AUTONEWS

These 10 used cars that are 10 to 15 years old are considered extremely reliable and durable

New cars are becoming more expensive, while their maintenance and repairs are becoming more complicated. That's why many buyers are turning to proven used cars that are ten or more years old, which can offer reliable transportation without frequent and expensive trips to the mechanic.

The British consumer protection organization Which? conducted a large survey among more than 60,000 car owners to determine which models between 10 and 15 years old still provide the most carefree kilometers, reports Jutarnji.hr/Auto klub. It took into account how many owners had a breakdown during the year, how many cars were left immobile on the road due to a serious problem, as well as how much time they spent in the service center on average.

Ten models that performed particularly well:

10. Toyota Auris (2012–2019)

Lowest price: around €7,000

Breakdowns: 28% | Roadside breakdowns: 7% | Average service time: 5.3 days...The Auris may never have been the biggest star in its class, but it has proven to be a very reliable car, especially in the hybrid version. Even models older than ten years generally do not cause many problems for owners. Toyota replaced the Auris again in 2019 with the Corolla, but this model is still a very good choice for buyers who value durability, economy and reliability.

9. Suzuki Alto (2009–2014)

Lowest price: around €2,500

Breakdowns: 25% | Roadside breakdowns: 1% | Average service time: 2.6 days...The Alto is probably the most modest car on this list, but its simplicity is one of the main reasons for its reliability. Simple mechanics and very few electronics mean that there is not much that can break. This makes the Alto a great value as a cheap city car, especially for drivers who value low costs over luxury and performance.

8. Toyota Yaris (2011–2020)

Lowest price: around €5,000

Breakdowns: 23% | Roadside breakdowns: 6% | Average service time: 3.1 days...The third generation Yaris continues the tradition of reliability that Toyota is known for. The hybrid version is particularly popular, but the other variants also boast relatively simple and affordable maintenance. Due to its small size, economy and durability, the Yaris is still in great demand as a city car today.

7. Suzuki Swift (2010–2016)

Lowest price: around €3,500

Breakdowns: 27% | Roadside breakdowns: 8% | Average service time: 1.4 days...The Swift is a somewhat underrated car on the used car market. In addition to being reliable, it also offers more driving pleasure than one would expect from a small and relatively inexpensive city car. It is often chosen by younger drivers, and despite this, research results show that it withstands age and mileage well.

6. BMW X1 (2009–2015)

Price: around €9,000

Breakdowns: 35% | Roadside breakdowns: 7% | Average service time: 2.1 days...Luxury SUVs are not very common on lists of the most reliable older used cars, but the first-generation BMW X1 is an interesting exception. The percentage of cars with a defect is higher than that of the Japanese competitors on this list, but problems are usually resolved relatively quickly. The X1 also continues to offer quality and driving feel that are above average in this price range.

5. Škoda Citigo (2009–2019)

Price: around 4,000 euros

Defects: 22% | Roadside breakdowns: 5% | Average service time: 2.8 days...The Citigo was one of the more successful small city cars of the last decade. It shares its technical basis with the Volkswagen Up!, but as a used car it can often be found at a more affordable price and with good equipment. It is small, economical, easy to drive around town and, which is especially important for an older used car, has proven to be very reliable.

4. Honda Jazz (2008–2015)

Price: around 3,500 euros

Defects: 25% | Roadside breakdowns: 4% | Average service time: 2.7 days...The Honda Jazz has long been a popular second-hand car for buyers who value reliability and practicality over prestige. Its big advantage is its extremely practical and adaptable interior, combined with low fuel consumption. The engines and transmissions have proven to be very durable, so well-maintained models can cover a large number of kilometers without serious problems.

3. Lexus RX 450h (2009–2015)

Price: around 14,000 euros

Breakdowns: 16% | Roadside breakdowns: 0% | Average service time: 2 days...The large luxury SUV with a hybrid drive is surprisingly reliable even in its later years. A particularly impressive fact from the study is that among the cars studied, there was no case of a breakdown that left the vehicle immobile on the road. The RX 450h offers a lot of space and comfort, is very durable, and, with all this, retains its value well on the used car market.

2. Mazda MX-5 (2005–2015)

Price: around 9,000 euros

Malfunctions: 26% | Breakdowns on the road: 0% | Average in service: 1.7 days...One of the most famous and best-selling roadsters in the world shows that a sports car does not automatically mean high repair costs. The MX-5 of the third generation is known for its relatively simple construction, low mass and fun driving, but also very good reliability. Although there were failures with some owners, none of the problems noted in the survey caused the car to remain immobile on the road.

1. Lexus CT 200h (2011–2020)

Price: around 10,000 euros

Malfunctions: 13% | Breakdowns on the road: 0% | Average service time: 1.2 days...In first place was the Lexus CT 200h, a compact hybrid that combines low consumption, durability and the level of comfort characteristic of a premium brand.

Only 13 percent of owners reported a breakdown during the year, not a single case was recorded that the car remained stationary on the road due to a problem, and the average time spent in the service was only 1.2 days. That's why the CT 200h is one of the more interesting choices for buyers who want an older hybrid that can serve for a long time. The only problem is that there are not many of them on our market.