04/03/10

Want something that'll run and run... and never let you down? Here we pick the best of the reliability survey winners1 Honda Accord
It may not appear to be anything special. But when it comes to being extremely well screwed together, this humble Honda tops the hill. The make’s long held a reputation for making dependable cars and here it has put everything it knows into its midsize saloon and estate. The engines and gearboxes are particularly long running, capable of reaching six-figure mileages without needing more than regular oil and filter changes. The cabins are made to last, too. And, if you’re lucky enough to buy a current model like ours here, you’ll pick something that’s fine to drive. In developing this car, Honda used BMW’s 3-series as a benchmark and the success of this tactic shows in the Accord’s deft steering and honed ride. It’s also exceptionally comfortable and very well equipped. Verdict *****

To read motors.co.uk’s in-depth, exclusive review of the Honda Accord and watch the video click here
 

2 Honda Jazz
Yes, another Honda. But the Jazz rates superbly in one customer satisfaction poll after another so it fully deserves its place in this line-up – if only to prove that to promise reliability, you don’t need a big, expensive car. It will just run and run. Such reliability makes big fans of owners, many of whom are keen to buy one after another. The Jazz is also nippy, well equipped and good to drive, although older ones do have a jolting ride. For its size it is roomy and it’s clever how its rear seat bases tip up – like the seats in a theatre - to free space for groceries, plants or even a bicycle between the front seats and back. If you need a little car that’s just as happy to nip across town as it is to dash the length of the M1, then the Jazz is perfect.  Verdict *****
To read motors.co.uk's in-depth, exclusive review of the Honda Jazz and watch the video, click here

3 Audi A6
You do see plenty of old Audis around so it’s small wonder that the make’s mid-size saloons and estates rate among the toughest and most dependable. And while three-year-old cars are in the frame for the latest round of customer reliability awards, those in the know will tell you that A6s at any age and even its forebear, the 100, are surefire second-hand buys. Just the heft and ‘clunk’ of the doors as they click into place tells you that is a heavy, durable car, an impression heightened by a cabin wrought from classy, quality metals and plastics. Proven engines used across the Volkswagen Group’s brands mean long life, while running gear is similarly lasting. For maximum life and best reliability, we’d avoid performance or diesel models and stick with two-wheel drive and a diesel engine.  Verdict ****
To read motors.co.uk’s exclusive review of the A6, click here

To view and buy any of these cars, new or used, go to motors.co.uk