on a one-year-old Volvo XC60 and getting a prestige badge?

Used test: Volkswagen Golf vs Volkswagen T-Cross

Comfy and practical, a used VW Golf is a great buy, but are you better off with a small SUV like the VW T-Cross?

Used test: Skoda Kodiaq vs Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace

If you're after a reasonably priced seven-seat SUV, a used Skoda Kodiaq or VW Tiguan Allspace might already be on your radar. But which one should you buy?

See all used comparison tests

How we test used cars

For more than 50 years, What Car? has expertly reviewed new and used cars. While both are done with the same rigour, for used cars, we prioritise reliability via owner surveys, and evaluate depreciation to find the best value, ensuring you're fully informed when you make your next purchase.

How we test used cars

Further links

Buying a used car

How to buy the right used car for you — at the right price

Most reliable cars

Discover the used cars that won't leave you stranded

Used car awards

What are Britain’s best used cars you can buy today?

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Used car comparisons

New Volkswagen Golf GTI vs used Volkswagen Golf GTI

New Kia Sportage vs used Volvo XC60

Used test: Volkswagen Golf vs Volkswagen T-Cross

Used test: Skoda Kodiaq vs Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace

How we test used cars

Further links

Buying a used car

Most reliable cars

Used car awards