Used cars worth thinking twice about

01

Daewoo Matiz

1,693 tests · 55,118 avg mi · 59.5% pass

33.3%

The Matiz sits at #1 on this list with a 33.3% outright fail rate despite averaging only 55k miles at the time of test — that gap between mileage and failure rate is the red flag. The two most common failure points are The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired and a defective headlamp lens. With fewer than six in ten cars clearing the test first time, budget for pre-purchase inspection fees before committing.

The Tiida sits at #2 on this list with a 32.8% outright fail rate despite averaging only 79k miles at the time of test — that gap between mileage and failure rate is the red flag. The two most common failure points are worn suspension bushes and a lamp out. Pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost on any example showing high wear indicators.

03

Chevrolet Kalos

4,426 tests · 66,724 avg mi · 60.9% pass

32.6%

The Kalos sits at #3 on this list with a 32.6% outright fail rate despite averaging only 67k miles at the time of test — that gap between mileage and failure rate is the red flag. The two most common failure points are a defective headlamp lens and The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired. Pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost on any example showing high wear indicators.

04

Chevrolet Tacuma

585 tests · 71,156 avg mi · 61.9% pass

32.5%

The Tacuma sits at #4 on this list with a 32.5% outright fail rate despite averaging only 71k miles at the time of test — that gap between mileage and failure rate is the red flag. The two most common failure points are a defective headlamp lens and a corroded brake pipe. Few failures are fixable at the station, meaning most VT30s are carried home.

05

Chevrolet Lacetti

3,721 tests · 75,789 avg mi · 60.4% pass

32.3%

The Lacetti sits at #5 on this list with a 32.3% outright fail rate despite averaging only 76k miles at the time of test — that gap between mileage and failure rate is the red flag. The two most common failure points are The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired and a number-plate lamp out. Pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost on any example showing high wear indicators.

The Seicento sits at #6 on this list with a 31.1% outright fail rate despite averaging only 59k miles at the time of test — that gap between mileage and failure rate is the red flag. The two most common failure points are headlamp aim out of spec and The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired. Few failures are fixable at the station, meaning most VT30s are carried home.

The Gen 2 sits at #7 on this list with a 31.1% outright fail rate despite averaging only 70k miles at the time of test — that gap between mileage and failure rate is the red flag. The two most common failure points are a weak handbrake and a number-plate lamp out. Pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost on any example showing high wear indicators.

The Savvy sits at #8 on this list with a 31.1% outright fail rate despite averaging only 55k miles at the time of test — that gap between mileage and failure rate is the red flag. The two most common failure points are headlamp aim out of spec and a binding brake. Pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost on any example showing high wear indicators.

09

Daewoo Kalos

893 tests · 69,396 avg mi · 61.1% pass

31.0%

The Kalos sits at #9 on this list with a 31.0% outright fail rate despite averaging only 69k miles at the time of test — that gap between mileage and failure rate is the red flag. The two most common failure points are a defective headlamp lens and The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired. Pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost on any example showing high wear indicators.

10

Chevrolet Aveo

13,906 tests · 69,765 avg mi · 62.8% pass

30.8%

The Aveo sits at #10 on this list with a 30.8% outright fail rate despite averaging only 70k miles at the time of test — that gap between mileage and failure rate is the red flag. The two most common failure points are a number-plate lamp out and worn suspension bushes. Pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost on any example showing high wear indicators.

11

Daihatsu Hijet

1,176 tests · 64,196 avg mi · 64.1% pass

30.6%

The Hijet sits at #11 on this list with a 30.6% outright fail rate despite averaging only 64k miles at the time of test — that gap between mileage and failure rate is the red flag. The two most common failure points are a defective headlamp lens and The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired. Few failures are fixable at the station, meaning most VT30s are carried home.

12

Vauxhall Tigra

11,464 tests · 76,314 avg mi · 64.2% pass

30.5%

The Tigra sits at #12 on this list with a 30.5% outright fail rate despite averaging only 76k miles at the time of test — that gap between mileage and failure rate is the red flag. The two most common failure points are a broken or weak spring and a weak handbrake. Pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost on any example showing high wear indicators.

13

Renault Modus

19,443 tests · 76,371 avg mi · 63.6% pass

30.4%

The Modus sits at #13 on this list with a 30.4% outright fail rate despite averaging only 76k miles at the time of test — that gap between mileage and failure rate is the red flag. The two most common failure points are a broken or weak spring and a number-plate lamp out. Pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost on any example showing high wear indicators.

The 400 Series sits at #14 on this list with a 30.2% outright fail rate despite averaging only 77k miles at the time of test — that gap between mileage and failure rate is the red flag. The two most common failure points are a number-plate lamp out and a weak handbrake. Pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost on any example showing high wear indicators.

15

Chevrolet Matiz

16,349 tests · 55,656 avg mi · 63.1% pass

30.1%

The Matiz sits at #15 on this list with a 30.1% outright fail rate despite averaging only 56k miles at the time of test — that gap between mileage and failure rate is the red flag. The two most common failure points are a defective headlamp lens and worn suspension bushes. Pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost on any example showing high wear indicators.

The Express 1300 P sits at #16 on this list with a 30.1% outright fail rate despite averaging only 73k miles at the time of test — that gap between mileage and failure rate is the red flag. The two most common failure points are a split CV-joint boot and The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired. Pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost on any example showing high wear indicators.