Most common issue with used vehicles in the UK

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【Summary】AA Cars has found that faulty brakes are the most common issue with used vehicles in the UK, with at least one fault found in 70% of inspected cars. Other common faults include signs of previous accident damage, corrosion, clutch malfunctions, and timing chain and belt faults. The average cost to fix brake issues is £400, while timing chain and belt faults can cost up to £1,200. Despite this, only 24% of buyers are aware that brakes are the most common flaw.

FutureCar Staff Aug 30, 2023 10:16 AM PT

Most common issue with used vehicles in the UK

AA cars is warning used car buyers in Britain to be cautious about faulty brakes, as they have been identified as the most common issue when purchasing a second-hand vehicle. Data from the platform's expert assessors reveals that 70% of the used cars they inspected had at least one fault. Brake issues were found to be the most prevalent flaw, with an average cost of £400 to fix. Following brake issues, signs of previous accident damage and corrosion were the next most common faults, followed by clutch malfunctions, which can cost between £600 and £800 to repair. The most costly faults are timing chain and belt fault noises, which can reach £1,200.

The survey also investigated the knowledge of potential faults among used car buyers. It found that 85% of buyers lift up the car's bonnet, but 45% admitted they have no idea what they are looking for. Only 24% of respondents knew that brakes were the most common flaw to be aware of. Edmund King, AA president, responded to the findings by emphasizing the importance of pre-purchase vehicle inspections. He compared buying a car without an inspection to buying a house without a survey, highlighting the financial risks involved. He explained that many common problems found during assessments are difficult for non-experts to detect, even if they carry out some checks themselves. AA vehicle inspectors conduct up to 206 checks on a car, making it nearly impossible for non-motoring experts to replicate. King emphasized that inspections provide peace of mind and the ability to negotiate the price or request repairs if faults are found.