The most reliable saloon cars UK
In this guide we explore six standout saloon models that are known for their reliability
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Saloon cars are generally considered to be comfortable and refined options for all manner of drivers, from families to solo motorway drivers and everything in between. Still, like any other car, they also need to be reliable.
The most reliable saloon cars UK
You might want to go for a saloon car for its comfortable ride, surprisingly impressive boot space or stylish design, but you might also be looking on a deeper level and considering its fairly low centre of gravity, which can help improve handling, or its slick aerodynamic profile, which helps improve fuel economy.
This article explores the top contenders in the saloon car category known for their dependability, quality engineering and strong performance.
Apart from getting a safe car, you’ll also be on track to drive something with relatively low maintenance costs that are lower than average in other areas, like fuel and tax.
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What are the most reliable saloon cars in the UK?
BMW 5 Series
Mercedes E-Class
Skoda Superb
Volvo S60
Tesla Model 3
Lexus ES
The reliable saloon cars
Below, we’ve listed six of the most reliable saloon cars you can get from a variety of classes and manufacturers, including wallet-friendly options and more high-end alternatives.
The list represents all that is great about the motor industry, showing that you can get your choice of saloon with petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric power, without having to sacrifice reliability.
BMW 5 Series
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Our pick: BMW 520d M Sport
The BMW 5 Series is somewhat of a benchmark in the executive saloon segment for the way it blends performance and handling with comfort and tech.
It has one of the best driving experiences of any saloon in its class thanks to its rear-wheel drive setup and sporty suspension, but it’s also a comfortable cruiser for those longer motorway trips.
Adding to the appeal, you can get a 5 Series with four-wheel drive if you need the extra grip, as well as petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid powertrains.
In the case of the eighth-generation G60 model, you can also have an electric model, but it’s sold under the different ‘i5’ name.
The 5 Series, on sale in one form or another for more than half a century, has built itself a solid reputation for being a reliable saloon, often coming near the top of driver satisfaction surveys.
Mercedes E-Class
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Our pick: Mercedes E220d AMG Line
Like the 5 Series above, the Mercedes E-Class sits right at the top of the executive saloon segment as potentially the most luxurious and premium option.
It’s as comfortable as it looks, and has a spacious interior filled with high-quality materials.
It’s geared more towards comfort than driving dynamics, so if you spend a lot of time on the road, you’ll really appreciate this car’s refined ride and well-insulated cabin.
It, too, is available with a choice of petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid engines, including an absolute rarity and a true gem – a diesel plug-in hybrid. You get all the fuel economy benefits of a diesel engine on a long run, but tailpipe emission-free motoring around town.
The best part is that Mercedes is known for building long-lasting cars, so you should have many happy years of motoring with the E-Class if you look after it.
Skoda Superb
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Our pick: Skoda Superb 1.4 TSi iV SE L
One of the key highlights of the Skoda Superb is its vast interior – up front, there’s the feeling that you’re separate from your passenger thanks to a wide centre console area, and there’s easily space for three adults in the back.
Boot space is also a selling point – at 625 litres, it’s only 35 litres short of the equally impressive estate.
This is truly a saloon for the financially savvy. Being a Skoda, it doesn’t come with the high price tag of many other large saloons, but because it’s based on the Volkswagen Passat, it benefits from the Volkswagen Group’s excellent build quality.
Its diesel engines are some of the most efficient around, and you can pick from either end of the petrol spectrum, all the way up to 290hp. Skoda even made a one-off 477hp model, called the Superb Sleeper, but we think the plug-in hybrid makes more sense.
Given its robust build quality, strong reliability and high safety scores, the Skoda Superb is certainly one worth considering if you’re happy to have a well-equipped saloon without a luxury badge on the bonnet.
Volvo S60
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Our pick: Volvo S60 T8 Recharge R-Design
The Volvo S60 is a looker – its bold Scandinavian design appeals to buyers and keeps customers loyal to the brand. We love that it combines just the right amount of minimalism with a fairly aggressive exterior (especially in R-Design trim) and a high-tech interior.
On the dash of every third-generation S60 is a large nine-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen. It runs a version of Google’s software, so it’s easy to use for anyone used to a smartphone and looks all very familiar.
Many Volvos have been available with diesel engines, but in its journey to sustainability, the S60 is petrol only, and there’s no such thing as a slow S60. The most efficient use mild hybrid or plug-in hybrid systems, with the best capable of well over 50 miles on electric power alone.
Average ownership costs have proven to be comparably low for the S60 thanks to its outstanding durability, and you’ll know that your family’s safe thanks to Volvo’s industry-leading dedication to safety.
Tesla Model 3
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Our pick: Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD
Think of an electric saloon and you’ll probably instantly think of the Tesla Model 3. Building on the success of the larger Model S, the Model 3 came to the UK in 2019 and has sold in its thousands ever since. It might cost over £40,000 new, but these days, you can find a used one for as little as half that.
If you thought the S60 was minimal, think again. Apart from two multifunction buttons on the steering wheel, everything is controlled via the iPad-like touchscreen.
There are rear- and all-wheel drive variants, and a selection of battery sizes that all offer in excess of 250 miles of range, and up to 400.
Key to its strong reliability is that the Model 3 is electric-only, so there are no combustion engines in sight. Electric motors use far fewer moving parts, so there’s a lot less to go wrong in the first place.
In our experience, Tesla has also been outstanding in honouring its warranty, and you can schedule any servicing you need straight from the app.
Lexus ES
 "Lexus ES front")
Our pick: Lexus ES 300h Premium
The Lexus ES is a smart-looking saloon that comes as a hybrid only. It has a pretty large 2.5-litre petrol engine and a total system output of 178hp, but official tests say it’ll still do over 50mpg.
Its elegant design lends itself well to interior space – the long, sleek saloon offers generous legroom for back-seat passengers, and the front feels like an occasion.
We love the interior design, comprising high-quality materials and well-thought-out ergonomics, but it doesn’t stop there. Standard equipment is great, and high-spec models come with all the bells and whistles. If you like your tech, consider a model with the optional digital door mirrors, which were £1,600 new.
As well as being an efficient saloon, the ES is an extremely reliable model. Lexus is part of Toyota, which is known for building durable cars. Both manufacturers are so confident in the cars they build that they offer warranties of up to 10 years so long as you service your car annually.
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Explore used saloon cars
Saloon cars offer a blend of style, comfort and practicality, from high-end luxury options like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class to more financially sensible picks like the Skoda Superb, and even electric models like the Tesla Model 3 which could slash your daily running costs.
Whether you prioritise technology, fuel efficiency, low maintenance costs or all of the above and more, the six models we outlined above that represent some of the most reliable used saloon cars in the UK prove you don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability.
With their excellent build quality and reputation for dependability, these cars are built to stand the test of time, but they’re just the start of what you could get for your money, and there are plenty more used saloon cars to pick from if you fancy something a little bit different.