Can you recommend a reliable, premium used car?

I'm looking at a 2009 Audi Q5 3-litre, a 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTI or a 2013 BMW 330d xDrive, which is more reliable and a better overall car to drive?

Asked on 20 October 2022 by craigj85

Answered by Dan Powell
None of these cars has particularly good reliability records, I'm afraid. And the maintenance and repair costs will always be reflective of the vehicle's price when new (£30,000+). It's also worth noting that the average car in the UK is scrapped at 13 or 14 years of age (which is the point at vehicles start to become uneconomical to repair).

You can see all of the reported problems with these vehicles in the good/bad section of our reviews below:

www.honestjohn.co.uk/audi/q5/2008/
www.honestjohn.co.uk/bmw/3-series/2012/
www.honestjohn.co.uk/volkswagen/golf/2013/

If you are looking for a reliable and premium used car, my recommendation would probably be the Lexus IS. Lexus always performs strongly in our annual Satisfaction Index for reliability and comfort: www.honestjohn.co.uk/lexus/is/
Similar questions
I currently own a Mercedes-Benz SLK 300. I love its acceleration, looks and quality. However, I feel I now need a larger car with more boot space and rear seats. I don't want a convertible anymore but...
I have been offered a Mercedes-Benz A180d automatic 1997 to buy. What would its value be?
How reliable is a used Mercedes-Benz if you are on a sub-£3,000 budget? I'm thinking of buying a used 2006 Mercedes-Benz C Class C220 CDI Classic SE 4dr Auto
Related models
Refined and practical. Impressive rear passenger space and decent boot. Good economy from 2.0 TDI. Long-distance comfort.
Brilliant to drive, powerful and fuel-efficient engines, good interior space and practicality.
Golf GTI performs well in every area, making it the consummate all-round hot hatch.