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

author: FutureCar Staff    

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. An analysis of data from expert assessors revealed that 70% of the used cars they inspected had at least one fault. The most prevalent problem was found to be brake issues, which can cost an average of £400 to repair. Other common faults included signs of previous accident damage and corrosion, as well as clutch malfunctions. The cost of fixing these issues ranged from £600 to £800. Additionally, timing chain and belt fault noises were identified as expensive problems, potentially costing up to £1,200.

The survey also explored the knowledge of potential faults among used car buyers. It was found that 85% of buyers lift up the car's bonnet for inspection. However, 45% of them admitted to having no idea what to look for, and only 24% were aware that brakes were the most common flaw. 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, stating that most people would not purchase a house without a survey. King highlighted that many common car problems are difficult for the average person to detect, even if they perform some checks themselves. AA vehicle inspectors conduct up to 206 checks on a car, making it nearly impossible for non-experts to replicate. Without an inspection, buyers risk facing costly repairs, as 70% of used cars assessed were found to have some kind of issue. Vehicle inspections provide valuable peace of mind and allow buyers to negotiate a lower price or request repairs before finalizing the purchase.

FutureCar Staff