When it comes to purchasing a family car, reliability is paramount. Not only does a reliable vehicle save you from unexpected repairs and maintenance costs, but it also ensures the safety and comfort of your family during travels. As vehicles age and accumulate miles, the importance of dependability grows, making the choice of a reliable family car crucial for avoiding the inconvenience and expense of frequent garage visits.
According to the latest What Car? Reliability Survey, conducted in partnership with MotorEasy, valuable insights have been gained from 21,732 car owners regarding the dependability of their vehicles, all aged up to five years. The survey focused on various components, repair costs, and time off the road to create reliability ratings for 178 models from 32 brands. Here, we explore the most reliable family cars currently available in the UK market.
The Ford Focus petrol version, on the market since 2018, continues to be a favourite in the UK for its blend of performance and practicality. It offers a responsive drive and a comfortable interior, making it suitable for both city driving and longer journeys. The Ford Focus in its petrol variant boasts a reliability rating of 94.6%. Owners report a lower fault rate compared to its diesel counterpart, with only 18% experiencing issues primarily with the 12-volt battery, bodywork, electrics, and gearbox/clutch. Fortunately, Ford has covered all repair costs, although 50% of the affected models required more than seven days in the workshop.
A staple on British roads, the Skoda Octavia is well-regarded for its spaciousness and value for money. It excels in providing a large boot and roomy interior, which are key for family requirements.
The Skoda Octavia, presents a solid reliability rating of 94.8%. With 14% of cars reported to have issues, main concerns revolve around the air conditioning, engine, and sat-nav/infotainment systems. While Skoda handled 90% of the repair bills, some owners faced charges exceeding £1500. Most vehicles were repaired in less than seven days, though 20% stayed in the shop longer.
The Seat Leon is celebrated for its stylish exterior and engaging driving experience. It stands out in the compact family hatchback segment by offering a sporty feel without compromising on everyday usability.
This version of the Seat Leon scores a reliability rating of 95.9%, performing significantly better in terms of faults than newer models. Only 15% of these cars reported problems, mainly with air conditioning and infotainment systems, followed by bodywork, electrics, and suspension. Most repairs were free, though some cost up to £750, and 28% of the cars were immobilized for over a week.
Introduced in 2017, the Hyundai i30 is known for its durability and all-round performance. It appeals to UK buyers with its attractive design, comfortable ride, and impressive array of standard features.
With a reliability rating of 96.2%, the Hyundai i30 showcases strong dependability. Faults were reported in 17% of the vehicles, affecting the battery, engine, electrics, and suspension. Positively, all repairs were covered by Hyundai, with half of the affected cars fixed within a day.
The latest iteration of the BMW 1 Series, introduced in 2019, marks a significant shift with its move to a front-wheel-drive architecture, aligning it more closely with the preferences of typical family car buyers in the UK. This model is celebrated for its premium interior, cutting-edge technology, and engaging driving dynamics that are a hallmark of the BMW brand.
The latest BMW 1 Series, although not as impeccable as its predecessor, still impresses with a 97% reliability score. Faults affected 15% of the cars, mostly concerning various non-engine electrical systems. All issues were resolved without cost to the owners, though 40% of the repairs took more than a week.
The Toyota Corolla, reintroduced in 2018, quickly reclaimed its reputation as a reliable and eco-friendly vehicle. Available in hybrid versions, it is particularly popular among environmentally conscious drivers in the UK.
The Toyota Corolla achieves a reliability rating of 97.1%. Though 12% of owners reported faults primarily related to the 12-volt battery, bodywork, and infotainment systems, most repairs were completed in less than a day, and the vast majority were covered by Toyota.
The Mini Clubman distinguishes itself with its unique styling and premium feel, positioned as a more upscale option in the family car category. Known for its distinctive split rear doors, the Clubman offers more space than traditional Minis
The Mini Clubman stands out with a reliability rating of 97.9%. Only 11% of owners reported issues, specifically with bodywork. Two-thirds of these were fixed within a day, and while most repairs were free, the costliest did not exceed £100.
When opting for a new car, prioritizing reliability can lead to a far more rewarding ownership experience, minimizing both downtime and unexpected expenses. The models listed above represent some of the best options for those looking to purchase a dependable family car in the UK.
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With over 20 years in the automotive industry, we have the expertise and knowledge to help you find the perfect car.
We're proud to have delivered over a million happy customers, who trust us to provide honest, reliable advice.
We work with the majority of automotive brands in the UK, giving you access to the latest models and exclusive deals.
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