Most common issue with used cars in the UK: faulty brakes

author: FutureCar Staff    

AA cars has issued a warning to used car buyers in Britain, advising them to be cautious of faulty brakes when purchasing a second-hand vehicle. According to data collected from its expert assessors, at least one fault was found in 70% of the used cars inspected. The most common issue discovered was problems with the brakes, which on average cost £400 to fix.

Aside from brake issues, the next most frequent faults were signs of previous accident damage and corrosion, followed by clutch-related malfunctions. Repairing these issues could range between £600 and £800. The most expensive faults to rectify were timing chain and belt fault noises, which could cost up to £1,200.

The survey also examined the knowledge of potential faults among used car buyers. It revealed that 85% of buyers lift the car's bonnet to inspect it, but 45% admitted to having no idea what they were looking for. Only 24% of respondents correctly identified brakes as the most common flaw to be aware of.

In response to the findings, AA President Edmund King emphasized the importance of pre-purchase vehicle inspections. He compared buying a car to buying a house, stating that most people wouldn't purchase a house without a survey. King highlighted that many common problems found during assessments are difficult for the average person to detect. AA vehicle inspectors conduct up to 206 checks on a car, making it nearly impossible for non-experts to replicate. By getting an inspection, buyers can have peace of mind about the vehicle's condition and potentially negotiate a lower price or request repairs before finalizing the purchase.

FutureCar Staff