Volkswagen is one of the largest vehicle manufacturers in the world, selling over 9 million cars worldwide in 2023. This means there’s plenty of choice when looking for a VW to buy. 

Before you take the plunge though, it’s important to research which model is the best for you, both in terms of practicality and reliability. In this article, we’ll be going through some of the most reliable Volkswagen models to buy today. 

Introduced in 2011 the Up! was Volkswagen's entry into the supermini/city car segment, competing with the likes of the Toyota Aygo. It was available with a 1.0-litre petrol engine, and a couple years later as the e-Up! an all-electric version. 

The Up! probably owes its reliability to its simplicity, with most cars being sold with the manual gearbox, there isn’t a whole lot to go wrong, weighing in at only 980kg meant the engine isn’t too stressed too. 

As one of the cheapest new cars on sale at the time, the Up! has held its value quite well, but can still be had for a bargain price. An early 2012 car can be bought, with high mileage, for £2,500. £3,500 gets you a 

Volkswagen has models spreading across every sector, from city cars like the Up to SUVs. For the best reliability in the latter, we’d suggest a Diesel VW Tiguan. The Tiguan is a medium-sized SUV, with the current model holding plenty of road presence. 

Made from 2007, the Tiguan was the slimmer brother to the Toureg, a full-size SUV available with the legendary V10 TDI engine. The Tiguan has much more humble powertrain options, from the tech-filled 1.5 TSI petrol engine to the dependable 2.0 TDI. 

Emissions issues aside, we’d still recommend the 2.0TDI for reliability, the engine is used in a plethora of other VW group products such as Skodas and SEATs. An early 2008/2009 car can be bought for under £5,000 with 80,000 miles on the clock. For something a bit more modern looking we’d suggest a post-2016 car, where the price jumps to 

If there was one engine we’d recommend seeking out for ultimate reliability, it would be the 1.9 PD engine. 

It was used in VW group cars from around 1998 to 2009, almost every car was available with a variant of this engine, from the smaller Golf up to commercial vehicles and people carriers.

PD refers to the system of fuel injection used, that set it apart from other engines at the time, it could achieve respectable MPG figures and moderate power figures ranging from 66 HP up to 130 HP in later versions.

However, the PD engine is most well known for its reliability, being over-engineered from the ground up it’s capable of hundreds of thousands of miles of service with simple servicing only.

What is the Cheapest Volkswagen to Maintain?

Because of its popularity, we would say the Volkswagen Golf is one of the cheapest Volkswagens to maintain, both with respect to routine servicing and replacing parts that have worn out. 

The sheer number of cars on the road means parts cost is generally quite low, and repair knowledge amongst independent repair garages is high. Being able to avoid expensive dealer repairs can save thousands.

We would recommend the Golf from 2012 - 2020, the “Mk7” offers the perfect blend of modern features, performance and safety, with cost-effective servicing.

How Much Does a Volkswagen Golf Cost to Maintain?

Expect to pay between £350 - £475 per year, this is for a car around 3 years of age, including regular servicing at an independent specialist, and a reasonable approximation of the cost for new tyres and brakes. 

Brand new cars are likely to not need tyres or brakes, and most servicing will be included in the sales package. Older cars are likely to need parts such as suspension joints, and brake discs that may add to the total cost. 

On the whole, Volkswagen makes reliable vehicles, and they often surpass other German brands such as BMW and Mercedes. We believe their reliability comes from their high standards in engineering design and production, combined with a functional and practical design philosophy.

However, there are some known weaknesses, for example, issues with the latest Golf have been well documented, mainly surrounding the software managing the infotainment systems. For this reason, they don’t usually rank as highly as some brands such as Toyota and Honda.

Despite the Dieselgate scandal that started in 2015, Volkswagen still makes and sells millions of diesel-powered vehicles every year. The emissions scandal may have cost the company a significant sum in fines and brand reputation, but it didn’t affect its global standing as one of the biggest automakers.

Alongside Germany, Mexico, China, Belgium, and Brazil are just some of the countries that house VW manufacturing plants. Whilst the headquarters and their biggest manufacturing plant are still in Wolfsburg, Germany, many of the VW group products are not made in the home country.

This is typical of most modern vehicle manufacturers, and thanks to stringent quality control measures it does not necessarily mean the quality of the vehicles is lesser.

