‘I am a mechanic – this is the car brand I’d buy right now’

Drivers in the UK can be fiercely brand loyal. After three to five years, thousands of us walk into the dealership we bought our last car from, look for the model that is about the same size as the current one, and drive home in it.

However, at a time when drivers are facing astronomical figures for road tax, car insurance, and even fuels, it pays for new and used car buyers to be more discerning than ever before they get behind the wheel of their next car.

Speaking to the Spanish news service La Vanguardia, Sergei Savchak, Mechanical Engineer and Co-Founder of Need Car Help, suggested that the company with the most reliable used models is Toyota.

He explained: “Customers who do their homework have found Toyotas from between 2007 and 2012 [are the best value].

“Generally speaking, they are good cars with meticulous owners and are well-priced. I have sometimes had the urge to buy one, but we are completely banned from doing so.”

The largest automobile manufacturer in the world, Toyota has had a reputation for building dependable cars for several decades, with models like the Corolla and Prius being recognised all over the world.

In the WhatCar? Reliability Survey 2024, the Toyota Aygo X ranked second, with no owners taking part in the study reporting any significant faults for the last 24 months.

The Japanese company also produces a considerably large range of vehicles to suit all needs and budgets, spanning from economical city cars to rugged SUVs and pickup trucks.

Nevertheless, no matter what pre-owned model a motorist is interested in buying, Sergei highlighted that condition can make all the difference between years of faultless driving and constant repair work.

He advised: “The biggest disadvantage is uncertainty. A new car should be perfect, but there are countless conditions in which you can find a used car.

“Many users are unable to discern at a glance what treatment has been given to the vehicle they are considering buying, and that is where scams, frauds and manipulations begin.”

Before buying a used car, it is generally a good idea to check the number plate online, which can help a driver check that it was not previously reported as stolen and see past MOT results, including any advisories that should have been rectified.

The general condition of the car should match the miles displayed on the odometer. Low mileage cars with plenty of paint chips and faded or shiny interior parts could be a sign that the vehicle has been clocked.

Finally, when taking it for a test drive, motorists should carefully listen out for any unusual bumps or rattles, particularly when taking corners or travelling over speed bumps. These could be a sign that suspension or steering components are worn out.