What are the world's most reliable used cars?

In a new survey, Japanese carmakers Honda, Toyota and Lexus have been named the...

In a new survey, Japanese carmakers Honda, Toyota and Lexus have been named the most reliable used car brands in the UK.

The investigation by What Car? and Warranty Direct also revealed that Land Rover was the least reliable, while Audi, Jaguar and Mercedes all trailed at the bottom despite their luxury price tag.

"Cars have become increasingly complex, with lots of gadgetry on board, especially on executive models, where buyers expect more and more bang for their buck," said Warranty Direct's managing director, Duncan McClure Fisher.

But when all is said and done, it's general reliability that customers strive for the most especially when purse strings are tightened. The survey has proven that the Japanese are at the forefront of this concern. 

Owners of used Hondas have a slim 10% chance of their cars breaking down, according to the survey of 50,000 Warranty Direct policies. In fact the only non-Asian brand in the top 10 was Chevrolet.

Chas Hallett, editor in chief of What Car?, said: "Reliability is so important to motorists, especially when times are tough. Japanese car makers really do deliver on reliability and Honda is exceptionally good at this. 

"What will be surprising to many is the fact that several of the more desirable brands did not fare so well regarding reliability, and the cost of their repairs are high. They need to do better." 

The most reliable used car brands according to What Car? and Warranty Direct:

• 1 Honda
• 2 Toyota
• 3 Lexus
• 4 Suzuki
• 5 Subaru
• 6= Hyundai
• 6= Mazda
• 6= Mitsubishi
• 9 Chevrolet
• 10 Nissan
• 11 Kia
• 12= Ford
• 12= Skoda
• 14 Citroën
• 15= Peugeot
• 15= Daewoo
• 15= Smart
• 18 Mini
• 19 Fiat
• 20= Seat
• 20= Volkswagen
• 20= Volvo
• 20= Porsche
• 24 Vauxhall
• 25 BMW
• 26 Audi
• 27= Rover
• 27= Jaguar
• 29 Mercedes-Benz
• 30 MG
• 31= Saab
• 31= Chrysler
• 33= Renault
• 33= Jeep
• 35 Alfa Romeo
• 36 Land Rover