Knowing what vehicle to purchase comes with many challenges and reliability is one of the most important factors in the decision-making process.
Even if your vehicle is new and under warranty, it’s frustrating, inconvenient and costly if it breaks down.
We handle hundreds of scrap vehicles every day and as a result, often see the same makes and models of vehicles regularly removed from our roads, therefore we set out to investigate which manufacturers and models could be considered as the most reliable.
To achieve this, we submitted a Freedom of Information request to the DVLA to compare the volume of newly registered vehicles in 2014 and the subsequent volume of vehicles that have been scrapped from 2014-2023.
Top 20 most reliable vehicles
Rank | Vehicle | New registrations in 2014 | Volume scrapped 2014-2023 | Reliability score |
1 | Lexus RX | 1,799 | 4 | 99.78% |
2 | Volvo XC | 14,125 | 47 | 99.67% |
3 | Mini Roadster | 1,153 | 4 | 99.65% |
4 | Porsche Boxster | 1,271 | 5 | 99.61% |
5 | Porsche 911 | 2,016 | 10 | 99.50% |
6 | Porsche Cayenne | 2,304 | 12 | 99.48% |
7 | Porsche Cayman | 1,407 | 8 | 99.43% |
8 | Mazda MX-5 | 2,994 | 17 | 99.43% |
9 | Audi Q5 | 8,170 | 52 | 99.36% |
10 | Volkswagen Transporter | 18,678 | 120 | 99.36% |
11 | Mercedes SLK | 5,444 | 35 | 99.36% |
12 | Porsche Macan | 1,356 | 9 | 99.34% |
13 | Audi SQ5 | 2,009 | 14 | 99.30% |
14 | Mercedes-Benz M | 4,809 | 34 | 99.29% |
15 | Honda CR-V | 16,036 | 122 | 99.24% |
16 | Toyota RAV4 | 7,416 | 56 | 99.24% |
17 | Mitsubishi Shogun | 1,826 | 14 | 99.23% |
18 | Volkswagen Tiguan | 16,637 | 131 | 99.21% |
19 | Volkswagen Touareg | 3,611 | 29 | 99.20% |
20 | Mini One | 9,040 | 72 | 99.20% |
From the hundreds of vehicles we analysed, the vehicles considered the most reliable are the Lexus RX, Volvo XC and Mini Roadster.
The top 20 vehicles range from SUVs to popular sports cars, indicating that the higher price value of many of these vehicles can in fact guarantee longevity for the vehicle.
There were only four Lexus RX scrapped in the past 10 years, making it 99.78% reliable. The luxury SUV is one of the best-selling vehicles and is often recognised for its dependability, safety and comfort.
Similarly, the Mini Roadster saw only four of its vehicles removed from the road. The sporty convertible was discontinued in 2015, however it upholds its reputation for its build quality and suitability to urban driving.
Typically vehicle owners hold on to their vehicles for 8 years, while you can expect a standard car to last around 12 years or about 200,000 miles.
Looking at the volume of manufacturers within the data we can see some appear again and again for their different models.
The manufacturers with the highest number of occurrences are Audi, Volkswagen, Peugeot, BMW and Toyota.
The least reliable vehicles
Rank | Vehicle | New registrations in 2014 | Volume scrapped 2014-2023 | Reliability score |
1 | Peugeot Bipper | 3,279 | 366 | 88.84% |
2 | SEAT Toledo | 1,492 | 140 | 90.62% |
3 | Citroën Nemo | 2,267 | 164 | 92.77% |
4 | Ford Transit | 27,758 | 1921 | 93.08% |
5 | Fiat Fiorino | 1,274 | 75 | 94.11% |
6 | Ford Galaxy | 6,187 | 357 | 94.23% |
7 | Vauxhall Combo | 6,624 | 361 | 94.55% |
8 | Fiat Doblò | 7,524 | 396 | 94.74% |
9 | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | 24,404 | 1275 | 94.78% |
10 | Fiat Punto | 4,040 | 207 | 94.88% |
In contrast, the vehicles who scored the lowest reliability scores are the Peugeot Bipper, SEAT Toledo and Citroën Nemo.
