First cars to avoid: the versions with known faults

Which first cars have known faults?

Several popular small cars have a version with a fault that its maker or a reputable review has named. They're listed here in no particular order, and not every car of these versions will have the problem.

Checked against the makers' UK pages, DVSA's recalls file, Parkers, Auto Express, What Car? and Fleet News. Each version is explained below. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Peugeot 208, Citroën C3 and Vauxhall Corsa: earlier PureTech petrols

Peugeot's and Vauxhall's UK sites say some earlier PureTech 1.0 and 1.2 engines have an oil pressure problem caused by the timing belt wearing early, and some burn too much oil. Since March 2024 Stellantis covers the parts and labour for up to 10 years or 112,000 miles, under conditions. Fleet News lists the Peugeot 208, Citroën C3 and some Vauxhall Corsas among the cars with these engines, and reports that Stellantis moved to a timing chain in 2023, though Stellantis' UK terms still name 1.2 turbo engines built up to December 2025. DVSA lists recalls of some Peugeot 208s and Citroën C3s built from 2013 to July 2020, because material from the belt can affect the brake vacuum pump.

Ford Fiesta: the 1.0 EcoBoost

Ford's UK site says it helps with repairs for 1.0 EcoBoost wet belt wear, judged case by case. A car is typically considered if it's under 10 years old, has done fewer than 150,000 miles and has a full service history, and a Ford dealer must inspect it first. Parkers says the Mk7 Fiesta (2008–2017) with this engine has a wet belt. The Mk8 (2017–2023) should have a timing chain, but the earliest may not, so a Ford dealer can check the VIN.

Volkswagen Polo Mk5: the 1.2 TSI

Parkers says the 1.2 TSI's timing chain isn't the fit-and-forget part it should be. Many owners never change it, and it starts rattling, especially on start-up, before it can fail and destroy the engine. Parkers also warns that Polo diesels used for short trips often block their diesel particulate filter (DPF), which matters if your driving is mostly short runs.

MINI Hatch (2006–2014): petrol timing chains

Parkers says a neglected petrol MINI of this generation can use a lot of oil, and if it runs low the timing chains and guides wear. Its advice is to be wary of a seller who has warmed the engine before you arrive, and to walk away from one that rattles on a cold start. The next generation scored 99.1% in What Car?'s 2025 Reliability Survey.

Fiat 500 (2008 on): clutches and recalls

Auto Express says clutches on petrol 500s can wear out early, and the 1.2 and 1.4 petrols have a cambelt that needs changing every six years or 72,000 miles. By January 2025 Fiat had recalled the 500 20 times, for problems including brakes, fuel leaks, steering and airbags. A recall check on the exact car tells you whether any work is still outstanding.

Which small cars are most reliable?

In What Car?'s 2025 Reliability Survey, the Hyundai i10 (2020 on) was the most reliable small car, with no faults reported.

Method: What Car? asked more than 32,000 owners about faults on cars up to five years old over the previous 24 months (survey published 2 October 2025). What Car? has since updated its survey for 2026, so check its latest results. It doesn't cover older cars, so for a first car that's 8 or more years old, the history of the car in front of you matters more.

What should a first-time buyer check?

Confirm the exact version, then check that its history fits the miles.

1. 1

   Confirm the engine and year

   The same model can have a sound engine or one with a known fault. The V5C logbook gives the engine size and first registration; a dealer can confirm the exact engine from the VIN.

2. 2

   Read the service history

   Look for services on time with the right oil, and any timing belt, chain or cambelt change the service booklet asks for.

3. 3

   Hear it start from cold

   Ask the seller not to run the engine before you arrive, and listen for a rattle as it starts.

4. 4

   Read the MOT history

   GOV.UK shows each test's result, its mileage and what failed or had minor problems. The miles should rise steadily and fit the service stamps.

5. 5

   Check for open recalls

   GOV.UK's recall check shows safety recalls that haven't been checked or fixed.

6. 6

   Get an insurance quote first

   Quote for the exact car, engine and trim before you agree a price, so the cover doesn't rule it out after you've paid.

CarCanny's free check shows the car's logbook details from the DVLA, such as its make, model, engine size and colour, so you can confirm the version before a viewing. The full report shows every MOT test with its mileage and checks whether the mileage ever went down between MOT tests, and adds finance, write-off and stolen checks. It also says whether the DVSA records an outstanding safety recall. GOV.UK lists each campaign by model and year.

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Written by

Hubert Rachwalski

Founder and car enthusiast at CarCanny

Hubert is the founder of CarCanny and a car enthusiast. He built CarCanny as the check he wanted as a buyer: simple, clear and honest about what it does and doesn't know.