Three checks to avoid costly faults buying second-hand cars

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 14:31 · Archive

A third of private second-hand car buyers discover faults after purchase, facing average repair bills of £700.

A third of private second-hand car buyers discover faults shortly after taking ownership, according to research from temporary car insurance provider Tempcover. Those who find a fault face average repair bills of £700. The research surveyed more than 2,000 motorists following the September plate change, when many drivers upgrade and sell their existing cars.

Motoring experts from Halfords and Tempcover have shared three essential checks to avoid costly hidden problems. Just 57% of potential buyers reviewed physical service history records such as stamps, receipts, or service books. More than a third did not check a vehicle's online MOT history, which verifies past advisories, failures, and mileage consistency. Tyres are another critical factor, as driving with an illegal tyre can result in a fine of up to £2,500 plus three penalty points per tyre.

Andy Turbefield, motoring expert at Halfords, explained how to check tyre tread depth: insert a 20p coin into the main grooves; if the outer band is hidden, the tread is above the 1.6mm legal minimum. Among buyers who found post-purchase safety defects, 30% discovered them on the drive home, while 2% of those who found defects were forced to scrap or sell the vehicle at a loss.

How it is being reported

• 3 checks you need to do to avoid losing £700 buying a second-hand carMotoring experts from Halfords and Tempcover have shared some advice on what checks to make to avoid wasting money buying a second-hand carOxford Mail · 25 Oct, 13:26
• 3 checks you need to do to avoid losing £700 buying a second-hand carMotoring experts from Halfords and Tempcover have shared some advice on what checks to make to avoid wasting money buying a second-hand carOxfordshire Guardian · 25 Oct, 13:26

In this story: Halfords · Tempcover · Andy Turbefield

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