Bumper offers zero-interest financing on car repairs, allowing you to spread the cost over many months. Available through any of our nationwide service partners, it comes at no additional cost.

 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his five cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

Most Reliable VW Models

 Los modelos Volkswagen más fiables

Die zuverlässigsten VW-Modelle

If you’ve got a growing family a 7 seater is the natural choice after an estate or hatchback. Those 2 extra seats can be a real game-changer. Even if you only need to carry 5 people, the larger boot size will definitely come in handy. 

We’ve made a list of the 9 best 7-seater cars currently available, with varying budgets in mind.

If you’re looking at buying a new car, or are interested in a PCP or lease deal, these are the best people carriers on the market.

As the cheapest 7-seaters on sale today, 

 should be on the radar of a lot of buyers, from those looking for a cheap-as-chips people carrier to anyone simply wanting utilitarian carrying with a few luxuries thrown in on the top-spec models. 

Available with either a 1.2 turbocharged petrol engine or a petrol hybrid, all the Joggers on offer give good fuel economy. The hybrid might tick a box for those looking for a company car with 

For some greater refinement, tech and reliability, without the frills of some of the German marques, the 

 is a great option. As a very stylish medium-sized SUV, there’s plenty of room to transport kids, adults and pets alike. 

Available with both petrol and diesel engines, we’d recommend either the 1.5 TSI petrol for great fuel economy or the 2.0 TDI for a bit more pulling power and long-range capability. The styling of the Tarraco is in keeping with the rest of the Seat range; understated but handsome. 

Despite its shape being more akin to a traditional 7-seater than the others so far, the 

 still has a raised driving position and slightly higher than normal ground clearance. The interior space is pretty substantial, with one of the biggest boots in 7-seat mode in the class.

Outer styling is typical of Peugeot at the moment; more chic and less quirky like the French cars of old, but in some ways this is a good thing. The 5008 has something for everyone in the powertrain department, with full EV, hybrid and plug-in hybrid all available. 

Branching into the luxury EV segment in a big way, the 

 is the Korean brand's largest EV and SUV to date. With the second and third row of seats folded flat, the EV9 boasts nearly 3,000 litres of cargo space, that’s nearly as much as a Transit Connect van!

Alongside the monster dimensions comes a formidable powertrain, even the lowest spec model, starting at just over £65,000 comes with a 200hp RWD motor configuration, achieving a respectable 7 seconds. 

 is perfect. Its clean lines and modern light clusters give it a very chic look, which carries on to the interior. It’s available in the base with all-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive performance, bringing the 0-60mph time down to 4.9s.

A large battery promises over 360 miles of range, putting it in competition with some of the best EVs around, despite the EX90’s considerable weight and size. The third row of seating is perfect for kids but can comfortably accommodate adults too.

 is a fully electric MPV with 7 seats and a generous boot. It is the perfect choice for those not needing the luxury of an SUV, but needing 7 seats and an electric powertrain. 

EV range sits around 200 miles, which is not as good as some listed, but at nearly 1/3rd the cost, we think it still represents good value. This is especially true as the Combo Life also makes use of Rapid Charging technology, giving 80% charge in 38 minutes. 

The Ford Galaxy was one of the first people carriers to hit the market in the UK, enabling thousands of families to carry their kids and luggage in comfort, the C-Max and S-Max are basically smaller versions, following the same principle as the Galaxy does. 

 with the frugal 1.5 TDCi and less than 45,000 miles on the clock. This example comes with air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity and cruise control, a great package to carry all the family. 

Another staple of the school-run traffic, 

 has been around in one form or another since 1999, offering spacious people carrying capacity on a modest budget. For under 9 grand, you can get a low-mileage 2017 model, with full service history. 

It comes well specced too, with apple car play and cruise control. The 1.4 turbo petrol in this example offers reasonable performance with very good fuel economy, low road tax and ULEZ compliance to boot. 

 offers some unique features that can’t be found in UK models. Imported from Japan this MPV/people carrier offers 7 plush seats with captains chairs and loads of tech. 

Other features include a panoramic sunroof, DVD players for the rear passengers and 4-zone air conditioning. With a decent-sized boot too, it's the perfect road trip or family holiday wagon. 

