Finding the “perfect” used car has never been easier — and at the same time never harder. There is a sea of advertisements, and even more information about breakdowns. The following are the six models that currently offer the most convincing combination reliability, cost and availability.
How we chose
- Proven durability— models that, on average, spend a minimum of days in service.
- Cost transparency— low routine services and realistic consumption.
- Accessibility of parts— service network and aftermarket offer in the EU.
- Velocity of sales— at Weltscout, “healthy” specimens are sold in less than three weeks.
The list is divided into 6 categories, which are the most common:
1. CITY CHAMPION
Honda Jazz (III-IV, 2015 >)
- Reliable as a Swiss watch: a minimum of defects in the class.
- “Magic Seats” transform the cabin into a small van.
- Attention: occasionally capricious info-entertainment display; check the performance before buying.
2. COMPACT SUV
Mazda CX-3 (2018 >)
- Athletic driving and a proven 2.0 gasoline engine without a turbine.
- Rust is practically eradicated on this vintage Mazda.
- Watch-out: harder chassis; perform a detailed test on worse asphalt.
3. FAMILY CAR
Toyota Corolla Touring Sports Hybrid (2019 >)
- Up to 4.5 l/100 km and a 10-year warranty scheme with servicing at the brand.
- Huge space in the trunk; the battery under the seats does not steal the volume.
- The only serious drawback: noise during highway accelerations due to the CVT gearbox.
4. SUV
Lexus NX (2014-2021)
- In two consecutive years at the top of What Car? — 0% serious breakdowns.
- The equipment is rich already in the base (leather, heated seats, radar).
- Pay attention to the regularly changed liquid of the cooling system of the hybrid battery.
5. ETERNAL SPORTS ICON
Porsche 911 (991, 2012-2019)
- Proven durability: minimal factory defects, especially in recent years.
- It holds the value perfectly; buy the right specimen and the ride is almost “free.”
- Key check: oil leakage between the engine and gearbox and the “over-rev” record in the ECU.
6. ELECTRIC “BEST-BUY”
Tesla Model 3 Long Range (2019 >)
- Access to the Supercharger network and over 400 km of real range.
- Most upgrades come “by air”, without visiting the service.
- Before buying, check the battery degradation report (State of Health ≥ 90%) and the alignment of the body panels.
Quick checklist to view
- VIN + service book— do not omit certificates for oils, brake fluid or warranty extension.
- Test drive ≥ 15 min— at least one motorway pull and two inefficient stops to hear the brakes.
- OBD Diagnostics— cheap “dongle” reveals hidden defects and mileage.
- Insurance statement— check if the car has ever been marked as “Total Damage”.
How to get the selected model the fastest?
- Weltscout allows single entry of criteria, and then artificial intelligence scans more than 20 markets throughout the day.
- Function “The First Announcement”you are pinged as soon as a fresh instance of a matching model appears — an average of 15 minutes before a manual search.
- Algorithm hidden costsshows a five-year projection of registration, service and fuel/energy before you even call the dealer.
Conclusion
The “best” used car is one that combines proven reliability, predictable cost and personal fit into your life. The Honda Jazz, Mazda CX-3, Toyota Corolla, Lexus NX, Porsche 911 and Tesla Model 3 are doing it best in 2025, according to independent research and Weltscout's in-house analysts — each in its category.