Interestingly, the majority of these vehicles are compact or full-size vans typically used for commercial use.
The Peugeot Bipper ran from 2008 to 2017 before being discontinued and was introduced as part of a joint venture with Fiat and Citroën, which resulted in similar models like the Fiat Fiorino and Citroën Nemo.
Of the 3,249 vehicles that were registered in 2014, 11.16% were scrapped in the past decade. In the years prior to 2014, the van was subject to a number of recalls including risks of engine failure and cracks to the rear crossmember if the suspension is repeatedly extended to its maximum travel.
The Seat Toledo, simliarly, saw nearly a tenth of its registered vehicles scrapped. The compact car has been produced in several generations, but was pulled from production in 2019 and was ranked among Top Gear’s worst vehicles to buy in 2014.
There are numerous factors that contribute to the lifespan of a vehicle from general wear and tear, to failures, to severe accidents.
Vehicles subjected to heavy use, such as commercial fleets or those driven in harsh conditions, may experience faster wear and tear, leading to a shorter lifespan, which we can see reflected in the higher volume of vans being considered less reliable than regular or luxury cars.
Best models by each of the top 10 manufacturers
Rank | Manufacturer | Model | New registrations in 2014 | Volume scrapped 2014-2023 | Reliability score |
1 | Audi | Q5 | 8,170 | 52 | 99.36% |
2 | Volkswagen | Transporter | 18,678 | 120 | 99.36% |
3 | Mercedes-Benz | SLK | 5,444 | 35 | 99.36% |
4 | Toyota | RAV4 | 7,416 | 56 | 99.24% |
5 | Ford | Kuga | 24,015 | 199 | 99.17% |
6 | BMW | Z4 | 2,065 | 19 | 99.08% |
7 | Kia | Sportage | 21,050 | 194 | 99.08% |
8 | Vauxhall | Mokka | 33,394 | 401 | 98.80% |
9 | Peugeot | Horizon | 1,682 | 23 | 98.63% |
10 | Citroën | DS5 | 1,241 | 22 | 98.23% |
Analysing the number of occurrences of the manufacturers in the data, we then sought to identify which models were the most reliable for each manufacturer.
While the figures vary in relation to how many vehicles were registered in 2014, there remains a large proportion of these vehicles on our roads today.
For Audi, their most reliable model is the Q5, a compact luxury crossover SUV; only 52 of this model have been scrapped within the past decade.
While vans typically have a reputation for being less reliable, the Volkswagen Transporter is the manufacturers top performing vehicle. From the 18,678 vehicles registered in 2014, only 120 have been scrapped in the years since.
Least reliable models by each of the top 10 manufacturers
Rank | Manufacturer | Model | New registrations in 2014 | Volume scrapped 2014-2023 | Reliability score |
1 | Peugeot | Bipper | 3,279 | 366 | 88.84% |
2 | Citroën | Nemo | 2,267 | 164 | 92.77% |
3 | Ford | Transit | 27,758 | 1,921 | 93.08% |
4 | Vauxhall | Combo | 6,624 | 361 | 94.55% |
5 | Mercedes-Benz | Sprinter | 24,404 | 1,275 | 94.78% |
6 | Volkswagen | Jetta | 1,712 | 61 | 96.44% |
7 | Toyota | Avensis | 5,142 | 179 | 96.52% |
8 | BMW | M | 5,621 | 182 | 96.76% |
9 | Audi | S3 | 3,198 | 83 | 97.40% |
10 | Kia | Pro | 1,726 | 36 | 97.91% |
In contrast to the most reliable models for each manufacturer, we also extracted the least reliable model for each manufacturer.
The trend we have seen throughout the data is reflected here where van models are being scrapped more frequently than other models.
