Second hand super minis with the best and worst records of reliability

Superminis are designed as affordable workarounds aimed primarily at new drivers or families looking for a second car.

However, if you buy the wrong one, you can fix recurring bugs and be without wheels for days while your car is repaired and large garage bills come up.

We partnered with used car warranty provider Warrantywise to identify the best and worst rated smaller models for used buyers …

While reliability surveys are typically based on vehicle samples of 20,000 to 50,000 engines, the database we use solely to determine which models are most reliable consists of more than 750,000 customers who have insured their older cars since 2015.

The figures given refer to vehicles between three years of age – when most conventional new vehicle warranties expire – and eight years.

Warrantywise’s Reliability Index is calculated using a formula that takes a number of factors into account.

This includes the frequency of damage over the past five years, repair costs, repair time in the garage, and the average age and mileage of the models for a total of 100 points.

Here is a countdown of the top ten best-rated used supermini models as per the data, followed by a list of the subcompact cars with the worst records as per the rating system.

TOP RATED USED SUPERMINIS

10. Hyundai i10

Reliability rating: 82.6%

Clutch problems are the most common on the Hyundai i10, which means cars are usually off the road for a few days to be fixed

Classified as a city car, the Hyundai i10 is one of the better options on the market, with peppy little gasoline engines and a funky interior.

Almost seven percent of the owners of the compact Hyundai had to make a warranty claim in the past five years, with clutch errors being the most common problem.

Repairs took a little more than a few days, on average, and the bills for cars that are on the most reliable ranking are on the steeper end of the spectrum.

= 7. Opel Agila

Reliability rating: 85.7%

The Vauxhall Agila was the sister car of the Suzuki Wagon R and benefited from a certain Japanese reliability. Watch out for problems with steering gears, says Warrantywise

The Agila was long removed from Vauxhall’s new car range, but it has stood the test of time pretty well. This is backed up by the fact that it is largely based on a Suzuki Splash (and the previous generation shared parts with the Suzuki Wagon R), thus benefiting from the traditionally strong Japanese build quality.

Six percent of owners have claimed in the past five years that steering gear problems are the number one cause of failure on the Agila.

Repair cost of £ 485 is the most expensive of all ten supermini with the best reliability records.

= 7. Toyota Yaris

Reliability rating: 85.7

Toyota’s Yaris has always been considered one of the most reliable super minis of all generations. The data suggests clutch problems can be expensive, but it is among the most reliable models in its class

The Yaris has always been one of the top performing supermini models when it comes to reliability.

Owners have rarely had to file claims in the past five years, despite averaging an average of £ 462 – which isn’t cheap.

Probably the reason for the expensive garage bills is that there are frequent clutch problems that traditionally are expensive to replace. According to the data, repairs take less than two days on average.

= 7. Nissan note

Reliability rating: 85.7%

The Nissan Note is an extremely practical super mini with a high roofline that feels more like an MPV. The average repair cost per incident is pretty low, and suspensions are the most likely problem

Nissan’s Note is a super mini that has drawn the line between small cars and MPVs. It was one of the most practical models in the segment, but was removed from the showroom as more drivers headed for the Juke SUV.

Even so, it’s a solid used purchase that about one in ten owners with used warranties has had to make a claim on in the past five years.

Repair costs are relatively low, on average, and most errors occur with suspension springs. Spare parts should still be available.

= 5. Ford Fiesta

Reliability Rating: 86.3%

The UK’s best-selling new and used cars for the past 11 years are some of the most reliable used superminis you can buy

Britain’s most popular new and used car for over a decade made the list, which is good news for the hundreds of thousands of drivers who own them.

Suspension issues are most common among eight percent of owners who have filed claims in the past five years.

All repairs take less than two days on average and the bill costs around £ 345. It helps that there are plenty of spare parts out there due to the overwhelming popularity of the small Ford.

= 5. Suzuki Alto

Reliability Rating: 86.3%

The Suzuki Alto is a cheap and fun super mini. While it may seem a little basic, it has few high-tech features that can potentially go wrong

Suzuki has always had a good track record of reliability, and the Alto is no different. While it was extremely easy when it was being sold in showrooms, there were obviously few things that could go wrong.

