Some people have stereotypes that a car's reliability directly depends on the country of manufacture. Some believe that only "Germans" can be reliable, while others think that "Japanese" are. At the same time, cars of French brands have always been outsiders in this regard. But year after year, the situation changes, sometimes very dramatically. And this study is a vivid example.
In this case, the most reliable used car turned out to be the Peugeot 5008. This 7-seat crossover received high praise from the jury for its wide range of efficient engines, spacious and elegant interior, impressive refinement of driving characteristics, as well as an exceptional price-quality ratio.
In 2021, WhatCar? determined the absolute winners of the used car rating in 17 categories/classes. In addition, for each segment, two more models were highlighted that took second place (so that consumers have a choice). Experts took into account criteria such as universal capabilities, reliability, cost, and availability of necessary versions.
The most awards, however, were collected by BMW – its cars made it into four categories. Audi and Skoda also distinguished themselves – they had three wins each.
Best used cars in 2021 according to WhatCar?
Used City Car of the Year: Kia Picanto (2017-present). Second place: Hyundai i10 (2014-2020) and Volkswagen Up (2012-present).
Used Car of the Year: Skoda Fabia (2015-present). Second place: Seat Ibiza (2017-present) and Suzuki Swift (2010-2017).
Used Family Car of the Year: Audi A3 (2013-2020). Second place: Skoda Octavia (2013-2020) and Volkswagen Golf (2013-2020).
Used Business Car of the Year: Audi A4 (2015-present). Second place: BMW 3 Series (2019-present) and Volkswagen Passat (2015-present).
Used Luxury Car of the Year: BMW 5-Series (2017-present). Second place: Audi A8 (2017-present) and Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2014-2020).
Used Mini Crossover of the Year: Seat Arona (2018-present). Second place: Audi Q2 (2016-present) and Renault Captur (2013-2019).
Used Family Crossover of the Year: Skoda Karoq (2017-present). Second place: Seat Ateca (2016-present) and Volkswagen Tiguan (2016-present).
Used Large Crossover of the Year: Peugeot 5008 (2017-present). Second place: Audi Q5 (2018-present) and Skoda Kodiaq (2016-present).
Used Luxury Crossover of the Year: Audi Q7 (2015-present). Second place: Porsche Macan (2014-present) and Volvo XC90 (2015-present).
Used MPV of the Year: Volkswagen Touran (2015-present). Second place: Ford Galaxy (2015-present) and Citroen Grand C4 Picasso (2014-2018).
Used Estate Car of the Year: Skoda Octavia (2013-2020). Second place: BMW 5-Series (2017-present) and Volkswagen Passat (2015-present).
Used Small Sports Car of the Year: Ford Fiesta ST (2013-2017). Second place: BMW M135i (2012-2016) and Renault Megane RS (2018-present).
Used Coupe/Convertible of the Year: BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (2014-2020). Second place: Audi TT (2014-present) and Audi A3 Cabriolet (2014-2020).
Used Sports Car of the Year: BMW i8 (2014-2020). Second place: Porsche Cayman (2013-2016) and Mazda MX-5 (2015-present).
Used Sports Sedan of the Year: Mercedes-AMG E63 (2017-present). Second place: Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio (2016-present) and Mercedes-AMG C63 (2016-present).
Used Hybrid Car of the Year: BMW 530e (2017-present). Second place: Hyundai Ioniq (2017-present) and Volkswagen Passat GTE (2015-present).
Used Electric Car of the Year: Renault Zoe (2013-present). Second place: Nissan Leaf (2018-present) and Tesla Model 3 (2019-present).
