Industry News
Warranty Direct rates superminis for reliability
26th January 2006
Nissan’s Micra (1998-02) is the least problematic supermini to own, according to Warranty Direct’s latest Reliability Index report. (www.reliabilityindex.co.uk), which calculates the cost of repair against the number of garage visits to provide a ‘real-world’ reflection of the cost of keeping a car on the road. The total database is derived from 45,000 Warranty Direct policies in force.
The Sunderland-built Micra records a reliability Index Rating of 7.99, presenting an average bill of £88.83 to the owner. Brake problems account for 73 percent of all Micra mechanical failures.
Ford’s Fiesta comes next with a rating of 40.78 – thanks to a low cost of repair but a 1 in 4 chance of visiting the garage. The largest bill paid out on a Fiesta by Warranty Direct last year was £1,556.88. Vauxhall’s Corsa (2000-on), is third, with a Reliability Index of 48.36, but does suffer from above-average repair bills at £219.84.
The Top Five Supermini selection is completed by the Fiat Punto, which is just behind the Corsa with a rating of 48.65, and Volkswagen’s Polo (2000-on).
Supermini-sized cars are said to tend to suffer axle- and suspension-related failures; the biggest source of extended warranty claims for five out of the ten cars whose owners’ claims were analysed by Warranty Direct. Other common complaints were electrical faults, transmission failure and concerns with the braking system.
Aull listing of models is available at www.reliabilityindex.co.uk
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