Car Reliability Check

Check the reliability rating of any car based on real MOT data

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What does our Reliability Check include?

Reliability Score

We calculate an average reliability score based on thousands of MOT tests, giving you a clear picture of how reliable a make and model is.

MOT Pass Rate Analysis

Our check includes historical MOT pass rates, showing you how often vehicles of this make and model pass their annual test.

Common Issues Identification

We highlight the most common MOT failures and advisories for each vehicle, helping you understand potential problem areas.

Mileage & Longevity Data

See average mileage figures and how well vehicles hold up over time, giving insight into expected lifespan.

Year-by-Year Comparison

Compare reliability scores across different production years to find the most dependable model years.

Fuel Type Breakdown

View reliability data split by fuel type (petrol, diesel, electric) to make informed decisions based on your preferences.

Browse Reliability by Car Brand

Select a manufacturer below to view reliability ratings for all their models.

How does our reliability check work?

Our reliability check analyses thousands of MOT test results to calculate a reliability score for each make and model. We look at pass rates, common failures, advisory notices, and mileage patterns to give you accurate insights into vehicle dependability.

Why check car reliability?

Understanding a car's reliability before buying can save you thousands in repair costs. Our data-driven approach helps you identify the most dependable vehicles and avoid models with known issues. Whether you're buying new or used, reliability should be a key factor in your decision.

What affects car reliability?

Reliability depends on build quality, engineering, maintenance history, and driving conditions. Our scores reflect real-world performance based on MOT test results. For more information about vehicle checks, visit the GOV.UK MOT history checker.

Illustration of car reliability and maintenance

How to Check Car Reliability Through VehicleScore

Understanding a vehicle's reliability is crucial when buying a car. Our reliability check uses real MOT data from thousands of vehicles to calculate accurate reliability scores. A comprehensive reliability check helps you make informed decisions and avoid costly repairs.

Whether you're purchasing a used car or comparing different models, our reliability data provides valuable insights. Simply browse by brand or enter a registration number to access detailed reliability information for any vehicle.

Understanding Reliability Scores

Our reliability scores range from 0 to 999, with higher scores indicating better reliability. The score is calculated from:

MOT pass rates across thousands of tests
Frequency and severity of failures
Common advisory notices and issues
Mileage patterns and vehicle longevity

What Does Our Reliability Check Include?

Our comprehensive reliability check provides:

Overall reliability score out of 999
Year-by-year reliability breakdown
Comparison with similar vehicles
Average mileage and expected lifespan
Common issues and failure points

How to Use Reliability Data

When evaluating a car's reliability:

Browse reliability scores by brand and model
Compare scores across different years
Check common issues for specific variants
Consider fuel type and engine variations
Look at the sample size for statistical confidence

Tips for Buying a Reliable Car

When shopping for a reliable vehicle:

Prioritise models with scores above 600
Check multiple production years to spot trends
Consider total cost of ownership, not just purchase price
Verify individual vehicle history with a full check

Conclusion

A reliability check is an essential step in the car buying process. VehicleScore makes it easy to compare reliability across thousands of makes and models, helping you find a dependable vehicle with confidence. Use our data alongside a full vehicle history check for complete peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a car reliability check?

A car reliability check analyses historical MOT data, failure rates, and common issues to determine how dependable a specific make and model is.

Our reliability scores are calculated from thousands of real MOT tests, providing accurate insights into vehicle dependability.

How is the reliability score calculated?

We analyse MOT test data including pass rates, common failures, advisory notices, and mileage patterns across thousands of vehicles.

The score reflects the overall reliability of a make/model/year combination on a scale of 0-999.

Why should I check car reliability before buying?

Checking reliability helps you avoid vehicles with known issues and high maintenance costs.

It allows you to compare different makes and models to find the most dependable option for your needs and budget.

What factors affect car reliability?

Key factors include build quality, component durability, service history, driving conditions, and manufacturer engineering.

Our data shows how these factors manifest in real-world MOT results across thousands of vehicles.

Are newer cars always more reliable?

Not necessarily. Some older models have proven track records of reliability, while some newer vehicles may have teething problems.

Our year-by-year breakdown helps you identify the most reliable production years for each model.

How accurate is the reliability data?

Our data comes from official MOT test records and is based on thousands of real vehicle inspections.

We only show reliability scores for models with sufficient data to ensure statistical accuracy.

Can I compare reliability between different brands?

Yes, you can browse reliability data by brand and compare scores across different manufacturers.

This helps you understand which brands consistently produce reliable vehicles.

What should I look for in a reliable car?

Look for high reliability scores, low failure rates, and minimal common issues in our reports.

Also consider the availability and cost of parts, as well as the manufacturer's reputation for build quality.