Far eastern brands top new car reliability ratings

Japanese and Korean cars are more dependable than their European or US rivals, according to exclusive data provided to Auto Express by leading warranty provider Warrantywise. And we can reveal which brands have the highest – and cheapest – repair bills.

Each make was ranked by a dependability factor, based on the number of reported faults or breakdowns, with a score of 75 representing the average. Any rating above that is considered good; below 60 signifies a high incidence of repair work is required. Average costs, age and model were also considered.

• Most reliable cars 2015

To be included in the data, each brand was required to have at least 100 active Warrantywise policies, and in our tables analysing the cost of repairs (right), we’ve listed the models with the most policies. 

Toyota was ranked top for dependability – backing up our 2015 Driver Power satisfaction survey, which rated the iQ as the most reliable model – ahead of Honda and Suzuki. UK big-sellers Ford and Vauxhall were eighth and 17th respectively. The figures also show that list price doesn’t guarantee hassle-free motoring as Bentley, Jaguar and Porsche all scored below 60.

• Cheapest cars to run

When your car does break down, the Warrantywise figures show the average repair cost is £639, with the lowest average bills from Smart and MG. Makers such as Peugeot and Ford also produce models that are among the cheapest to repair. 

Average car repair costs: highest and lowest

The data also reveals owners’ warranty habits, with the car’s average age recorded. MG owners may enjoy some of the lowest repair bills, but they’re among the most risk-averse owners, as the average age of an MG with an extended warranty is 8.34 years.

The average age across our data is 6.29 years, but owners of premium makes such as Land Rover or Mercedes purchase policies for cars over eight years old, suggesting they fear more for reliability than others. 

Warrantywise CEO Lawrence Whittaker told us: “There are some obvious trends – such as the more exotic you go in your car choice, the more expensive the repair bills will be. 

“But there are exceptions lower down the scale, with some more mainstream brands showing costly repair bills should things go wrong. Unsurprisingly, the Japanese top the chart, with the more exotic Euro brands – and some Brits as well – nestling at the bottom.”

• Driver Power 2015: full results

New car reliability ratings 

Our table below reveals all on the most – and least – reliable car manufacturers, according to Warrantywise. We ranked all brands with at least 100 active policies.

Does the data back-up your view on the most and least reliable cars? Let us know what you think in the comments section below...