Higher-priced used cars are not always most reliable, according to Warrantywise’s analysis of 1.6 million UK repair data points.
Large SUVs and executive saloons account for most of the lowest-scoring models in its 2026 Reliability Index. The lowest score was recorded by the Land Rover Discovery (17.2/100), compared with the top-ranked Toyota Yaris (89.2/100).
Antony Diggins, managing director of Warrantywise, said: “Many of the lowest-scoring vehicles sit in premium segments, yet they remain highly desirable for a reason. The key is balancing that appeal with the reality of potential repair costs.
“Our data shows that price doesn’t always equal reliability, and because our Index is based purely on customer repair data, not cost, it offers a data-led view of what owners can expect.”
Lower ranking reliability scores fall within the 17.2 to 28/100 range, with repair requests occurring at an average age of around 6 to 7 years and at just under 70,000 miles.
Many of the issues emerge later in ownership and can be influenced by factors such as servicing history, driving conditions and how the vehicle is used, rather than being limited to early-life build quality concerns.
Diggins said: “While the lower end of the rankings inevitably attracts attention, it’s important to recognise that there are still strong performers within every segment.
“These findings do not mean that all vehicles from any one manufacturer will experience problems.
“Regular servicing, preventative maintenance and appropriate use remain key factors in long-term reliability, particularly for larger, more technologically advanced vehicles.”
Models in more technically complex or premium segments are more frequently represented within these lower-scoring bands.
All 10 vehicles featured sit within premium segments of the used car market and typically command a higher initial purchase price. The average repair cost across these vehicles is £2,051.63.
Average repair requests vary, ranging from £1,847.70 for the BMW X5 to £2,467.37 for the BMW 7 Series, highlighting how costs can differ within the same brand.
Despite appearing in the lower end of this year’s Index, these vehicles remain highly desirable as purchasing decisions are shaped by a range of factors beyond reliability.