Looking at the higher-performance models, the BMW M series and Audi A3 models are considered the least reliable models. Both vehicles are often driven aggressively, leading to more wear and tear which could result in the higher scrap rates.
Typically there’s a high cost of maintenance and repairs for these advanced and specialised cars that can make them uneconomical to keep on the road as they age. Additionally, rapid depreciation reduces the financial incentive to maintain these vehicles, leading owners to scrap them rather than invest in expensive upkeep.
The most scrapped vehicles
Rank | Vehicle | New registrations in 2014 | Volume scrapped 2014-2023 |
1 | Vauxhall Corsa | 83,757 | 3831 |
2 | Ford Fiesta | 134,586 | 3061 |
3 | Vauxhall Astra | 59,791 | 2248 |
4 | Ford Focus | 84,256 | 1958 |
5 | Ford Transit | 27,758 | 1921 |
6 | Volkswagen Golf | 75,844 | 1276 |
7 | Mercedes-Benz Sprinter | 24,404 | 1275 |
8 | Vauxhall Insignia | 30,913 | 1169 |
9 | Volkswagen Polo | 46,905 | 1012 |
10 | Vauxhall Zafira | 30,715 | 932 |
11 | Peugeot 208 | 31,652 | 924 |
12 | SEAT Ibiza | 21,909 | 892 |
13 | Fiat 500 | 43,700 | 865 |
14 | BMW 3 Series | 38,221 | 836 |
15 | BMW 1 Series | 32,032 | 825 |
16 | Peugeot Partner | 18,248 | 715 |
17 | Renault Clio | 28,461 | 712 |
18 | Audi A3 | 41,994 | 669 |
19 | Citroën Berlingo | 18,994 | 639 |
20 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 31,436 | 611 |
From the thousands of vehicles we analysed, the vehicles that were scrapped the most over the past 10 years were the Vauxhall Corsa, Ford Fiesta and the Vauxhall Astra.
There were a total of 3,831 Vauxhall Corsas scrapped between 2014 and 2023, approximately 5% of the model registered on the road.
As these vehicles age, the cost of maintaining and repairing them often exceeds their market value, leading owners to scrap them rather than invest in costly repairs. Additionally, older models of the Corsa may lack modern safety features and fuel efficiency, prompting owners to upgrade to newer vehicles, along with its appeal to new and younger drivers, who are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents, can result in a higher rate of write-offs and subsequent scrappage.
The second vehicle with the highest scrap rate is Britain’s best-selling vehicle, the Ford Fiesta. Ford announced the discontinuation of its popular Fiesta model in the summer of 2023, with the final Ford Fiesta rolling off the production line in July 2023. With parts becoming harder to come-by and the sheer volume of Ford Fiestas on the roads, it’s unsurprising that they ranked high for the volume of scrapped vehicles.
The most scrapped vehicle manufacturers
Rank | Make | Volume of scrapped vehicles | Percentage scrapped |
1 | Vauxhall | 10,212 | 3.43% |
2 | Ford | 9,145 | 2.57% |
3 | Volkswagen | 4,059 | 1.79% |
4 | Peugeot | 3,700 | 2.84% |
5 | BMW | 2,974 | 1.96% |
6 | Audi | 2,264 | 1.47% |
7 | Citroën | 2,220 | 2.48% |
8 | Renault | 2,142 | 2.66% |
9 | Nissan | 2,078 | 1.44% |
10 | Mercedes-Benz | 1,886 | 3.38% |
Looking more broadly at the most scrapped vehicle manufacturers in the UK, Vauxhall, Ford and Volkswagen are the most scrapped.
The DVLA recorded 10,212 scrapped Vauxhall vehicles since 2014 that were registered within that same year. According to these figures, 3.43% of all Vauxhall vehicles have been scrapped from UK roads.
Ford saw 9,145 of its vehicles scrapped while Volkswagen saw 4,059 vehicles scrapped.
