Build quality can be poor. No shortage of common problems. Parts and servicing can be expensive. Image credit: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0...

Build quality can be poor. No shortage of common problems, including electrical problems and general fit and finish. Automatic transmissions can be...

These models have a good reuptation for longevity and reliability. WRX models may have lead a hard life and have been modified or raced. Some reports of head...

An under-rated car that most owners seem to love. Some issues with CVT transmissions with isolated reports of total failure requiring replacement, and also...

By all reports a very reliable model with no major common problems. Some reports of brake and gearbox issues, but these are not common. Engines use timing...

Basic but reliable transport. Engines have a timing chain that does not require regular replacement. Image credit: OSX, Public domain, via Wikimedia...

Like most Toyotas, the Echo has proved to be reliable with no common mechanical problems. Common owner complaints are only heavy steering and blind spots. All...

The Prius and hybrid engine have proven to be reliable but not without problems like any other vehicle. If something does go wrong it can be expensive to...

The Yaris is a reliable vehicle with no common mechanical problems. Some owners dislike the electronic throttle as it makes it hard to maintain speed and...

Engine mounts are a regular fail item. Turbo models can suffer problems with oil feed to the turbocharger. Some models fitted with variable valve timing that...

Many reports of unreliability due to electrical issues, and some reports of automatic transmission problems, particularly on later models with the Ford...

Generally, fairly reliable but electrical problems are common. Automatic transmissions can be unreliable and require expensive replacement. Engine uses a...

Often suffer frequent minor and some not so minor problems. Can be expensive to maintain and repair. 4-speed automatic transmission fitted to the 2.9-litre...

Many reports of 1.4-litre (TSI) engine failures. This engine has a timing chain but it has been known to stretch so may require replacement. FSI (1.6 and 2...

My Volvo V50's rear-view mirror is pretty small and all I can see out of it at most times is what is directly behind me, and not the rear corners like I have...

I recently bought a VXDIAG VCX NANO device which can be used with Volvo's VIDA software to communicate with Volvos from the early 2000s up to 2014 or so. The...

BMW Australia launched the E36 3 series in May 1991. The range initially comprised of the four-door sedan with 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine (318i) and two...

The new 3 series models were introduced from August 1998 with the 318i and 323i arriving first, followed closely by the 328i. Only the 4-door sedan body was...

From AA (UK) magazine, December...

Source: AA (UK), June...