Only four percent of owners with warranty-related policies have had claims in the past five years. And the average repair cost is pretty low.

Transmission problems are the only big problem for used car buyers, the data says.

4. Nissan Micra

Reliability rating: 87.0%

Nissan’s Micra has always been a popular small car among the British. Buyers are cautioned to review the records to see if there have been any engine problems in the past. This is usually the number one reason homeowners seek out their warranties

Nissan’s Micra has always been a popular choice in the UK, and for good reason. It’s relatively well equipped, efficient to operate, and reliable to own.

Around six percent of owners who use Warrantywise have had a claim in the past five years, with engine-related issues being the most common reason for them to use their cover.

Average damage values ​​are relatively high at £ 403, and owners can expect their cars to spend a few days in a garage to be repaired.

3. Mazda2

Reliability rating: 92.5%

The Mazda2 has relatively low repair costs based on warranty claims. That is despite the most common problems with the suspension

Another Japanese supermini that makes it into the top-rated small car category is the Mazda2.

The average cost of warranty claims is among the lowest of any supermini, although the most common issue is related to exposure, which is typically expensive to resolve.

Only six percent of warranted customers who own a Mazda2 have had to use their coverage to file a claim in the past five years.

2. Honda Jazz

Reliability rating: 94.4%

The Honda Jazz is an extremely popular super mini in the UK. The owners love the practicality and the spacious cabin. Only 3% of owners with used warranties have made a claim in the past 5 years

The Jazz is an extremely popular small car, especially with older drivers. The compact Honda is spacious, flexible and easy to drive.

The used car warranty provider said only three percent of owners with this model had to make a claim for up to eight years in the past five years. While the incidence of claims is low, their cost is still quite high compared to others.

This, like other vehicles on this list, is because clutch problems are the number one reason Honda Jazz owners are calling on their warranties.

1. Dacia Sandero

Reliability rating: 97.5%

Cheap, cheerful … and with a copper bottom: According to Warrantywise, the Dacia Sandero is the best-rated used supermini

This will come as a bit of a surprise to many – the cheapest new car put on sale in recent years is also the most reliable super mini according to Warrantywise data.

Dacias Sandero is cheap and cheerful. And, according to the guarantee, it is also very reliable.

Just over three percent of owners of this car with a policy used it to make a claim between 2015 and now.

The average repair takes just over half a day – the shortest time in the garage of any car here – and the repair cost is just over £ 200. Electric gremlins are only cause for concern.

LOWEST RATING SUPERMINIS

10. Peugeot 208

Reliability rating: 74.5%

The Peugeot 208 may look like a neat little car, but its reliability record looks relatively ugly compared to the most reliable models already listed above

The Peugeot 208 is sure to add a touch of style to the supermini segment. Fashionable appearance and a stylish interior make it an attractive option.

However, according to Warrantywise, one in ten owners of a 208 in the past five years has had to file a claim due to problems with their vehicles.

Electrical problems have resulted in expensive bills averaging over £ 430, although repairs seem fairly straightforward and the average time off the road is less than two days.

= 8. Audi A1

Reliability rating: 73.9%

According to the used vehicle guarantee, the Audi A1 not only has a premium price, but also the same high operating costs

The Audi A1 is one of the most expensive super minis on the market, although high purchase prices come with premium running costs.

The average claims made by over eight percent of A1 owners are £ 605. While the average damage amounts are high, most are meant to cover the cost of troubleshooting electrical failures rather than component problems.

Owners have to wait an average of two days while their cars are repaired by mechanics.

= 8. Citroen C3

Reliability rating: 73.9%

The Citroen C3 looks fine, but serious problems could lurk under the hood as problems with the cylinder head gasket have resulted in used vehicle owners’ warranty claims

To many, it comes as no great surprise that another French car was added to this list. The Citroen C3, like the Peugeot 208, looks and drives well, but it is not the most reliable small car that you can get your hands on based on used warranty claims.

One in ten owners of C3 with warranties for used Citroens has made claims since early 2015, records show.

The biggest problem is a bad one – cylinder head gasket problems. This explains why the average damage amount is over £ 450 and it takes almost three days for the mechanics to finish working on the C3.