Vauxhall, Ford, and Volkswagen are among the most popular and widely sold brands in the UK. Their higher sales volume naturally leads to a higher number of vehicles on the road, which subsequently results in more vehicles being scrapped.
These brands also cater to a broad market segment, including entry-level and mid-range consumers who may be more likely to replace vehicles more frequently rather than investing in long-term maintenance.
In contrast, the manufacturers with the least amount of scrapped vehicles included Jaguar with only 29 vehicles scrapped in this time period, Jeep with 40 and Porsche with 44.
Regarded as premium brands, their vehicles are considered valuable assets, meaning owners may be more inclined to invest in maintaining and repairing them rather than scrapping.
Designed to be durable and perform well even as they age, these manufacturers typically use higher quality materials that stand the test of time, rather than their mass-market counterparts.
Total scrapped vehicles each year
Breaking down the data to understand which year saw the highest volume of scrapped vehicles we can see a notable surge in 2023. This continues a trend of increasing scrappage rates observed over the past decade.
This comes as no surprise seeing as our vehicles typically have a lifespan of around 10 years, meaning the longer they continue to age, the bigger the risk of failure and eventual disposal.
However, we could argue that our vehicles are becoming increasingly more reliable as the volume of vehicles that have been scrapped in their registered year has dropped significantly.
For instance, 1,852 vehicles registered in 2023 were scrapped, contrasting with 77,232 vehicles registered in 2014 that were disposed of.
Advances in automotive engineering and manufacturing have led to vehicles becoming more durable and reliable over time. Newer vehicles may have better quality components and materials, reducing the likelihood of premature scrappage which is reflected in the downward trend visible here.
Additionally, changes in regulations regarding emissions standards, safety requirements, or vehicle inspections may influence the decision to scrap older vehicles, making newer vehicles more compliant and thus less likely to be scrapped early.
How to scrap your car
Scrapping a car couldn’t be easier! Thanks to the power of the internet and handy online services, it can be a quick and stress-free process. Usually, it only takes minutes of your time to arrange and very often vehicles can be collected within hours or days, depending on your convenience.
Having the vehicle’s V5C log book and any service/ MOT/ maintenance history will allow you to get the best price for your vehicle and ensure the smooth collection of your old car or van.
Once the vehicle has been disposed of, you’ll receive a Certificate of Destruction (CoD) which proves that it has been scrapped.
You then need to use the 11 digit reference number on your V5C log book to inform the DVLA that the car or van has been scrapped. It’s incredibly important that you do not forget – we will gladly help fill in other paperwork, but this must be done by you.
What if I don’t have my V5C log book?
Rather than signing the V5C and sending part of it off the DVLA, you’ll have to write all of the information they require out yourself and send it off to them. This includes:
- Your name
- Your address
- Your vehicle’s make, model & reg
- The name & address of the business scrap buyer
You’ll also need to ensure you have a form of photo ID and proof of your address to hand when completing the transaction. This is to prevent thieves from stealing a car or van and scrapping it without a trace.
Alternatively, what is recommended is that you get a new one, which will cost you £25 and can be done with the DVLA via the government’s website here.
It might seem like a waste of money to pay out £25 towards a car that you’re about to sell anyway. However, not having that paperwork could reduce the value of the vehicle.
Car buyers, whether private or business, know how important a vehicle’s history is, and the V5 is crucial to figuring out whether they should purchase your car. They could consider your car a risky buy, or may even wonder whether you really have permission to sell it without the information.
Additionally, another problem could arise if the details on the log book don’t match those on your ID or proof of address. Say, for example, you’ve moved house in but not updated the details on your V5C. This could prove just as problematic as not having the document at all and could even land you a £1,000 fine.
Updating your V5C log book details is usually free! You can do it here.
Methodology
The data in this report compiles data from the DVLA following a Freedom of Information request that was submitted in May 2024. The data measures the volume of newly registered vehicles in 2014 and compared with the volume of scrapped vehicles between 2014-2024. The data excluded vehicles with less than 1,000 registrations in 2014.