Worst cars to own 2024

These are the UK's worst cars to own, according to the results of the latest Honest John Satisfaction Index. 

Each year HonestJohn.co.uk lifts the lid on the good, bad and ugly sides of car ownership. These are the cars that disappoint you the most when it comes to owner satisfaction.

The results are based on feedback from 6,000 drivers who rated their cars and provide practical insight into the cost of ownership, fuel costs, road performance and reliability. These are the 10 models that received the lowest average scores across the board.

 Worst cars to own

 

 

Mercedes-Benz GLC (2015 - 2022)

Satisfaction rating: 80.98%

It's a poor showing for the Mercedes-Benz GLC. Not only is it ranked as the worst overall model for owner satisfaction, but it also has the lowest average score for reliability. Owners criticise the GLC SUV for its high fuel costs and below-average ride comfort but do praise the car for its practicality and road performance. Hopefully, things will improve with the introduction of the new GLC

Read our full Mercedes-Benz GLC (2015 - 2022) review

Toyota RAV4 (2013 - 2019)

Satisfaction rating: 85.07%

Dependable but underwhelming, the old Toyota RAV4 is praised for its build quality and durability but loses points in other areas. Fuel costs and sub-standard in-car tech are the two key areas for criticism, but owners do praise the RAV4 for its comfort and practicality. It's a very different story with the newer model, with the latest RAV4 being ranked as one of the UK's best cars. 

Read our full Toyota RAV4 (2013 - 2019) review

Ford Fiesta (2013 - 2017)

Satisfaction rating: 85.62%

The Ford Fiesta (built from 2013 to 2017) is one of the UK's most popular used cars, but owner feedback is below average. Drivers say they are disappointed with the in-car tech, fuel economy and comfort. Things improve for the latest Fiesta (launched in 2017) with significantly higher scores in most areas. 

Read our full Ford Fiesta (2013 - 2017) review

Vauxhall Mokka X (2012 - 2019)

Satisfaction rating: 85.81%

The Vauxhall Mokka X scores a disappointing 85.81 per cent in this year's Satisfaction Index. Repair costs and fuel economy are the two biggest bugbears for owners, with drivers saying Vauxhall's small SUV is expensive to run and repair. The Mokka X is also criticised for its poor ride comfort.

Read our full Vauxhall Mokka X (2012 - 2019) review

Honda CR-V (2012 - 2018)

Satisfaction rating: 86.54%

The Honda CR-V (built from 2012 to 2018) scores a lowly average of 86.54 per cent in this year's Honest John Satisfaction Index, with owners disappointed with the SUV's high fuel costs and below-par road performance. In-car tech, such as the touchscreen infotainment, is also rated badly, with an average score of 7.62 out of 10. The latest CR-V performs much better, earning a satisfaction rating of 92.84%. 

Read our full Honda CR-V (2012 - 2018) review

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2014 - 2021)

Satisfaction rating: 86.58%

The old C-Class saloon gets mixed reviews from owners. Drivers love the C-Class' comfort, refinement and road handling; however, when it comes to running costs and repairs, this executive car from Mercedes-Benz is given some very poor scores. For example, the C-Class has one of the lowest ratings for repair costs, averaging at just 7.05 out of 10.

Read the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2014 - 2021) review

Volvo V40 (2012 - 2019)

Satisfaction rating: 86.85%

Dated interior tech, poor boot space and disappointing road performance are the areas where the Volvo V40 fails to deliver. The V40 is also marked down for high running costs and poor ride comfort, which means this family hatchback (which was axed from the Volvo new car range in 2019) averages just 86.85 per cent in this year's Satisfaction Index. 

Read our full Volvo V40 (2012 - 2019) review

Honda HR-V (2015 - 2021)

Satisfaction rating: 87.06%

The Honda HR-V is popular with SUV buyers who want a dependable and practical family car. And when it comes to reliability, the old HR-V scores an impressive average of 9.54 out of 10. Sadly the HR-V is marked down for its disappointing in-car tech and sub-standard ride comfort. And while mechanical problems are rare, owners say the HR-V is expensive to fix when things do go wrong. 

Read our full Honda HR-V (2015 - 2021) review

Nissan Qashqai (2014 - 2021)

Satisfaction rating: 87.45%

Popular with family SUV buyers, the previous generation of the Nissan Qashqai is praised by owners for its durability and ease of use. Sadly, the old shape Qashaqi fails to deliver when it comes to running costs and road handling, which drags down the overall average to 87.45 per cent. 

Read our full Nissan Qashqai (2014 - 2021) review

Honda Civic (2017 - 2022)

Satisfaction rating: 88.13%

The Honda Civic gets patchy reviews from owners. Drivers like the Civic's road handling, build quality and practicality but the average score is dragged down when it comes to fuel costs, comfort and in-car tech. It's worth noting that Honda launched an all-new Civic in 2022, which means the next year's Satisfaction Index may produce a very different set of results for the next-gen model.

Read our full Honda Civic (2017 - 2022) review

Ask HJ

Which warranties are best in terms of cover and cost?

I'm considering buying a BMW X1 diesel, auto, 4-wheel drive SUV, first registered in March 2017. The new car warranty has expired. The car will be used mainly in rural areas with a mix of short and long journeys. I've been reading about extended warranties available from many sources and it's all a bit confusing. The dealer selling the car offers an RAC-backed warranty, which on this car would cost £750 for three years' cover. I don't know if that is good or bad value. Could you give me some advice concerning which warranties are best in terms of cover and cost?
It sounds like very good value, but I suspect it won't cover absolutely every potential failure (excluding normal wear and tear items, of course) so it makes sense for you to read the small print. The best warranties are usually offered on manufacturers' 'approved used' schemes. Having said that, it sounds like you do the kind of driving that will keep your car in good mechanical health. Lots of short journeys or long periods of no use tend to be worst for a car.
Answered by Russell Campbell
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