One third of second-hand car buyers find costly faults after purchase

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 09:57 · Archive

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

Research from temporary car insurance provider Tempcover found that a third of private second-hand car buyers discover faults shortly after taking ownership. Those who find a fault face average repair bills of £700. The survey covered more than 2,000 motorists and was released following the September plate change, when many drivers upgrade and sell their existing vehicles.

Among buyers who discovered a post-purchase safety defect, 30% found it on the drive home. A smaller proportion, 2% of buyers who found defects, were forced to scrap or sell the vehicle at a loss.

The research highlights significant gaps in the checks buyers carry out during private viewings. Just 57% of potential buyers reviewed physical service history records such as stamps, receipts or the service book. More than a third (37%) did not check a vehicle's online MOT history, which verifies past advisories, failures and mileage consistency.

Motoring expert Andy Turbefield from Halfords has advised buyers on what to look for when purchasing a private vehicle. Tyres are described as a very important factor to review, as driving with an illegal tyre can result in a fine of up to £2,500 plus three penalty points per tyre.

Experts recommend that buyers make three essential checks to avoid purchasing a car with costly hidden faults. The advice comes as a significant proportion of second-hand car purchasers remain unaware of basic safety and maintenance issues that should be verified before completing a sale.

One third of second-hand car buyers find costly faults after purchase — Image: Romsey Advertiser

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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 carRomsey Advertiser · 26 Oct, 09:39
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 carAndover Advertiser · 26 Oct, 09:39
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 carBasingstoke Gazette · 26 Oct, 09:39

In this story: Tempcover · Halfords · Andy Turbefield

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