Mechanic names least reliable cars on sale in UK as major shift on horizon

A mechanic has named a list of cars he thinks people should avoid buying, as more and more motorists turn to the used car market.

In recent years, the numbers of people opting to buy a used car rather than go new has soared, as drivers seek nearly-new cars at cheaper prices.

What this has meant in turn is that some car dealers have been able to raise their prices in response to the demand from the market.

However, with the rush to buy a premium bargain, experts have been warning potential buyers what to look out for, which models to choose, and which to avoid.

In response to a question about which vehicles he thought were the least reliable, car mechanic and author James Goodhand had some suggestions about vehicles potential-buyers should be wary of.

James was particularly critical of two very popular brands at either end of the premium spectrum, highlighting Jaguar Land Rover’s Range Rover model and some used Ford cars as vehicles to steer clear of.

On Range Rovers he said: “The ownership experience is akin to sitting in a comfy leather chair on top of a block of flats, tearing up fifty-pound notes.

“As I have had to advise several unfortunate customers who’ve faced ruination, this is a £100k car and no matter that you bought it second hand for £25k, it still has the running costs of a hundred-grand vehicle, and an appallingly built one at that.”

On Fords, James added: “Sadly (as a historic blue oval fan) I tend to direct people away from used Fords. The petrol engines with their ‘wet belts’ can be an absolute disaster - killing an engine if they break or disintegrating with a consequent 2k repair bill.”

He explained: “Timing belts are reliant on friction and rubber breaks down in oil, and yet these engines have the belt quite deliberately running in engine oil as a timing chain would. And Ford’s diesels seem to suffer more particulate filter issues than most, so the brand is best avoided full stop.”

Whilst James was critical of used Fords, another mechanic heaped praise on one of the brands most iconic cars, the Ford Focus, and suggested that it was actually a good used buy.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Paul Lucas recommened the Mk1 Ford Focus for its simplicity and reliability. He told the publication: "For me a 20-year-old 1.6 litre Mk1 Ford Focus is top for reliability.

"It was designed before all the unnecessary bells and whistles came in and even lets you start the car with a real key rather than press a button. I bought mine 15 years ago for £500 and have no regrets."

James and Paul's comments come as the second-hand car market undergoes a major shift, due to an increasing number of electric cars entering the market.

This has been noted by the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) who said that demand for used electric cars had soared in 2024.

In a statement they said: “Demand continued to soar for used battery electric cars (BEVs), rising some 57.4% to a record 188,382 units and achieving a new high for market share, at 2.5%, up from 1.7% in 2023 and 13 times larger than back in 2019.

“Combined, the number of used electrified vehicles changing hands increased by 43.3% on 2023, with more than half a million of these ultra low or zero emission motors accounting for a 7.7% share of sales.

“This growth aligns with the new car market and demonstrates the increasing demand and choice across the sector for new and used electric motors – at price points to suit all potential buyers.”