Some cars appear to get better with age, according to new research.

Older versions of the Audi A4, Porsche Boxster and Ford Fiesta are among the cars that appear to make fewer warranty claims, according to analysis of 50,000 live policies by Warranty Direct.

On average among the 10 models featuring the greatest disparity in failure rates, newer variants are almost 10 per cent more likely to break down than older cars. The Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Jaguar XJ and Jeep Grand Cherokee all recorded more claims for the previous generation model than the one before.

Warranty Direct managing director, Duncan McClure Fisher, says: "Buying new may be the most desirable option when it comes to purchasing a car but it isn't always the most cost-effective route.

"Our analysis shows that new doesn't necessarily mean more reliable. We also found that repair costs are often higher for new models so, as well as paying over the odds for a new car, you may also be opening yourself up to additional, unwanted costs."