How to Choose a Mechanic

When your car starts acting up, or simply needs a routine service, finding a reliable mechanic becomes a top priority. Naturally, choosing the right mechanic can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. Here are several crucial factors to consider when looking for a mechanic.

Word of Mouth

First and foremost, reputation speaks volumes. Ask friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations. Word-of-mouth referrals are often the most reliable way to gauge a mechanic’s trustworthiness and skills. Additionally, online reviews and ratings can provide valuable insights into other customers’ experiences.

Experience

Certifications and qualifications are essential indicators of a mechanic’s expertise. Look for technicians who are certified by reputable organisations as such certifications demonstrate appropriate training and understanding of various auto repair and maintenance tasks.

Nonetheless, while certifications are important, hands-on experience can’t be overlooked. A seasoned mechanic has likely encountered a wide range of issues and knows how to diagnose and repair them efficiently, and it doesn’t hurt to ask mechanics if they specialist in a particular type or make of vehicle.

Personal Service

Transparency and communication are key elements of a positive customer experience. A good mechanic will take the time to explain any problems with your vehicle in layman’s terms and discuss your options for repairs or maintenance. They should provide a detailed estimate before commencing any work, including parts and labour costs.

You may also wish to consider the range of services offered by a mechanic or auto repair shop to ensure they can handle any non-routine issues. Warranty and guarantees also provide peace of mind that the work performed is of high quality, so ask the mechanic about warranty on parts and labour, as well as any limitations. A trusted mechanic will address any issues that may arise after repairs or a service are complete.

Convenience

Convenience is another important factor to consider. Look for a mechanic located near your home or workplace. After all, it is likely you will need to leave the car with your mechanic for at least a full day, if not more, so it may help if the workshop is well connected to public transport, or for larger brands access to loan cars.

An Ideal Outcome

At the end of the day, you may also need to trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right or if you’re uncomfortable with the mechanic’s recommendations, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. Building a trusting relationship with your mechanic can be helpful over the long-run.

What’s The Most Reliable Second-Hand Car Out There?

Some of us may have a family with teenagers; some of us may have kids in their early twenties and at university; some of us will be single and not on a rich person’s wage.  There will be many of us who just can’t justify paying loads of money on a brand-new car, at least not yet.  Fair enough, too, as some cars are expensive when bought new (although here at Private Fleet, we will do everything we can to help you find the best deal). 

For most of us, a good second-hand car is the right way to go to ensure we can do life, get to and from work, hang out with friends, and go on that roadie around Australia that we’ve always wanted to.  For 2023, by the end of the year, almost 2.1 million used cars were sold in Australia.  These stats were from the Automotive Insights Report (AIR) published by the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) and AutoGrab. 

Thanks to two UK businesses, Carwow and Warrantywise, here are some really good second-hand cars that should be on our radar if we are looking to buy one that has proven reliability.  Carwow and Warrantywise teamed up to reveal the most reliable cars in the UK based on warranty and repair data.  All of the vehicles in the analysis were outside their manufacturer warranty.  In order to be included in this analysis, Warrantywise had to have at least 100 examples of a specific car on its books. 

The analysis revealed that the Honda Jazz is the most reliable second-hand car you can buy, boasting an overall reliability rating of 93.7%.  The next most reliable model is the Mazda 2, while the Toyota Auris (Corolla) comes in third in the rankings. Though this survey is UK-based, most of the cars that dominate the top 15 can be bought over here.  And they’re probably just as good here as they are there.

Note that in analyses done in previous years, the Lexus RX was the most reliable car, but for 2022 (the year of this particular analysis), there were not enough (couldn’t find 100 of them) Lexus RXs to make the Warrantywise’s books, so let’s just chuck this Lexus into the top four most reliable second-hand cars you can buy and be done with it!

Here is a list of the 15 most reliable second-hand cars you can buy in the UK.  The top four have a bit more info about them (albeit with the currency in British pounds, given that that’s where the research was done).  Most of the cars in the reliability analysis can be easily looked up in our Private Fleet Car Reviews page if you want to know more about them.  The Toyota Aygo and the Peugeot 107 will require some more searching, as they were are not really sold here in Australia. 

1. Honda Jazz (2007–2020), 93.7% reliability score.

The top spot goes to the trusty Honda Jazz.  This is a surprisingly practical small car that is also very fuel efficient.  It has put in a stunning performance for reliability, with the average cost of repair being low (£424.31).  The most common fault was with the central locking mechanism.  The most expensive repair happened to be with the air conditioning system (£973.66).  The average age of the Jazz cars in this analysis was 8.3 years old.  You won’t go far wrong buying a second-hand Jazz.

