THE Suzuki Swift and Toyota Aygo have been crowned as the most reliable used superminis available on the UK second-hand market, with the Kia Picanto close behind in third place.

The survey of second-hand car reliability and repair costs has been carried out by leading used-car warranty provider Warrantywise, revealing which models are the most dependable.

The Swift and the Aygo each earned an impressive score of 88.6/100 in the company's latest Reliability Index with the Picanto scoring 86.8.

The top three are followed closely by the Citroën C1 (82.8) and Peugeot 108 (80.3). The Renault Clio also secures joint sixth place with the Ford KA, both scoring a respectable 79. In eighth is the Hyundai i10, with 78, followed by the Dacia Sandero in ninth (77) and in joint tenth are the Hyundai i20 and MINI Cooper, both scoring 75.9.

The rankings are based on the frequency of faults, average age and mileage at the time of repair, and how long those repairs typically take to complete. For consistency, Warrantywise has also categorised the superminis in line with Euro NCAP classifications - a widely recognised standard across Europe that helps ensure comparisons are made between like-for-like vehicles.

Warrantywise's data shows that electrical issues account for over half of supermini repairs, with engine faults making up just over 30 per cent.

But an impressive 60 per cent of the cars in the top ten don't show any faults until they're at least eight years old. Standouts include the Suzuki Swift and the Ford KA, averaging 8.7 years and nine years, respectively, before their first repair.

It's proof that superminis - often seen as entry-level or short-term cars - are more than capable of delivering long-term value, says Warrantywise.

In a used car market shaped by rising costs and ageing vehicles, the supermini class is proving to be a haven for sensible buyers, says the company, offering low running costs, accessible pricing, and, in many cases, impressive longevity.

According to Warrantywise MD, Antony Diggins: "Our latest data backs up what many drivers already know - superminis are one of the safest bets you can make in the used car market. They're affordable, efficient, and, as our research shows, can be remarkably reliable. At a time when people are being more careful with their money, it's reassuring to know that you don't have to spend big to get a dependable car.

"With a number of these superminis not requiring major repairs until they're nearly a decade old and many models showing excellent cost-per-mile performance, they are an especially wise buy in today's market."