Don’t let me down

Your car is your carriage and your passport to independence and freedom. Whether you do the bear minimum to keep your trusty steed on the road, or you’re out every weekend washing and waxing, our cars are almost like an extension of our family and can be as loved as a family pet. So when it breaks down, won’t start or generally goes kapput, we can like our right arm has been cut off as we’re left up a creek without a paddle!

Chances are, if you drive one of the below, you’ve been let down like this a few times. These are least reliable cars as voted for by the British public. If you’ve ever owned one of these, no doubt you’ll be familiar with your local bus routes or know the taxi firm’s number off by heart. For Taxi Chester, visit http://www.chestertaxis.co.uk/.

• Citroen C1 – it has some attractive environmental and economic benefits but apparently it’s a bit rubbish. It emits less CO2 than most petrol cars on the market and that’s all very well but if it’s not running then it’s a bit of a moot point isn’t it?
• Smart Car – ever feel envious at the ease in which owners of these can park just about anywhere? Well don’t, as they may be parked up for some time due to the tiny car being somewhat unreliable.
• Citroen C4 – yes another Citroen makes the list and although it has a great deal going for it, when it works, it also seems to have a bit of a volatile personality.
• Citroen C3 – need we say more?
• Chevrolet Spark – not very refined and not very efficient and from the makers of the Corvette and Camaro, that’s a bit of a surprise.
• Ford Ka – the first generation fared better than the second gen model.
• Fiat Grande Punto – the punto has always been a bit middle of the road and there’s nothing wrong with that if you’re reliable. However, if you’ve not got that right then middle of the road is not going to cut it when you’re up against the Ford Fiesta.

You would be much better off with one of the most reliable cars, as voted for the public, which include:

• Lexus RX Mk3 – this car has an incredible reputation and scores a staggering 98.49% in the reliability stakes.
• Honda Civic Mk9 – the Civic is Honda’s best selling hatchback and it’s reliability reputation goes from strength to strength.
• Skoda Citigo – Skoda used to be a name to be ridiculed but they’ve come a long way indeed. The Citigo is a solid performer and has been voted Best City Car for four years running.
• Subaru Forester – an off-road SUV that offers a tough, practical and comfortable family vehicle.