Modern 7-seater cars are made to the same stringent standards as saloons and estates, so usually achieve 5-star NCAP ratings. To check any model of the car you’re thinking about buying, the 

Are 7-Seater Cars More Expensive to Insure

No, there is no general consensus on whether 7-seater cars are more expensive to insure. Some drivers find that people carriers cost more than comparable hatchbacks, but others claim they are cheaper than the 5-seater equivalents. 

We would advise you to get some insurance quotes before buying to double-check.

As they tend to use the same powertrains as their smaller counterparts, 7-seater cars offer the same reliability as any other. That said some specific models may have known faults, but the number of seats isn't usually the inherent cause. 

Whether you have a top-of-the-line luxury SUV or a basic utilitarian MPV, Bumper can help spread the cost of repair payments with zero-interest financing. Choose from any one of our 

9 Best 7 Seater Cars in the UK

A company car can be a great benefit to any employment package, but depending on the car, engine and even trim level, the incurred tax can take away some of the benefits. 

To compare both tax benefits and vehicle features, we’ve put together this guide offering up best cars on the market to choose from a company car scheme in the UK. 

Company Car tax, formally known as Benefit-in-Kind, is a tax on benefits received as part of a remuneration package from an employer, such as a company car. 

BiK rates vary depending on the employee's salary, the car's CO2 emissions and its electric-only range. They are updated yearly to adjust for changes in CO2 emissions ranges and electric vehicle technology. 

Currently, the rate is set at 2% for vehicles producing 0g/Km of CO2, AKA Electric Vehicles. Hybrids with more than 130 miles of electric-only range are charged the same. The rate increases as the cars’ electric-only range decreases.

The current rate for the lowest emitting non-electric vehicles is 15%. The highest band cars that emit more than 170 g of CO2 per Km, have a BiK rate of 37%.

Whilst the benefit-in-kind rate is important, the value of the car - known as its P11D value - and your tax band are also used to calculate the tax due on a company car. The P11D is simply the manufacturer's list price including VAT when the car was first registered.

To work out the company car tax you’ll be paying, use the following formula:

If reducing your tax bill is your main priority, these cars should be on your shortlist, they all have incredibly low company car tax rates.

BYD has taken the UK by storm in the last year or two, going from a complete unknown to one of the fastest-growing brands on sale. They offer a range of cheap EVs, but the most economical to 

With a 45kWh battery and one motor acceleration and top speed aren’t the best on the market at 8.0 seconds to 60 and 99 mph, but its near 200-mile range is impressive. Some might not be a fan of the off-the-wall styling, but it certainly sets it apart on the road. 

 packs a decent amount of battery capacity and power, with a range of well over 200 miles, and 200hp on tap. This makes it a good bit faster than other cars such as the BYD.

The frontal styling is a little too angular for us, but the inside is a lot more toned down, with the classic MG badge on the centre of the multi-function steering wheel, and a large dash-mounted screen for infotainment. 

Because it's an EV and has a low starting price, the MG4 is one of the cheapest company cars on sale today.

Best Saloon Cars With Low Company Car Tax

 is one of the most popular EVs in the UK, with their practical, stylish seating for 5 adults and plenty of boot space. The high-performance and long-range versions offer something a little more powerful or versatile, too. 

Being fully electric, the benefit in kind is the lowest bracket at 2%.

Looking for an EV but don’t need the neck-jolting acceleration that some offer? 

 might be perfect. It maintains the chic styling of KIA’s new design philosophy, with a spacious interior and practical boot. 

Interior wise the EV6 combines modern screen tech with ‘old fashioned’ control layouts, maintaining some physical buttons for crucial features, something we love! As with the Tesla, the BiK rate is the lowest bracket.

Audi A3 40 Sportback TFSIe - £36,345 - 6% BiK

The well-known Audi hatchback is also available in a sleeker saloon body style, giving the compact passenger space with the 3-box design of the traditional saloon. In TFSI e guise the hybrid powertrain warrants the 

, not too far from some fully electric cars.

Being a German luxury marque the interior quality is top-notch, with high-quality plastics and soft touch materials throughout. 

 on the market, if you need to carry 6 passengers on battery power alone, it is the one and only option. We suspect plenty of people will choose it not only out of necessity though, with its stylish interior and bodywork, and 400-mile range.

Because it’s an EV, the BiK rate is the lowest possible; 2%. This means the company car tax can be very low indeed.

 it sports a pretty generous boot, with space enough for 4 adults, and certainly enough for 2 adults and 2 kids.

