Most and least reliable used cars: sports cars and coupes

The most reliable sports cars and coupes

1. Mazda MX-5 (2015-present)

Reliability rating 96.8%

The MX-5 has long been one of our favourite sports cars and the fact that it's superbly reliable adds to its appeal. Just 5% of the cars reported on in our survey went wrong, and non-engine electrics were the only problem areas. Faults did render all affected cars undriveable, but all were put right in less than a week. Although Mazda didn't cover the cost of any repairs, no bills exceeded £500. 

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2. Audi TT (2014-present)

Reliability rating 94.2%

Another perennial favourite of ours, a TT coupe or convertible is a great used buy if you want a reliable fun car. Only 10% of the cars reported on suffered a fault and the only areas concerned were the air-con, brakes and suspension. All faulty cars remained driveable and 75% were fixed in a day or less. No cars were fixed for free, though – bills ranged from £301 to £750. 

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3. Jaguar XK (2006-2015)

Reliability rating 92.5%

Only 7% of Jaguar XKs suffered a glitch, and issues were split evenly between the gearbox/clutch and non-engine electrical system problems. Half of faulty cars could still be driven and were put right in a day or less, but the rest took more than a week to repair. Costs were high, and all bills exceeded £1500. 

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The least reliable esports cars and coupes

3. BMW 6 Series Coupe / Convertible (2011-2018)

Reliability rating 75.3%

Suspension issues accounted for 12% of the faults suffered by the 6 Series. And owners of the 25% of cars that went wrong also told us they'd had issues with the battery, bodywork, electrics and engine. Remedial work was fairly swift in most cases, with 90% of cars fixed in less than a week, and 50% of work was done for free. However, 30% of owners had to pay between £501 and more than £1500 to get their cars sorted. 

2. BMW 3 Series Coupe (2006-2013) / Convertible (2007-2014)

Reliability rating 53.0%

According to owners, 46% of 3 Series coupes and convertibles went wrong, with a large proportion of them suffering with issues with the electrics, engine, gearbox/clutch and suspension. Most cars could still be driven, but 38% spent up to a week in the garage and 40% remained there for more than seven days. Most repair bills were between £101 and £750, but 22% of them topped £1500.

1. Mercedes CLS (2011-2018)

Reliability rating 52.9%

The CLS may be a gorgeous-looking car, but it can be a pricey thing to live with. While two-thirds of bills were below £750, the other third exceeded £1500. Overall, 35% of cars went wrong, with the electrics, sat-nav and suspension the biggest headaches. Although 40% of cars were fixed in a day or less, a third were stuck in the workshop for more than a week. 

To read the data for other car classes follow these links:

Small cars here
Family cars here
Executive cars here
Luxury cars here
Small SUVs here
Large SUVs here
Family SUVs here
Luxury SUVs here
Electric and hybrid cars here
MPVs here
Car brands here

Reliability of sports cars aged six to 20 years old

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