2. Mazda 2 (200–-present), 89.9% reliability score.

The average age of the Mazda 2 cars was 8.4 years old, suggesting that the Mazda 2 remains reliable even as it ages.  It also suggests that you will get a very good run for your money if you get a new version as well.  The average repair bills were impressively low (£319.22), and the most common fault was to do with the suspension.  The most expensive repair was with the electrical power steering pump (£2,422.31).  The Mazda 2 is a comfortable small car with plenty of style.  You can buy with confidence here.

3. Toyota Auris/Corolla (2013–2018), reliability score 89.7%. 

Spacious and comfortable, the zippy Toyota Corolla/Auris is a car that is hard to fault.  With an average age of 8.3 years old in this survey, these are great small/medium cars.  The average repair bill was £767.84.  The Gearbox/Transmission seemed to be the most common fault with the car and was also the most expensive repair (£1841.60).  Based on Warrantywise’s experience, you’re unlikely to go far wrong with the Toyota Corolla.  Sometimes, because Toyotas are so reliable, the first few owners may have skimped on maintenance and are happy to pass the bills onto the new owners.  Make sure the car you’re looking has a service record and has a smooth-operating gearbox. 

4. Mazda MX-5 (2005–2015), reliability score 86.5%.

Here is the most fun and reliable second-hand car you can buy!  The Mazda MX-5 averaged 8.4 years old in the reliability analysis, with an average repair bill being a remarkably low £341.78.  The most common fault was with the suspension, and the most expensive repair was with the air conditioning (£586.94), also remarkably low.

5. Toyota Aygo (2005–2022)

• Reliability score 85.5%
• Average age 7.5 years
• Average repair £375.66
• Most common fault was with the alternator.
• Most expensive repair was the clutch (£1,339.36).

6. Kia Ceed (2012–present)

• Reliability score 85.0%
• Average age 7.9 years
• Average repair £485.36
• Most common fault was wheel bearings.
• Most expensive repair was with the gearbox (£1,914.00).

7. Kia Rio (2011–present)

• Reliability score 84.9%
• Average age 8.3 years
• Average repair £528.23
• Most common fault was the gearbox.
• Most expensive repair was the turbocharger (£1,655.39).

8. Suzuki Alto (2008–2013)

• Reliability score 83.9%
• Average age 6.8 years
• Average repair £328.92
• Most common fault was the electrical system.
• Most expensive repair was with the engine cambelt (£733.70).

9.Hyundai i20 (2008–2020)

• Reliability score 82.5%
• Average age 7.6 years
• Average repair £520.25
• Most common fault was with the electrical system.
• Most expensive repair was with the suspension (£2,361.36).

10. Peugeot 107 (2005–2014)

• Reliability score 81.6%
• Average age 7.9 years
• Average repair £434.89
• Most common fault was the heater fan motor.
• Most expensive repair was the clutch (£1,128.44).

11. Honda Civic (2011–2022)

• Reliability score 80.7%
• Average age 7.2 years
• Average repair £630.86
• Most common fault was with the air conditioning.
• Most expensive repair was with the fuel system injectors (£3,055.73).

12. Renault Kangoo (2007–2021)

• Reliability score 80.1%
• Average age 7.3 years
• Average repair £576.37
• Most common fault was with the electrical system wiring looms.
• Most expensive repair was the gearbox (£1,173.00).

13. Toyota Yaris (2011–2020)

• Reliability score 79.8%
• Average age 8.2 years
• Average repair £795.89
• Most common fault was with the electrical system.
• Most expensive repair gearbox (£3,106.92).

14. Toyota RAV 4 (2013–2018)

• Reliability score 79.2%
• Average age 8.0 years
• Average payout £846.83
• Most common fault was the fuel system injectors.
• Most expensive repair was engine related (£2,055.74).

15. Fiat 500L (2012–2020)

• Reliability score 78.7%
• Average age 6.0 years
• Average repair £551.58
• Most common fault was the clutch.
• Most expensive repair was the clutch (£1,880.21).

Of course, it’s not compulsory to get a second-hand car, and the safety net of the warranty period is certainly attractive with new cars.  Have a wee chat to one of our team and we might just be able to find you a brand new car for a price that’s not that much more than what you’d pay for a second-hand vehicle.

What to Do if Your Car Overheats

Car overheating is a common issue that can occur unexpectedly, often leaving drivers in a state of panic. Understanding the causes and knowing how to respond to an overheating engine is crucial for preventing serious damage.

Today we’re going to explore the steps to take if your car starts overheating.

Immediate Response

When it comes to an overheating engine, quick and careful action is of the utmost importance.

1. Pull Over Safely: As soon as you notice your car’s temperature gauge climbing into the red zone, or if you observe steam rising from the engine, you must pull over to a safe location. Use your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the situation.
2. Turn Off the Engine: Once safely parked, turn off the engine immediately. This step is crucial to halt the production of additional heat and allow the engine to cool down.