= 6th mini hatch

Reliability rating: 72.1%

The mini hatch is one of the most sought after of all super minis. Retro looks, a classic cabin and brilliant handling make it one of the most sought-after smaller cars around. However, operating costs and repairs are expensive

Like the Audi A1 already mentioned, the Mini Hatch is at the upper end of the price spectrum for Superminis. It’s known for its retro look, classic interior, and incredibly fun handling and performance.

But while you laugh a lot while driving a Mini, there are some issues that can quickly wipe the smile off your face.

More than one in ten owners with a mini hatch between three and eight years has had to make a warranty claim in the past five years. Average bills are expensive too – nearly £ 600. And it’s engine problems that are the most common headache for owners. If your Mini goes wrong, you should expect not to see it for almost three days on average while repairs are in progress.

= 6. Opel Meriva

Reliability rating: 72.1%

Water pump problems are the most common cause of problems for the practical and versatile Vauxhall Meriva, according to the data

The Meriva was Vauxhall’s answer to a practical super mini. A high roofline with plenty of headroom, plenty of trunk and a spacious cabin made it a Tardis-like little model.

However, in the past five years, roughly one in six owners with used warranties have had to claim their policies due to expensive repair costs.

Problems with water pumps are the most common, and the average garage bills were £ 415.

5. Peugeot 207

Reliability rating: 69.0%

Another French car on the list is the Peugeot 207. Various engine problems are causing owners to call on their warranties

We already had the Peugeot 208 in this list, and its predecessor – the 207 – also appears undesirably in the worst-rated Supermini rating.

Lots of people bought the 207, even though over 14 percent of owners, who are also customers with warranty, have had a claim for repairs since early 2015.

Various problems with the engine are the path of problems. Average repair costs are in the range of £ 500.

4. DS Automobile DS3

Reliability rating: 64.6%

The most common electrical problems with the sporty DS3. Warranty claims average over £ 500

While hot hatch status is usually reserved for mid-size models, there are plenty of “warm” hatches in the supermini class. One of them is the lively DS3, which is the sportier sibling of the Citroen C3.

But like its sister car, the DS3 does not prove to be as reliable. Of the warranted owners, 14 percent have used their policies to pay high repair costs in the past five years.

Electric gremlins are the most common and – on average bills – expensive to fix.

3. Alfa Romeo Mito

Reliability rating: 61.5%

The Alfa Romeo Mito had a lot of style but not a lot of substance. It was also very prone to errors, depending on the scope of the warranty claims

Alfa Romeo isn’t exactly known for making superminis, and the Mito is one that the Italian brand would probably like to forget in a hurry. It has a lot of style, but no reliable substance.

Of all Warrantywise customers who own Mitos, one in five had to claim coverage for repair costs since 2015. Ouch.

Garage bills aren’t cheap and cost over £ 500. The most common repair problem is related to electrical failures.

2. Vauxhall Corsa VXR

Reliability rating: 37.9%

Of the warranted owners, more than one in five Corsa VXR owners have had to follow their guidelines in the past 5 years. And rightly so, if you consider how expensive the average warranty claim is

The Vauxhall Corsa VXR is a super mini for steroids. A large engine, huge wheels, an exhibited body kit and bright colors make it stand out. It’s pretty quick even for a small car.

The Boy-Racer VXR proves to be relatively unreliable, however. Of the owners with a used vehicle warranty, more than one in five have had to apply their guidelines in the past five years.

And that’s no surprise when you consider the average repair bill is a staggering £ 1,051. This is due to transmission problems that are common with this model.

1. BMW i3

Reliability rating: 33.0%

Around one in six owners with warranty-related policies have had to file claims, which is fewer than other vehicles on this list. However, the average repair cost is a staggering £ 1,234

If you think the Dacia Sandero topping the most reliable superminis list came as a surprise, the car at the bottom of the table is shocking – in the truest sense of the word. Because it’s the BMW i3 – the small electric vehicle from the German brand.

Examples up to eight years of age are either fully electric models or range extender models – versions with a small gasoline engine as a supplement to the battery and electric motor.

Around one in six owners with warranty-related policies have had to file claims, which is fewer than other vehicles on this list. However, the average damage amount is a staggering £ 1,234, more than any other vehicle on this list.