THE used car market is at a five-year high according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, with nearly two million used vehicles changing hands in the first quarter of 2024.

To help consumers make the wise choice when it comes to buying their next used car, aftermarket car warranty provider Warrantywise has released data on the best and worst performers on the market in a new Reliability Index.

The Ford Fiesta is not only the most popular used car sold in the first quarter of 2024, as recognised by the SMMT, but it also emerged as the most reliable, according to Warrantywise's Reliability Index.

Earlier this year, Warrantywise also revealed that the Ford Fiesta was the most loved and popular vehicle it had on cover, further solidifying its dominance in the used car market.

The Reliability Index further underscores the Ford Fiesta's reputation for durability, with an overall score of 70 out of100. Alongside its recent recognition as the most popular choice among Warrantywise customers, the Ford Fiesta's above-average reliability is evident in its low average repair cost of £925 and older average age at the time of requested repairs of eight years providing consumers with continued peace of mind.

As the UK's used car market continues to grow with transactions rising by 6.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2024 alone, drivers are increasingly turning to trusted used cars.

Lawrence Whittaker, chief executive of Warrantywise, said: "It's great to see not only the used car market at a five-year high, but also the Ford Fiesta to top yet another chart. It has always been a favourite among used car buyers, and recent insight only reinforces its status as a trusted option when looking for a used car.

The Warrantywise ratings for the top ten used cars sold so far this year with their Reliability Index:

1. Ford Fiesta (70) 2. Vauxhall Corsa (68) 3. Ford Focus (59) 4. Volkswagen Golf (63) 5. MINI (no data) 6. Vauxhall Astra (60) 7. BMW 3 Series (65) 8. Volkswagen Polo (69) 9. Nissan Qashqai (57) 10. Audi A3 (64)