Older models more reliable than newer replacements

Older vehicles may be more reliable than their newer replacements, gizmag.com reports.

Used car buyers have long suspected that their older models are more reliable than the new vehicles that replaced them, and new research could prove them right.

Research by Warranty Direct found that a number of newer vehicles were more likely to break down than the marques that preceded them.

Popular models such as the Renault Espace, Vauxhall Zafira, Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Golf all saw the reliability of their newer models fall compared to older marques.

Worst performing was the Jaguar XJ series, which saw its chance of failure for the 1997 to 2003 model at 35 per cent, compared to 56 per cent for the 2003-onwards models.

The Espace and Zafira models both saw an 11 per cent difference, whilst new Fiestas are 6 per cent more likely to fail than older models.

Speaking to moneyexpert.com of the results, Warranty Direct managing director Duncan McClure Fisher explained: "Buying new may be the most desirable option when it comes to purchasing a car but it isn't always the most cost-effective route.

"Our analysis shows that new doesn't necessarily mean more reliable. We also found that repair costs are often higher for new models so, as well as paying over the odds for a new car, you may also be opening yourself up to additional, unwanted costs."

Gail Hunter, Birmingham , MG ZR TROPHY

Arnold Rabinowitz, Croydon, Mazda MX-5