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Common Faults by Model

Independent fault guides for 50 of the most common used cars on UK forecourts. Each one lists the known problems for that generation, what to check at the viewing, the MOT advisories that should worry you, and realistic repair costs. We take no commission from any dealer.

Audi

8V (2012–2020) & 8Y (2020–)

Feels a class above the Golf inside — same VW group faults to watch.

A Polo in a nicer suit — good buy on the 1.0 TFSI, riskier on early 1.2 TSI cars.

B8 & B9, 2008–2024

A classy motorway car, but the 2.0 TFSI oil thirst and S-tronic gearbox demand a careful check.

BMW

F30 (2012–2018) & G20 (2019–)

Brilliant to drive — but running costs bite if you don't buy carefully.

F20 & F40, 2011–2024

Great to drive with premium badge appeal — budget properly for servicing, not just the purchase.

Citroen

2005–2022 (shared with Peugeot 108 and Toyota Aygo)

Mechanically a Toyota, priced like a Citroen — the bargain of the city-car class.

Dacia

Basic but honest — low running costs and simple mechanics mean cheap repairs.

Fiat

Charming and cheap to insure, but the Dualogic gearbox and TwinAir engine can bite.

Ford

Mk7 & Mk8, 2013–2023

The default sensible first car — just avoid neglected 1.0 EcoBoosts.

Mk3 (2011–2018) & Mk4 (2018–)

Great to drive, cheap to run — but same 1.0 EcoBoost warnings as the Fiesta.

Mk2 & Mk3, 2012–2024

Good to drive for an SUV, but diesel DPFs and PHEV battery recalls need checking.

Honda

Mk3 (2015–2020) & Mk4 (2020–) inc. e:HEV Hybrid

Boring reputation, brilliant reality — a 200k-mile car if serviced.

Superb engineering and a huge boot — the 1.6 diesel is the economy pick.

Hyundai

Mk2 (2014–2019) & Mk3 (2019–)

The smart first-car choice if you value warranty peace of mind.

Well built and easy to live with — mind the mild-hybrid gearbox and DPF on diesels.

An unexciting, dependable first car that will not surprise you with bills.

Kia

Mk2 (2011–2017) & Mk3 (2017–)

The 7-year warranty is a genuine used-buyer superpower.

Seven-year warranty cars are the sweet spot — buy one with the balance still running.

Land Rover

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

Desirable and quick to depreciate for a reason — only buy one with a warranty and full history.

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Practical and capable, but the running costs are where the depreciation goes — buy with warranty.

Mazda

Lovely to drive and free of turbo complication — just watch for rust on older cars.

Better built than most rivals and drives well — the diesel needs long journeys.

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

W176 (2012–2018) & W177 (2018–)

Premium badge with premium bills — inspect and haggle hard.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

W205 & W206, 2014–2024

Superb long-distance car, but out-of-warranty electronics and air suspension get costly.

Mini

F55/F56 (2014–2024)

Fun to drive but running costs match a BMW — because it is one.

Nissan

J11 (2014–2021) & J12 (2021–)

Family-friendly and popular — but the 1.5 dCi and CVT have known issues.

Mk1 & Mk2, 2010–2024

Cheap to buy and popular, but the CVT auto and turbo failures spoil the party.

Cheap and easy to drive, but the K13 generation feels built to a price.

Mk1 & Mk2, 2011–2024

Brilliant cheap electric runabout — as long as the battery still holds charge. Check the bars before anything else.

Peugeot

Mk1 (2012–2019) & Mk2 (2019–) inc. e-208

Stylish and cheap to buy — check the 1.2 PureTech carefully.

Mk1 & Mk2, 2009–2024

Stylish and comfortable, but the 1.2 PureTech engine needs careful checking before you commit.

Renault

Mk4 & Mk5, 2012–2024

Great value and comfortable — as long as you avoid the EDC auto and check the electrics.

Mk1 & Mk2, 2013–2024

A likeable small SUV at a fair price — but the 1.2 TCe petrol and EDC auto both need careful checking.

Seat

Mk4 & Mk5, 2008–2024

A Polo in a better suit for less money — same engines, same things to check.

Mk3 & Mk4, 2012–2024

Golf underneath, cheaper on the forecourt — check DSG and service history.

Skoda

Mk2 & Mk3, 2007–2021

Sensible, roomy and genuinely reliable — the smart money buy in this class.

Mk3 & Mk4, 2013–2024

Enormous boot, cheap to run, reliable — just buy one with a full service history.

Suzuki

Underrated and reliable — check for rust on older cars and you will do well.

Toyota

XP130 (2011–2020) & XP210 (2020–) inc. Hybrid

Arguably the most reliable used supermini in Britain — buy with confidence.

Mk1 & Mk2, 2005–2022

One of the cheapest cars in Britain to run — check the clutch and the rust.

Including Auris, 2012–2024

The hybrid is about as reliable as a used car gets — buy the newest one you can afford.

The hybrid is one of the most dependable family SUVs you can buy used.

Vauxhall

Corsa E (2014–2019) & Corsa F (2019–)

Cheap to run and insure, but pre-2019 Corsa E has known engine niggles.

Astra K (2015–2022) & Astra L (2022–)

Cheap and comfortable — but the 1.6 CDTi diesel needs DPF care.

Popular and cheap to buy, but the older 1.4 turbo and diesel DPF need checking.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf

Mk7 (2013–2020) & Mk8 (2020–)

Solid, well-built, holds value — pick the right engine and it's a 200k-mile car.

Volkswagen Polo

Mk5 & Mk6, 2009–2024

The grown-up first car — solid, safe, and easy to sell on.

Volkswagen Passat

B7 & B8, 2010–2023

Brilliant motorway car, but most are ex-fleet with big miles — buy on history, not price.

Volkswagen Tiguan

Mk1 & Mk2, 2008–2024

The sensible family SUV — well built and comfy, but avoid early 2.0 TSIs with timing chain trouble.

Volvo

Safe, comfortable and solid — the big-ticket risks are the PHEV battery and air suspension.

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