Blackburn, 17 April 2025 – The cost of motoring continues to climb in the UK, with new data from Warrantywise revealing that average repair bills for Britain’s ten most popular used cars have surged by around 20 per cent year-on-year.
Drawing from figures compiled by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and Warrantywise’s own national repair database, the study highlights a concerning trend: even as inflation cools in the wider economy, the financial burden of vehicle maintenance is accelerating for everyday drivers.
Popular Cars, Costly Repairs
Leading the list is the Ford Fiesta, the UK’s most popular used car of 2024. Beloved for its affordability and practicality, the model has also suffered one of the steepest hikes in repair costs, rising by £228 – a 25 per cent jump from 2023. Close behind is the Vauxhall Astra, with a £234 spike in average repair bills, up 28 per cent from the previous year.
By comparison, the Volkswagen Polo stood out as the least affected vehicle in the group, earning the tongue-in-cheek accolade of the ‘Lowest Increase in Average Repair Cost Award’. Its average repair cost increased by just 3 per cent (£22) – a relatively modest rise in today’s economic climate.
Warrantywise Reliability Index Reveals the Pressure
Antony Diggins, Managing Director of Warrantywise, commented:
“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.
Our data offers valuable insights for anyone looking to buy a used car or wanting to understand the potential repair issues with their current vehicle. Even the most reliable cars can develop faults – no vehicle is completely immune.”
Diggins added that Warrantywise’s Reliability Index is a useful tool for consumers, offering real-world information on which makes and models are more likely to require costly repairs – and how much they’re likely to pay for them.
CPI Down, Car Costs Up
Interestingly, the surge in repair costs defies the broader inflation trend. According to the latest Consumer Prices Index (CPI) figures, inflation fell from 7.3 per cent in 2023 to just 2.5 per cent by December 2024. Despite this, car repairs have bucked the trend, highlighting the disproportionate rise in automotive maintenance and service-related expenses.
This divergence raises concerns, particularly for motorists whose cars are no longer under manufacturer warranty. With parts and labour costs increasing, drivers of older or high-mileage vehicles could face unexpected – and unwelcome – repair bills in 2025.
2024 Average Repair Costs: SMMT’s Top 10 Most Popular Used Cars
| Rank | Make | Model | Avg. Repair Cost 2023 | Avg. Repair Cost 2024 | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ford | Fiesta | £925 | £1,159 | 25% |
| 2 | Vauxhall | Corsa | £604 | £727 | 20% |
| 3 | Volkswagen | Golf | £1,011 | £1,200 | 18% |
| 4 | Ford | Focus | £1,158 | £1,327 | 15% |
| 5 | BMW | 3 Series | £1,307 | £1,443 | 10% |
| 6 | Volkswagen | Polo | £791 | £813 | 3% |
| 7 | Vauxhall | Astra | £819 | £1,047 | 28% |
| 8 | MINI | MINI | No data | No data | — |
| 9 | Nissan | Qashqai | £1,099 | £1,293 | 18% |
| 10 | BMW | 1 Series | Not on list | £1,294 | — |
What This Means for UK Drivers
With economic uncertainty still a reality for many households, these findings serve as a reminder of the hidden costs associated with car ownership. For drivers looking to purchase a second-hand vehicle, or those navigating the expenses of an ageing car, the message is clear: doing your homework on reliability and long-term maintenance costs has never been more essential.
For more information and to explore the full Warrantywise Reliability Index, visit www.warrantywise.co.uk.
