Reliable and economical secondhand car - suggestions please

[EMGEMG]

I'm looking for a secondhand car and I need something reliable reliable, economical and comfy for long drives. And I'm on a tight budget of course!
I'm thinking of a Nissan at the moment - O heard they're pretty reliable at higher mileage. And cost less to buy and run.
Any suggestions are welcome!

Hyundai have a good reputation with me and a number of my friends

I’d probably avoid any Nissan built in the last 10 years or so, Toyota is where I’d be looking.

These don't seem to appear on 'most reliable' reviews but I'll bear them in mind. Thank you.

I've got an ix20. Its 10yo and i've had it 8 with no issues. I love driving it. 2 good friends have Tucsons, again no issues. For 1 it replaced a previous model (ix35) which was fine, it was just an upgrade. If from new you get a 5 year warranty

Kia

If you get one with even a tiny bit of warranty left most dealers seem pretty relaxed about any claims

I got a brand new clutch when they went to fix an oil leak on mine

My mum has a Honda Jazz and although I don't enjoy it myself (I'm used to my tank of a 4x4) its incredibly economical, reliable as hell and its an absolute tardis inside, it's really quite spacious. Hers was bought for i think 8/9k at 3 years old with less than 10k mileage on it

Toyota or Honda Jazz. Also Ford Focus.

Toyota Aygo. They are very reliable.

I’m not a fan of reliability reviews. Most cars are truly ok and often some owners really complain a lot. We have had 6 Land Rovers (Evoque, Discovery, Range Rover) and more than happy with all of them. So - heavy cars are not economical. We had a diesel Porsche Macan - very economical! So would you consider a diesel? Otherwise I’m not convinced any car with loads of mileage is nailed on reliable. You might be better off looking at the cost of spare parts because this is what you will need and will outweigh cost of fuel if you get a big issue!

Kia?

I'm currently on my 4th Hyundai i10. I've always done 100k / 5 years. In my current one I'm on 110k in 3 years. I've never had one break down.

Whatever the car, just make sure you service it 6 months post / pre MOT.

Toyota Yaris or Aygo, Honda Jazz, Skoda Fabia.

I'm pretending not be hugely envious of your Range Rovers! Love them. However, my budget is a lot smaller. I like your idea about the cost of spare parts though. That's very sensible.

Yes, open to a Kia

Apparently Honda is the most reliable car out there so keeping an eye out for the Jazz.

@EMGEMG How old are you? Anyone holding up traffic by going at a snail’s pace is usually driving a Honda Jazz. They are for seriously slow drivers. I also think an older VW Polo might suit you.

My point about car surveys is they can be flooded by slightly aggrieved people becayse they are voluntary. Some “reliable” cars sell in small numbers and their fans also say they are wonderful but it’s often over stated. There’s also nothing wrong with Fiestas and Toyotas. However I always check for 4 or 5 star ratings when they were new and NCAP ratings for safety. What Car is quite a good source of info.

I'm in my 50s! I don't want to drive that slow! 😄

I've asked a few mechanics and they all explain that VWs have run into trouble because of the emissions - they use Ford engines apparently. I've been repeatedly recommended to buy Japanese or Korean cars which outperform others in terms of economic to run and cheaper to repair. I've had no luck with VWs at all, and friends have warned me off Fords and Vauxhalls. But I've reached the conclusion that a lot of a car's condition depends about how careful former owners have been.

We have had two Skodas and they have been incredibly reliable (we do a lot of miles). But also agree that a lot depends on how well the car has been looked after.

@EMGEMG The emissions was all about diesel engines! Are you buying a diesel? Plus many old diesels weren’t great and you are not being sold it from new so what odds is it to you how VW marketed cars 10 years ago? They aren’t Ford engines as far as I can see if you go for a petrol. Post 2018, What Car gives them 5 stars. They aren’t keen on the diesel engine but not many around, so don’t buy one! They get good reviews on being economic and not very expensive to run. Post 2018 cars are very reliable according to What Car. They are well built and better than many other cars. WC also suggests a Fiesta (nothing wrong with Ford engines!) and a Seat Ibiza -based on more fun to drive.