Who wants new wheels? What with tariffs, inflation and, in some countries, a shrinking choice of powertrain as combustion engines face the chop – not to mention digital technology that baffles or even infuriates some motorists – second-hand auto markets are robust. But older cars themselves are perhaps less so… 

Consumer Reports, an American non-profit that helps customers make informed choices, has studied the reliability of vehicles up to 10 years old to find out how the models turning up on today’s used car forecourts are likely to perform. And some of its findings might surprise you. So if you’re thinking of buying a pre-loved ride, read on...

All dollar amounts in US dollars.