Understanding the Causes

Car overheating can result from various issues, ranging from low coolant levels, to a malfunctioning thermostat, or even a faulty radiator. Understanding these potential causes can help you make informed decisions when addressing the problem.

3. Wait for the Engine to Cool: Opening the bonnet too quickly can be dangerous, as hot steam may escape, potentially causing burns. Wait patiently for the engine to cool down before attempting to open the bonnet.
4. Check Coolant Levels: After the engine has cooled, cautiously open the bonnet and check the coolant levels. The coolant reservoir, usually translucent, will have markings indicating the minimum and maximum levels. If the level is low, adding coolant may help address the issue. Again, it is very important that you only do this when the car has cooled down, otherwise it is very dangerous.

Common Problems

5. Inspect for Leaks: Look for any signs of coolant leaks around the engine or beneath the vehicle. If a leak is detected, it may need immediate attention to prevent further overheating.
6. Examine the Radiator Cap: As mentioned earlier, you may need to add coolant if you are running low. Carefully check the radiator cap. If it’s cool to the touch, you can open it and inspect the coolant level. Add coolant if necessary. Be cautious, as opening a hot radiator cap can release pressurised steam.
7. Check for Obstructions: Examine the radiator and cooling system for any obstructions, such as leaves or debris, which may hinder proper airflow. Clearing these obstructions can aid the cooling process.

Troubleshooting

8. Start the Engine with Caution: If you’ve addressed any identified issues, start the engine with caution and monitor the temperature gauge. If the temperature begins to rise again, turn off the engine and seek professional assistance.
9. Seek Professional Help: If you’re unable to identify or resolve the problem, or if the overheating persists, it’s crucial to seek professional assistance. Calling for roadside assistance or having the vehicle towed to a mechanic is a prudent course of action.

Car overheating is a major concern that demands prompt attention and careful handling. If you ignore the issue, you could significantly damage the car, or worse, greatly endanger yourself or other road users.

By following the above steps and understanding the potential causes of an overheating engine, drivers can prevent a bad situation turning even worse. Regular maintenance and awareness of your vehicle’s condition can further reduce the likelihood of encountering such issues on the road.

How to Maintain a Car That You Rarely Drive

Whether it’s a vintage beauty, a spare vehicle, or a weekend joyride, cars that see infrequent use demand special attention to keep them in optimal condition. Neglect can lead to various issues, from battery problems to mechanical malfunctions. To ensure your prized joy remains reliable and ready when needed, here are some essential maintenance tips.

Regular Start-Ups and Short Drives

Even if you don’t use your car daily, make it a habit to start the engine and take it for a short drive at least once a fortnight. This helps maintain the functionality of various components, prevents the battery from draining, and lubricates essential parts of the engine. Short drives also help prevent flat spots on the tyres, ensuring they remain in good condition.

Battery Maintenance

Car batteries are prone to discharge when left unused for extended periods. To prevent a dead battery, consider investing in a battery maintainer. These devices provide a low, steady charge to keep the battery at an optimal level without overcharging. Additionally, disconnecting the negative terminal when the car is not in use can prevent parasitic drain and extend the battery’s life.

Fluid Checks and Changes

Fluids play a crucial role in the proper functioning of a vehicle. Regularly check the oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant levels. Even if the mileage is low, fluids can degrade over time. Consider changing them based on the manufacturer’s recommendations, which often include both mileage and time intervals.

Tyre Care

Tyres are susceptible to flat spots and can lose pressure over time. Keep your tyres properly inflated and rotate them regularly, even if you don’t drive often. This prevents uneven wear and ensures the tyres maintain their integrity. If your car will be stationary for an extended period, consider using tyre chocks or parking on a set of jacks to minimise pressure on the tyres.

Adequate Storage

Where and how you store your rarely-driven car can significantly impact its condition. If possible, keep it in a garage or under a car cover to protect it from the elements. Exposure to sunlight, rain, and temperature fluctuations can lead to paint damage, interior deterioration, and other issues. Storing your car in a climate-controlled environment helps preserve its overall condition.

Fuel Tank and Stabiliser

When parking your car for an extended period, fill the tank to prevent moisture from accumulating inside. Moisture can lead to rust in the fuel system. Adding a fuel stabiliser to the tank before storage helps prevent fuel degradation and keeps the engine components in good condition.

Maintaining a rarely-driven car requires proactive care and attention to detail. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can ensure that your vehicle remains in top-notch condition, ready to hit the road whenever you decide to take it for a spin. Regular checks, occasional short drives, and proper storage are key to preserving the longevity and performance of your cherished ride.