Average repair costs up nearly 20 per cent for Britain’s top ten most popular used cars

• The average cost of repairing Britain’s top ten most popular used cars has gone up by around 20 per cent from 2023 to 2024
• Research uses Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT) most popular used cars of 2024 and Warrantywise’s extensive repair data to make UK-wide used car comparison
• Popular Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Astra models see the steepest rise, with their average repair costs leaping by £228 (25 per cent more) and £234 (28 per cent more) respectively
• ‘Lowest Increase in Average Repair Cost Award’ comfortably goes to the Volkswagen Polo, rising by just 3 per cent (£22)
• For more information, visit the website: www.warrantywise.co.uk

Blackburn, 17 April 2025

Warrantywise estimates that the average repair cost for the UK’s ten most popular used cars in 2024 increased by 20 per cent, compared to 2023.

Using data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) on the most popular used cars sold in 2024¹, Warrantywise compared figures from 2023 to 2024 inclusive. The findings highlight that repair costs are, on average, around 20 per cent more expensive than the previous year, and in in some instances nearly 30 per cent more.

Among the models most impacted is the much-loved and now discontinued Ford Fiesta (#1 most popular used car in 2024¹) alongside a top-seller, the Vauxhall Astra (#7 most popular used car in 2024¹), both of which have experienced the steepest increases in repair costs. Not only was the Ford Fiesta the most popular used car sold in 2024, but its average repair cost has surged by £228 (a 25 per cent increase), while the Vauxhall Astra is now £234 more per average repair cost (a 28 per cent increase).

On the other end of the spectrum, the Volkswagen Polo has been least impacted, earning the ‘Lowest Increase in Average Repair Cost Award’ with a modest rise of just 3 per cent (£22), according to the UK’s leading warranty company, Warrantywise.

Antony Diggins, Managing Director of Warrantywise, said: “Our latest Reliability Index data from 2024 reveals some key trends for car owners to be aware of. With repair costs continuing to rise, it’s something all motorists will need to consider – especially given the wider economic challenges and inflation in the UK. Looking at the most popular choice of used car from 2024 to 2025, our reliability data highlights the importance of making informed decisions when buying second-hand.

“That said, our [Warrantywise’s] data offers valuable insights for anyone looking to buy a used car or wanting to understand the potential repair issues with their current vehicle. It is also a reminder that cars are complex machines, even the most reliable ones can develop faults – no vehicle is completely immune. We urge drivers to check the latest Reliability Index from Warrantywise if they’re looking to buy a used vehicle, to give a real-world indication on reliability.” 

These rising repair costs come at a time when financial matters in the UK are in the spotlight. Despite the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) experiencing a significant decline, dropping from an annual rate of 7.3 per cent in 2023 to 2.5 per cent in December 20242, it seems that repair costs for vehicles are not tracking in line with this. Warrantywise warns that motorists with used cars that are outside of warranty could be the worst impacted.

SMMT Top Ten Most Popular Used Cars Sold in 2024:

	Make	Model	Average repair cost 2023	Average repair cost 2024	Percentage increase
1	Ford	Fiesta	£925	£1,159	25 per cent
2	Vauxhall	Corsa	£604	£727	20 per cent
3	Volkswagen	Golf	£1,011	£1,200	18 per cent
4	Ford	Focus	£1,158	£1,327	15 per cent
5	BMW	3 Series	£1,307	£1,443	10 per cent
6	Volkswagen	Polo	£791	£813	3 per cent
7	Vauxhall	Astra	£819	£1,047	28 per cent
8	MINI	MINI	No reported data
9	Nissan	Qashqai	£1,099	£1,293	18 per cent
10	BMW	1 series	Not on previous list	£1,294	Unable to compare based on parameters

 

For more information, please visit www.warrantywise.co.uk.