Regardless of the power or battery option selected the BiK rate is the lowest 2%. A shorter commute would be preferential when the iX1 only has a listed range of 322 miles. 

 is ideal, with a ludicrous 630bhp available in the top, dual-motor model. Thanks to the electric powertrain, the BiK rate and as such company car tax is relatively low, with monthly tax figures starting at £24 per month.

The interior is just as stylish and well put together as the outside, in typical Porsche fashion. The Macan also supports the fastest charging architecture on the market, having compatibility with 800V networks. This can take the large battery from 10-80% charge in under 30 minutes.

Mercedes C-Class C300e - £51,970 - 8% BiK

Hailed by many as the peak executive saloon, the 

 is the first choice for many for a luxury company car, the C300e takes that to new levels, with a very low BiK rate, thanks to its generous electric-only range.

Interior-wise there is everything you’d expect, with plush leather and wood trim. Air suspension keeps the ride taught but comfy, and the electric assist pushes you to 60mph in a very respectable 6.1 seconds.

Cupra Formentor 1.4 e-Hybrid - £45,500 - 12% BiK

Since splitting the brand from SEAT, the Cupra name has produced some great-looking cars, first and foremost being the Formentor. We think the 

 strikes just the right balance of angular and sweeping. 

The 1.4 e-Hybrid powertrain delivers great fuel efficiency and a good EV-only range of 38 miles. This classifies it for the 12% BiK rate, not the best on this list, but still cheap, considering the shackles of an EV are virtually non-existent with the onboard petrol engine.

Another classic executive saloon, the 3 series has been the gold standard for company cars for years. 

 having a PHEV powertrain in addition to the smooth 4-cylinder petrol engine, company car tax can be reduced significantly.

Exterior styling is very 3-series, which is definitely a good thing, not yet succumbing to the marmite styling of the new X5 and similar. Power is great too, with 287bhp from the combined power of ICE and electric, and a reasonable EV-only range of around 60 miles. 

So we’ve taken a look at how company car tax works, and picked out some of the best makes and models to look into. However, if none of the cars we’ve discussed here take your fancy, there are dozens of other makes, models and body styles to choose from, many available on company car schemes.

If your employer doesn’t offer a company car scheme, or none of these options are appealing, a 

 or lease could be worth investigating. From 

 we’ve got loads of info available on our 

With Bumper, you can split the cost of vehicle repairs, service, parts and MOT work into interest-free monthly instalments. Choose from 1000s of trusted garages and dealerships across the country.

11 Best Company Cars For Tax Efficiency

The 1990s could be seen as a decade of immense change. The collapse of the Soviet Union began a new era of relative peace, the start of the internet changed how we communicate with each other forever, and new waves of musical genres such as Britpop started blasting from our Walkmens.

But politics and entertainment weren't the only things to have a complete overhaul. Big changes to our cars saw huge improvements in design, safety and comfort. From the modern safety features of the Ford Fiesta to the stylish design of the Vauxhall Corsa, the 1990s were truly a remarkable time for our vehicles.

To celebrate this unique decaude in our vehicular history we've rounded up a list of the most popular top-selling cars of the 1990s.

What are the top-selling cars of the 1990s?

Replacing the Renault 5 in 1990, the Renault Clio was known for its small size and excellent fuel efficiency. Despite being one of the smaller cars on this list, the 90s Clio's interior was considered to be incredibly spacious and this model was popular due to its reliability and affordability.

The VW Polo II, known as the Typ 86C received a huge overhaul in the 1990s. This second generation was known for its boxy shape, steep rear window and a range of engine options. Some drivers praised the Polo II for its solid and practical design but the model was said to be plagued by mechanical issues. 

Known for its handling and fuel efficiency, drivers praised the 1990s Volkswagen Golf, known as the Mk2, as an icon of automotive excellence. This hatchback came in a variety of trim levels, including the sporty GTI and R models.

First introduced in the UK in 1993, the Vauxhall Corsa has been described as stylish, spacious and comfortable. Replacing the Vauxhall Nova, The Corsa was popular with young people for its stylish design and with older drivers for its comfortable ride.

Described as one of the best BMWs of the 1990s, the Series 3 included several models including the Sedan, Coupe, and Compact Hatchback. The 1990s model, known as the E36, is a practical two-door car that some reviews say is still comfortable to drive today.

