Choosing a used car often means looking beyond its appearance, age and mileage. Technical inspection records can offer another useful clue about how different models perform over time. New figures from GOCA Vlaanderen provide a detailed comparison of hundreds of models, revealing some interesting differences between younger and older vehicles.
The GOCA Barometer is based on more than two million periodic vehicle inspections carried out in Flanders between July 2025 and June 2026. Although the results are not a complete measure of reliability, they offer useful information for people considering a second-hand car.
<h3>What the Inspection Figures Actually Measure</h3>
The GOCA Barometer was inspired by Germany's TÜV Report, which compares the inspection performance of different vehicle models. However, GOCA does not publish an official ranking of the best and worst cars. Its position is that inspection results should not be confused with overall vehicle reliability.
The figures are not adjusted for mileage, maintenance history or driving habits. They also do not distinguish fully between minor and serious problems. A vehicle with an incorrectly adjusted headlight and one with a more significant mechanical defect may both contribute to the overall defect rate.
<h3>Volvo and Volkswagen Lead Among Younger Cars</h3>
Among vehicles aged four to five years, the Volvo XC60 recorded the lowest defect rate at 4.3%, based on 2,552 inspections. The Volvo XC40 followed closely at 4.6%, with 5,965 inspected vehicles. The Volkswagen T-Roc and Toyota Yaris Cross shared third place at 5.3%, while the Opel Crossland recorded 5.4%. The average defect rate for this age group was 10%.
At the other end of the comparison, the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y both recorded defect rates of 21%. The Citroën C4 Spacetourer followed at 18.2%, ahead of the Peugeot 308 at 17.5% and Jeep Compass at 17.4%. A similar pattern appeared among six- to seven-year-old cars. The Volkswagen T-Roc led with only 3.8% defects, followed by the Volvo XC40 at 3.9%, Volkswagen T-Cross at 4.3% and Volvo XC60 at 4.5%.
<h3>Honda and Toyota Stand Out as Cars Age</h3>
The results change when older vehicles are considered. Japanese models feature prominently among the better-performing cars in several age groups. For vehicles aged eight to nine years, the Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan and Toyota RAV4 shared the leading position, each with a 4.7% defect rate. The Honda HR-V followed at 4.8%, while the Honda Jazz recorded 4.9%.
The Golf Sportsvan remained the strongest performer among ten- to eleven-year-old cars, with a rate of just 5%, compared with an age-group average of 14%. Honda and Toyota models continued to perform well in the twelve- to thirteen-year category. The Honda Jazz led at 7%, followed by the Toyota Yaris Hybrid at 8.8%, Toyota Verso-S at 9.1% and Toyota RAV4 at 9.4%. Among fourteen- to fifteen-year-old vehicles, the Honda Jazz again recorded the lowest rate, at 11%.
<h3>Peugeot and Citroën Record Higher Rates in Older Groups</h3>
Some models from Peugeot and Citroën appeared more frequently among vehicles with higher defect rates as they aged. In the twelve- to thirteen-year category, the Citroën C5 recorded 34.7%, followed by the Peugeot 5008 at 31.7% and Peugeot 206+ at 28%. For fourteen- to fifteen-year-old cars, the Peugeot 5008 reached 35.2%, while the Citroën C5 recorded 35.1%. The Volvo V50 also appeared near the bottom, at 34.8%.
The Volvo result is an interesting contrast with the younger XC60 and XC40, which performed strongly. It also demonstrates why inspection results should be considered model by model rather than assuming that every vehicle from one manufacturer will perform similarly.
<h3>Electric Cars Show a Surprising Difference</h3>
GOCA also compared 43 electric models aged approximately four to seven years. Because fewer older electric vehicles were available, the minimum sample requirement was reduced to 150 inspections per model. The BMW i4 recorded the lowest defect rate at 5%, followed by the Mercedes-Benz EQC at 5.7%. The BMW iX3 and electric Volkswagen Golf each recorded 5.9%.
The Skoda Enyaq had the highest rate at 27.6%. The Dacia Spring followed at 22.1%, with the Tesla Model S at 22%, Model 3 at 21.4% and Model Y at 21%. One particularly notable comparison involves the Skoda Enyaq and Volkswagen ID.4. Both use the MEB electric platform, yet the ID.4 recorded a much lower defect rate of 7.9%.
<h3>What Used-Car Buyers Should Take Away</h3>
The GOCA figures can help buyers identify models worth examining more closely, especially as Flanders prepares to abolish mandatory pre-sale inspections for used cars already registered in Belgium from January 2027. However, the data does not measure breakdown frequency, repair costs, engine or battery failures, or owner satisfaction.
The most important lesson for second-hand buyers is to assess the individual car rather than relying entirely on its badge or reputation. Inspection statistics can guide the search, but a careful assessment of the vehicle's actual condition remains essential.
