Reliably the best supermini buys

Superminis remain the most popular new models accounting for 1 in 3 new cars sold - but which are the most reliable used bargains?

It probably comes as no surprise that Nissan’s Micra (last generation 1998-02) will be the least problematic, according to Warranty Direct’s Reliability Index.

The Reliability Index calculates the cost of repair against the number of garage visits to provide a real-world reflection of the true price of keeping a car on the road. The total data base is from 45,000 Warranty Direct policies.

The Sunderland built Micra records reliability Index Rating of just 7.99, presenting an average bill of £88.83 to the owner. Brake problems account for a whopping 73 percent of all mechanical failures.

The sectors best selling model, Ford’s evergreen Fiesta badge, comes next with a rating of 40.78 – thanks to a low cost of repair but a 1 in 4 chance of visiting the garage. The largest bill paid out on a Fiesta by Warranty Direct last year was £1,556.88.
Driving school favourite, the Vauxhall’s Corsa (2000-on), is third, with a Reliability Index of 48.36, does however suffer from above average repair bills at £219.84.

The Top Five Supermini selection is completed by the former Car of the Year, the Fiat Punto, which is just behind the Corsa with a rating of 48.65 and Volkswagen’s Polo (2000-on).

Peugeot’s Coventry built 206 may be the most popular privately bought car in the UK, but thanks to electrical blips, Warranty Direct claims run at 3 in 10, holding it back in the list.

And when it does go wrong, supermini sized cars tend to suffer axle and suspension related failures. It is the biggest issue for 5 out of the ten cars analysed. Other common complaints were electrical faults, transmission failure and concerns with the braking system.