Japanese franchised dealers dominate the rankings for servicing and repairs, according to new What Car? research.
As dealers prepare to reopen showrooms on June 1 following the Covid-19 lockdown, franchised dealers for cars up to 20 years old were ranked on the quality of their work, perceived value for money and friendliness of staff in a survey of 18,000 motorists.
Lexus dealers were voted as the best in the country, with a score of 94.1%, while other Japanese manufacturers occupied the first five of the top 10 positions, with Subaru, Honda, Suzuki and Toyota dealers all praised by their owners.
What Car? also surveyed independent garages for cars up to 20 years old. Suzuki independent dealers were found to offer the best overall service, with a satisfaction score of 95.8%, behind Lexus and Citroen.
“Our research shows which brands are seen to offer the best satisfaction and value for money,” said What Car? editor, Steve Huntingford.
“With the top-five places in our ratings occupied by Japanese brands, it’s clear these companies really appreciate the difference good customer service can make.”
Full list of franchised dealer satisfaction ratings by brand for cars up to 20 years old:
| Rank | Brand | Overall satisfaction rating |
| 1. | Lexus | 94.1% |
| 2. | Subaru | 91.8% |
| 3. | Honda | 91.3% |
| 4. | Suzuki | 90.6% |
| =5. | Toyota | 89.7% |
| =5. | Volvo | 89.7% |
| 7. | Skoda | 89.2% |
| 8. | Kia | 89.1% |
| 9. | Peugeot | 88.9% |
| 10. | Hyundai | 88.2% |
| =11. | Citroen | 87.1% |
| =11. | Mini | 87.1% |
| 13. | Alfa Romeo | 86.9% |
| 14. | Volkswagen | 86.6% |
| 15. | Dacia | 86.4% |
| 16. | Ford | 86.2% |
| 17. | Fiat | 86.1% |
| 18. | Seat | 86.0% |
| 19. | Jaguar | 85.9% |
| 20. | Mazda | 85.6% |
| =21. | BMW | 85.4% |
| =21. | Vauxhall | 85.4% |
| 23. | Mitsubishi | 85.2% |
| 24. | Nissan | 84.5% |
| 25. | Porsche | 84.1% |
| 26. | Renault | 83.7% |
| 27. | Mercedes-Benz | 83.5% |
| 28. | Audi | 83.3% |
| 29. | Land Rover | 82.7% |
| Rank | Brand | Overall satisfaction rating |
| 1. | Suzuki | 95.8% |
| 2. | Lexus | 95.0% |
| 3. | Citroen | 93.9% |
| 4. | Honda | 93.8% |
| 5. | Jaguar | 93.6% |
| 6. | Mercedes-Benz | 93.5% |
| 7. | Hyundai | 93.2% |
| 8. | Volkswagen | 93.1% |
| 9. | Mazda | 93.0% |
| =10. | Audi | 92.8% |
| =10. | Ford | 92.8% |
| =12. | Mini | 92.7% |
| =12. | Skoda | 92.7% |
| =14. | Toyota | 92.4% |
| =14. | Volvo | 92.4% |
| =14. | Kia | 92.4% |
| 17. | Alfa Romeo | 92.3% |
| 18. | Porsche | 91.9% |
| 19. | Land Rover | 91.8% |
| 20. | Nissan | 91.7% |
| 21. | Peugeot | 91.6% |
| =22. | BMW | 91.5% |
| =22. | Seat | 91.5% |
| 24. | Vauxhall | 91.2% |
| 25. | Renault | 91.1% |
| 26. | Fiat | 90.7% |
