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

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【Summary】AA Cars has found that faulty brakes are the most common issue with used vehicles in the UK. At least one fault was found in 70% of the used cars inspected by their experts. Brake issues were the most common flaw, followed by signs of previous accident damage and clutch malfunctions. The cost to fix these issues ranged from £400 to £800. Buyers are advised to consider pre-purchase vehicle inspections to avoid costly repairs.

FutureCar Staff Aug 25, 2023 10:13 AM PT

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

AA cars has issued a warning to used car buyers in Britain to be cautious when it comes to faulty brakes. According to data collected from the platform's expert assessors, 70% of the used cars they inspected had at least one fault. The most common issue found was related to the brakes, which can cost an average of £400 to fix.

Aside from brake problems, the next most common faults were signs of previous accident damage and corrosion, followed by clutch malfunctions. Repairing these issues can range from £600 to £800. However, the most costly faults were related to timing chain and belt fault noises, which could set drivers back as much as £1,200.

The survey also revealed that many buyers are not aware of potential faults when purchasing a used car. While 85% of buyers claim to lift up the car's bonnet, 45% admitted they have no idea what to look for. Only 24% of respondents knew that brakes were the most common flaw to watch out for.

In response to these findings, AA president Edmund King emphasized the importance of pre-purchase vehicle inspections. He compared buying a car to buying a house and stressed that many common problems are difficult for the average person to spot. AA vehicle inspectors conduct up to 206 checks on a car, making it nearly impossible for non-experts to replicate. King highlighted that without an inspection, buyers could face unexpected repair costs, especially considering that 70% of used cars assessed had some kind of issue.

King emphasized that vehicle inspections provide valuable peace of mind and can empower buyers to negotiate a lower price or request repairs before finalizing the purchase. He urged buyers to consider the benefits of a pre-purchase inspection to avoid potential financial risks.