Our TOP 10 best used cars article considered a 2024 shortlist. This companion article looks at models associated with costly repairs in the warranty-data discussion used at the time. It is a historical overview, not a prediction that every example will fail.
The figures below come from Warrantywise repair-request data. Such a sample describes the vehicles and claims within that dataset; it does not represent every vehicle sold or provide a guarantee about an individual car.
Warrantywise used a minimum sample of 100 warranty plans and excluded some vehicle types. The euro repair amounts below are approximate conversions from pounds, so treat them as examples rather than current quotations. Consult the Warrantywise 2024 index for its published methodology and context.
Use the issues listed below to guide model-specific research and inspection. A ranking should not replace the vehicle’s service history, condition and repair evidence.
10th Place: Range Rover Sport (previous generation)
Reliability score: 34.6/100
The problematic suspension of the Range Rover Sport might have you rushing straight to your mechanic. The average repair cost was €2,670, but one unlucky person paid around €15,500 for an engine failure. For a used example, inspect the suspension and review repair invoices rather than inferring its condition from the ranking.
9th Place: SEAT Leon Cupra and Audi A7
Reliability score: 33.4/100
Both the SEAT Leon Cupra and Audi A7, registered between 2014 and early 2022, earned the same reliability score. The SEAT Leon Cupra faced cooling issues, while the Audi A7 had problems with the emissions control system. The average repair cost was €1,200 for the SEAT and €2,700 for the Audi. The most expensive repairs were €4,680 for an engine failure in the SEAT, and a whopping €37,500 for an engine failure in the A7. While repair costs vary, the SEAT Leon Cupra had more frequent issues compared to the Audi A7.
8th Place: Audi RS3 (previous generation)
Reliability score: 32.1/100
The most common issues were related to the gearbox, with an average repair cost of approximately €3,500. In an extreme case, repairing a gearbox cost €11,150. The figures alone do not establish the cause of a failure or prove that later versions have resolved it. Research the exact generation and transmission before buying.
7th Place: Audi RS6 (early C7 and C8 models)
Reliability score: 30.3/100
The most frequent problems were electrical in nature, with an average repair cost of €2,400. the most expensive repair was brake-related, costing €21,800; the source did not establish which brake components were involved.
6th Place: Tesla Model S
Reliability score: 25.9/100
The Tesla Model S ranks 6th due to frequent electrical problems. The average repair cost was €1,500, but a major battery issue cost Warrantywise nearly €12,000. Battery and drive-unit warranty coverage varies by version, market and date; verify the terms and remaining cover for the vehicle itself. Despite this, the Tesla Model S scored only 25.9 out of 100, making it the least reliable large luxury car on this list, though not the least reliable electric car. A claim in this dataset should not be treated as a general conclusion about electric vehicles.
5th Place: Maserati Levante
Reliability score: 25.3/100
The Maserati Levante appears fifth in the original ranking. Oddly enough, there is no specific common issue, but a wide range of problems, and repair costs are quite high. The average repair cost was nearly €3,500, but one repair cost €32,700 for an engine failure.
4th Place: Tesla Model X
Reliability score: 24.6/100
In 4th place is another Tesla, the Model X, which is considered the least reliable electric car on this list, according to Warrantywise. The most frequent problems were not electrical or related to the complex Falcon Wing doors, but rather with the suspension. The average repair cost was €1,380, but a severe suspension issue cost €5,500. Why is the Model X considered less reliable than the Maserati Levante, despite lower repair costs? The original ranking also considered the frequency of claims within its sample, which contributed to the Model X score of 24.6/100; this is not a brand-wide failure probability.
3rd Place: BMW M3
Reliability score: 24/100
In 3rd place is the BMW M3. This means the M3 is also the least reliable small sports car. Common issues are related to the twin-turbocharged S55 engine, contributing to an average repair cost of €2,870. The gearbox hasn’t proven to be very reliable either, with Warrantywise paying around €14,200 for a transmission failure.
2nd Place: Land Rover Discovery and Range Rover
Reliability score: 22.1/100
In 2nd place are the Land Rover Discovery and Range Rover, specifically the Discovery 4 and 5 models and the previous generation Range Rover. These cars earned a reliability score of 22.1 in the Warrantywise index. The Discovery is the least reliable seven-seater on this list, and both models rank as the least reliable large SUVs.
Common issues were electrical in nature, with average repair costs of nearly €2,400 for the Discovery and €2,150 for the Range Rover. The most expensive repairs were €30,100 for a Discovery engine failure and €30,600 for a Range Rover engine failure.
1st Place: BMW i8
Reliability score: 16.5/100
The BMW i8 had the lowest score in the ranking. It scored only 16.5 out of 100, placing it at the bottom of that particular sample. The most common issues were related to the hybrid electric system, with an average repair cost of €2,350. The internal combustion engine wasn’t problem-free either, with the most expensive repair being €8,840 for the fuel system. The high frequency of breakdowns contributed to this low score.
Conclusion
Choosing a second-hand car can be a challenge, especially when it comes to reliability. While the models mentioned are known for their problems, this doesn't necessarily mean they should be avoided at all costs.
It’s important to stay informed and consider maintenance and repair costs when making a purchase. Use the reported issues to prepare questions for the seller and an independent inspector, then compare expected maintenance costs with your budget.
