160 auto repair shops came together to compile a list of the 'worst second-hand vehicles': Even a simple repair can be costly.

When buying a used car, many drivers focus on the brand's breakdown frequency. However, according to experienced mechanics, the most important factor isn't how rarely a car breaks down, but how easily and cheaply it's repaired when it does.

A study conducted in Russia with the participation of 160 service experts revealed the most trouble-free and most headache-inducing brands, as seen by industry experts.

Industry favorites: The easiest and cheapest brands to repair

The brands that the repairers who participated in the research liked the most for their maintenance and repair were:

VAG Group (Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat): Thanks to its intelligently designed structures, abundant and accessible spare parts, and widespread availability, it is at the top as the group where technicians work most easily.

Toyota: Although famous for its durability, it does not tire the mechanics with its logical design and easy-to-find parts in the event of a malfunction.

Fiat: Contrary to its reputation, it's surprisingly in third place on the list. Its simple mechanics and cheaper parts than its rivals earn it a passing grade from mechanics.

Hyundai/Kia and 5. BMW/MINI: Korean brands are also among the easiest to repair. BMW/MINI, despite their expensive parts, manages to make the list because their familiar design shortens repair times.

A master's nightmare: The most difficult and costly brands to repair

According to repairers, some brands are the most difficult to repair due to their non-standard designs and high costs:

Peugeot and Citroën: Their traditional use of idiosyncratic and non-standard engineering solutions is cited as the factor that makes the job of mechanics the most difficult.

Ford: It receives frequent complaints, especially due to problems with fasteners and rust at joints.

Mercedes-Benz: Complex technologies and very expensive spare parts can turn even the simplest repairs into huge costs.

Those that have few malfunctions but are tiring for the repairman

An interesting note on the list is Honda and Suzuki. These brands break down so rarely that this can be a disadvantage. Because mechanics are less familiar with their vehicle design, even a simple breakdown can take longer and cost more than expected.

The final result of the research offers important advice for used car buyers: Focus not only on the brand's overall breakdown statistics, but also on the service facilities and potential repair costs in your area. Sometimes, a vehicle that requires frequent but inexpensive repairs can be a much more sensible choice than a rare but complex model that costs a fortune to repair.