UK-built Toyota 'most reliable car'

British-built Japanese cars are the most reliable, according to a new survey.

Toyota Corolla models manufactured at Burnaston, Derbyshire, from 2000 to 2002 topped the reliability table compiled by What Car? magazine and the Warranty Direct company.

This Corolla had just three faults per 100 models, while the second-placed car, the Swindon-built Honda CR-V (1997-2002), had just five faults.

Honda had six cars in the top 10, including the Swindon-built Accord (1999-2003) and the Swindon-built Civic (2001-05).

Honda also topped the manufacturers' league for reliability, with Toyota second and Subaru third.

Least reliable vehicle surveyed was the Alfa Romeo GTV (1996-2003) with 97 faults per 100 models, with the Renault Espace (1997-2002) second with 77 faults and the Jaguar XK8 (1996-2006) third with 62 faults.

Least reliable manufacturers were Land Rover, Renault and Alfa Romeo.

The survey involved analysing data from 26 manufacturers and included 133 different models. Data from more than 35,000 vehicles was looked at, and the average age of cars in the survey was 4.9 years.

What Car? group editor Steve Fowler said: "The annual reliability study is a thorough and helpful guide that provides important data for buyers of new and used cars. British workers should also be proud that their products have done so well."

Warranty Direct managing director Duncan McClure Fisher said: "The data proves that expensive doesn't necessarily mean reliable. The more mechanically and electronically-complicated a vehicle, especially if it's of European origin, the more likely you are to suffer problems."

Source: [url=http://ukpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5g9jt7aNS-tglrvU6ECeW4-aXxu9A]The Press Association[/url]