A very popular ride throughout the 1990s, the MK3 was the third-generation Cavalier known for its aerodynamic design, comfortability and modern styling. With flush-fitting windows and a revised suspension for a smooth ride, the Cavalier won What Car's Family Car of the Year in 1989 and 1990.

A small family car, the Vauxhall Astra maintained its popularity right through the 1990s. The Mk2 was first released in 1984 and, despite frequently topping sales lists, never outpaced the Ford Escort.

Originally marketed as a supermini, the Rover 200 compared closely in size to the contemporary models of the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa. Rover priced the car to compete with the likes of the Ford Escort and Vauxhall Astra.

Launched in '93, the Peugeot 306, was a small hatchback, popular due to its unbeatable handling and ride quality. The model had favourable reviews, with drivers describing the vehicle as nimble and a fun ride. Identical under the skin to the Citroen ZX, the 1.6-litre proved popular with drivers throughout the 1990s.

Also known as the K11, the second generation of the Nissan Micra was first produced in 1992. This popular vehicle was built in the UK, Japan, and Taiwan. Dubbed the 90s version of the Mini, the Nissan Micra was praised for its reliability.

Perhaps one of the greatest automotive turnarounds of all time, the Ford Mondeo was a midsized car first produced in 1993. Available as a four-door saloon, five-door hatchback, and an estate, it received favourable reviews for its handling and comfort.

Discontinued in 2023 after 47 years of production, Ford released a variety of models of the Fiesta throughout the 1990s. Notably, the third-generation model, which had a top speed of 133 mph, and the Mk4, an extensibly revised version with improved handling and modern safety features.

At the top of the list for being an iconic 90s classic, the Ford Escort was a practical, family-friendly car produced from 1990 to 2001. Finally replaced by the Ford Focus, the final version of the Escort had improved on many of the features lacking in its first iteration, including reliable ride quality and low ownership costs.

Top selling cars of the 90s - Final thoughts

There you have it, the most popular cars of the 1990s. As we've seen, the 90s saw a rise in the popularity of small, reliable hatchbacks. With an extra focus on comfort and safety, the cars of the 90s certainly didn't compromise on style and design.

How reliable is your motor? Split the cost of repairs and services into interest-free instalments with Bumper. Choose from 1000s of garages and dealerships across the UK.

has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

13 top selling cars of the 1990s

Electric vehicles have an advantage over internal combustion engine cars in that they are less complex, with significantly fewer moving parts, but that doesn’t mean they are 100% reliable.

If you’re considering a Tesla for your next car, check out this blog on the most reliable Teslas before you buy. It could save you some serious money.

The Tesla Model 3 is the most reliable model, with considerably fewer faults reported than the Model S. The Model 3 was introduced in 2017, and is available in the standard, Long Range or Dual Battery version, offering significantly more range, power or both. 

Aiding its reliability, the Model 3 uses a conventional saloon layout, with 4 normal doors and a hatchback-style boot. This is in contrast to the Model X with its complex gull-wing doors. 

Reliability scores for the Model 3 are high, with motoring reports placing it in the top 10 EVs for reliability. We’d suggest a 2022-onwards model as they feature heat pump cooling and heating for efficiency, and higher equipment as standard. 

A 2022 car with around 60,000 miles on the clock can be bought for around £23,000, with the Long-range or Dual Motor versions fetching up to £25,000. 

As most Tesla models have only been around for 5-7 years, it’s difficult to ascertain which is the best long-term. But one thing we can say is that with some maintenance, the Model S is not afraid of high mileage.

One owner in Germany has driven his Model S a 

. We wouldn’t recommend buying one with that sort of mileage on the clock, but a car that has done around 80,000 miles can be bought for around £14,500. 

The examples we found for sale qualified for Tesla’s free lifetime Supercharging, and had Autopilot and Dual Motor configured. Alongside the high-tech interior and stupendous acceleration that doesn’t seem like a bad deal to us.

If you’re looking for a Tesla with the longest range possible, the Model 3 is again the best choice. Opting for the Long Range version gets you a 78KwH battery, enough for a claimed range of 390 miles. 

That’s a pretty good range figure, with 

 being able to top it. Do bear in mind, though, that second-hand vehicles will have lost some of their battery capacity, and that the claimed range figures are usually in ‘ideal’ circumstances, such as no AC or headlight use.

