BUYING a second-hand car can be difficult process especially when weighing up price, safety and economy.
But many young drivers forget to consider how much it can cost to keep a vehicle on the road, often choosing the cheapest option at the time.
A new investigation by warranty provider Warranty Direct has revealed the most reliable cars for student drivers.
Each car was given a rating based on how often they broke down, the most common types of faults, average mileage and the cost of repairs.
Japanese manufacturer Toyota topped the list with its popular iQ, which had an average repair time of only an hour.
Repair costs for the small city car averaged £233, with the low number of claims concerning mainly issues with the engine.
The Vauxhall Agila also scored high on the list, thanks to its lower repair costs of £115.90 per claim.
But a high number of axle and suspension problems – which accounted for 75 per cent of claims made against the 2008 to 2014 models – meant it dipped in the ratings.
The Honda Jazz also scored high in terms of reliability due to minimal repairs to its air-con, fuel system and gear box.
South Korean automaker Hyundai featured heavily on the list, with its i10, i20 and 2002 to 2009 Getz finishing in the top ten.
Simon Ackers, chief executive of Warranty Direct, said: “When new or young drivers are looking to purchase their first vehicle, it’s important they are not swayed only by the latest trends or cheap deals.
“They should prioritise vehicles based on their overall reliability, to get the best value for money.
“We hope resources such as the Reliability Index help student motorists get a better indication of the models best suited to their individual needs.”
