Toyota leads Used Car Reliability Index, but at a cost
26 March 2026 
According to the latest figures released in Warrantywise’s annual Reliability Index, the Toyota Yaris is at the top of the list of most reliable used vehicles, but despite its compact size, its average cost for repairs is notably higher than similar-sized models.
Used car warranty provider Warrantywise has announced that Toyota once again leads the rankings of its annual Reliability Index, with the Yaris returning to the top of the table.
The company’s latest Reliability Index uses its proprietary repair data to assign an overall reliability score (out of 100) to every make and model, giving consumers insight into the reliability of cars available in the UK.
The Toyota Yaris secured its position with an overall score of 89.2/100.
While the warranty provider recognises that no vehicle is immune to faults and that issues can arise at any point in a car’s lifetime, it says the rankings are designed to highlight relative reliability risk
The data used to compile the scores is drawn from a database that spans a three-year period, and each model must have a minimum of 250 vehicles on plan to qualify for inclusion. The top ten highlights the most reliable used vehicles and is designed to help buyers choose their next used car. But it also shows some interesting data around repair types and their costs.
While the Yaris topped the reliability table, it was the third most expensive when average repair costs were assessed, at £888.90. The highest average cost among the top ten most reliable was the Toyota RAV4 at £1,731.04, followed by the Toyota Hilux at £1,436.72. The Kia Picanto was the lowest of the ten at £403.49, reflecting the likelihood of smaller vehicles recording the lowest costs, which is not borne out by the Yaris.
Both electrical systems and clutch-related issues are the most frequently registered repair areas, with repair costs varying widely, from £1,587.60 for the most expensive repair request on the Toyota Aygo to £6,503.57 for the Hilux.
Click here for the full list and data insights.