Tesla drivetrain components, namely the battery, motors and motor controller system, are all very reliable, with very few major issues being widely reported. 

Some Tesla models have been criticised for their poor build quality, with owners noting issues with interior and bodywork fitment. This is something Tesla dealerships are aware of, and are happy to resolve. 

Compared to most cars, Teslas are more expensive to repair. Even when compared to other electric cars, Teslas generally cost more to fix. The reason for this is often the complexity and availability of parts. 

Teslas have many sensors all over the car to facilitate the autopilot and other features. This makes bodywork repairs considerably more expensive than a traditional car.

A Tesla owner in Germany has driven his Tesla Model S 2,000,000 miles! That is nearly 50 times around the world. This proves the cars can withstand extreme usage, although this owner has had the battery and motor replaced a number of times.

Will a Tesla Last Longer Than a Normal Car?

Whilst some Teslas can do crazy high mileage, there’s no real evidence yet on whether one will last longer or not than a normal vehicle. It is true that the electric motor and battery system is a lot less complex, with significantly fewer moving parts, which should contribute to longevity, so in theory, perhaps they will last longer but no one can definitively confirm whether this is true.

However, a new engine in a diesel or petrol vehicle is likely to cost somewhere between £2,000 and £7,000. A new battery and motor for a Tesla will be much more than this, meaning the point at which the car becomes uneconomical to repair, may actually come sooner with a Tesla.

If your car, Tesla or otherwise, is in need of repair, but the bill is going to be high, consider using Bumper to get zero-percent interest finance on car repairs. Choose from one of hundreds of 

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The Most Reliable Teslas

The largest auto manufacturer in the world, Toyota, is known globally for being a reliable car brand. In this article, we’ll take a look at Toyota, why its cars are so reliable and which ones are the best to buy.

Yes, Toyota makes very reliable cars, we would say that on average, Toyotas are the most dependable car brand you can buy. From their compact hatchbacks to large SUVs and luxury cars, reliability is a common theme with Toyota.

Look at any reliability reports by warranty or car reviewing organisations, Toyota or their sister company Lexus almost always ranks top or very near to it.

So it’s widely accepted that Toyota is very reliable, but this means their cars are built better than many large automakers, including Mercedes, BMW, Ford and more, so how do they do it?

One of the main philosophies of the Toyota Corporation has always been quality. They are revered and studied the world over for their “continuous improvement” strategies that ensure high quality and efficiency at every stage of production.

High-quality materials and tooling are needed to create high-quality products, Japan has a history and culture of not cutting corners or under-investing in its manufacturing and allied industries.

This, combined with excellent supply chain management, has meant Toyota and other Japanese car makers have always had access to quality materials and labour, reducing downtime, faults and imperfections.

In engineering, everything is a trade-off between quality and cost. Toyota has always erred on the side of over-building to ensure longevity, rather than cheaping out to make more short-term profit. This has gained their cars a reputation for reliability and durability above all else. 

One of the common complaints about Japanese cars by car reviewers used to be that the interiors were basic and not as plush or luxurious as German or British cars. This was because the market at the time in Japan demanded function over form, Toyota prioritised the quality of the engine and mechanicals over the quality of the interior. 

It worked too, as Japanese cars quickly gained popularity, for the most part, due to their famed reliability. 

Initially manufacturing cloth-making looms, Toyoda Industries was formed in 1926, by 1937 the Toyota car manufacturing company was registered and multiple engine designs and one vehicle had been patented. 

Since then, Toyota has moved from strength to strength, producing well-performing cars in almost every sector, from the Yaris supermini, the Supra sports car and the formidable Hilux pickup truck/off-road SUV.

The Toyota Yaris is the most reliable Toyota in 2024 and is often ranked the most reliable car from any manufacturer as well.

The Yaris has always been a solid car, with the first version still a common sight on British roads, despite being introduced in 1999. The model ranked most reliable is the fourth and current generation of the model. 

Around £10,000 can buy you a low mileage (30,000) example from 2020, with the super reliable 1.5 VVT petrol engine, touchscreen infotainment and a host of other mod cons including parking sensors and cruise control. 

The Toyota Prius is considered to be the most reliable hybrid car. With over 6 million of them having been sold since their introduction in 1997, it’s safe to say the numbers don’t lie. 

