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

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【Summary】AA Cars has revealed that faulty brakes are the most common issue with used cars in the UK. In a survey, at least one fault was found in 70% of the inspected vehicles, with brake issues being the most frequent, costing an average of £400 to fix. Other common faults included signs of previous accident damage and clutch-related malfunctions. The survey also highlighted that many buyers are unaware of potential faults, with only 24% knowing that brakes were the most common flaw.

FutureCar Staff Aug 17, 2023 6:17 AM PT

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

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. The platform has analyzed data from its expert assessors, who found that 70% of the used cars they inspected had at least one fault. Brakes were found to be the most common flaw, with an average cost of £400 to fix.

Aside from brake issues, the next most common faults were signs of previous accident damage and corrosion, followed by clutch-related malfunctions, which can cost between £600 and £800 to repair. Among the most common faults, timing chain and belt fault noises were identified as the ones that could hit drivers hardest in the pocket, potentially costing up to £1,200.

The survey also revealed that 85% of potential buyers lift up the car's bonnet to inspect it. However, 45% admitted that they have no idea what to look for, and only 24% were aware that brakes were the most common flaw to be cautious of. In response to these findings, AA president Edmund King emphasized the importance of a pre-purchase vehicle inspection, comparing it to a survey before buying a house.

King stated, "Many of the most common problems vehicle inspectors find during assessments are hard for the average person to spot. Even if drivers carry out some checks themselves, such as looking at the bonnet, many do not know what they're looking for. AA vehicle inspectors carry out up to 206 checks on a car, and this is nearly impossible for non-motoring experts to replicate."

He further highlighted the financial risks that buyers face if a fault goes undetected, as they could end up spending hundreds of pounds on repairs. With 70% of used cars assessed having some kind of issue, King emphasized that getting an inspection before purchasing a car can provide valuable peace of mind. If a fault is found, buyers can use this information to negotiate the price or request a repair before finalizing the purchase.