Should I only buy from the top of the MOT table?

No. Use the table to shortlist, then compare two finalists, check the registration on GOV.UK, and get a physical inspection.

UK MOT data · free answer

Which used cars should I consider buying?

By CARMOTIQ research team · Age band: 5–10 years (first registered about 2016–2021) · Min 25k tests per model in ranking tables

Data created 5 July 2026

A practical shortlist for UK used-car buyers starts with models that (1) appear often in the market, (2) have enough MOT tests for a stable rate, and (3) show competitive pass rates in the age band you shop in. That is not a purchase recommendation.

CARMOTIQ’s public ranking for 5–10 years (first registered about 2016–2021) requires at least 25k tests per model. As of 5 July 2026, the listed set reflects 10.5M MOT tests. Supermini and family favourites such as Fiesta, Corsa, Golf, and Focus class peers appear in the wider table and in worked comparisons like Corsa vs Fiesta.

From shortlist to decision

Pick two or three finalists from the table below, open make hubs (for example Ford or Vauxhall), then compare them on the same age band. Finish with a viewing, an independent inspection if needed, and GOV.UK for the registration you are about to buy.

Credits unlock deeper defect analytics when you need more than a free preview — they are not required to read this answer or to start a shortlist.

High-volume models by MOT pass rate (5–10 years (first registered about 2016–2021))

Source: UK DVSA MOT outcomes. Pass rate is the share of recorded tests that passed — not a reliability rating. Figures appear in the table below (HTML), not only in charts.

Rank	ModelMake / model	PassMOT pass rate	TestsMOT tests
1	Lexus RX	94.1%	36k
2	Lexus UX	94.1%	31k
3	Porsche Macan	92.5%	64k
4	Jaguar I-Pace	92.2%	42k
5	Lexus NX	92%	87k
6	Mazda CX-30	91.9%	38k
7	Honda Jazz	91.7%	447k
8	Mazda MX-5	91.6%	77k
9	Volkswagen T-ROC	91.4%	241k
10	Audi Q2	91.3%	251k
11	Audi TT	90.8%	108k
12	Volkswagen ID3	90.8%	37k
13	Volvo XC40	90.6%	198k
14	Honda HR-V	90.6%	135k
15	Audi E-Tron	90.6%	28k

See the full top-50 table.

Next step

Free answer pages stop here. Use research tools to shortlist — credits unlock deeper defect detail.

Shortlist two cars to compare

Data source and methodology

Source: UK DVSA MOT test outcomes (aggregated make/model research).
Default public ranking age band: 5–10 years (first registered about 2016–2021).
Minimum tests filter on ranking tables: 25k per model.
What MOT does not prove: breakdowns, repair cost, or that you should buy a particular car. See About CARMOTIQ.

Frequently asked questions

Which used cars should I consider buying?: Start with high-volume models that have strong MOT pass rates in the age band you shop in, then inspect individual cars. This page is not a purchase recommendation.
Should I only buy from the top of the MOT table?: No. Use the table to shortlist, then compare two finalists, check the registration on GOV.UK, and get a physical inspection.