Toyota changed the car industry significantly with the introduction of the Prius. Whilst not the first hybrid car - Honda gets that record - Toyota were the first to get a full hybrid vehicle to the masses. 

Nowadays you can pick up a Prius for as little as £2,000, but the batteries on these early cars were far surpassed, and they’re getting a little long in the tooth now. A 2015 model can be had for under £9,000 with under 60,000 miles on the clock. 

Along with legendary Toyota build quality, one of the reasons the Prius is so reliable is its Synergy Drive. This is the technology that switches drive from the engine to the electric motors, and it does so without needing complex clutches, gearboxes or other mechanical components. 

This results in significantly less stress on the engine, motor and gearbox when compared to a normal petrol or diesel car. This is what makes the Prius easily capable of over 200,000 miles, and perfect for use in the city. 

Whilst Toyota is not the first brand that comes to mind when thinking of plush luxurious interiors or the fanciest tech, the mechanicals of Toyota vehicles are definitely high quality. Only the best quality materials and tools are used to build Toyota vehicles, and everything is kept tightly controlled with their quality management system. 

We would say that on average, Toyotas are more reliable than Fords. Whether they are better overall is tricky as much of the decision is personal preference, as both manufacturers make good vehicles.

However, in the all-important reliability index reports, Toyota generally has 3-4 cars in the top 10 for reliability, whereas Ford generally only has one or maybe two, proving that Fords are less reliable than Toyotas.

Most definitely, with correct servicing and care, most cars should be able to last 20 years, but we’d be willing to bet a Toyota would. It’s evident to see the longevity of Toyotas by how many are still on the roads today.

We’d consider Toyota's warranty service to be one of the most comprehensive, giving great service across the board. Lexus and Toyota beat most other manufacturers for mileage, time and service levels received.

One of the standout features is that customers receive an 

 every time they have their Toyota serviced at a main dealership. This could mean a 15-year-old car that would usually be well out of warranty, would be covered. 

Lexus is a sister brand to Toyota. The cars are designed and made by different entities, but with the same fierce philosophy of quality. Lexus caters to the luxury end of the market whilst Toyota mainly sells more run-of-the-mill cars. 

This is a common theme with Japanese automakers, companies such as Nissan (Infiniti) and Honda (Acura in the US). Lexus are even more famed for their reliability than Toyota.

Lexus predominantly makes luxury SUVs and saloon cars, although the LFA was a relatively short lived sports/super sports car with a 4.8 litre V8 engine. 

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Most Reliable Toyotas

Being able to carry large items or luggage for 5 people is a vital feature for many, but with cars tending towards sleek rooflines and compact SUVs, not all cars come with generous-sized rear luggage compartments.

To help, we’ve compiled a list of the 9 best cars on sale today with large-sized boots. 

All of these options are hatchbacks, as these represent the best value for money when boot space is a priority, offering enough room for 4 passengers alongside a reasonable amount of boot space. Not all hatchbacks are created equal though, these are our favourite picks.

Styled as a hybrid between an SUV and a hatchback, it boasts an enormous 426 litres of boot space with the seats in position and 1,378 with them folded down. We’d recommend the 1.5 diesel engine for the best mix of economy and performance. 

 the Kia is one of the cheapest cars on our list, and as such represents great value for money.

The supremely stylish lineup from Peugeot is a real contender to the bigger brands, the 308 is planted somewhere in the middle, as a family hatchback. With 412L of boot space, there should be enough for all the family, too. 

A touchscreen infotainment and a futuristic 3D dashboard bring the inside on par with the exterior styling. It is offered in petrol, diesel or hybrid variants with prices 

As the iconic French chic hatchback, the Clio has to make the shortlist with an impressive 391 litres of boot space and a great price point. The Clio is available with either a 1.0-litre petrol engine or a 1.6-litre petrol hybrid.

Interior space is not as good as some of the others on our list, with some reviewers complaining the rear seats are narrower than the competition. For that reason, we’d recommend the Clio only if you won’t be transporting 4 people regularly. 

Carrying large amounts of stuff in the rear is what estate cars are made for, so unsurprisingly there is a decent range of options available, even if some manufacturers are favouring SUV body styles. 

 is famous for their no-nonsense utility-focussed estate cars, the Superb is the biggest of their estate car lineup. The estate boasts a cavernous 660 Litres with the seats up, giving plenty of room for luggage, pets, or both.

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer