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. Data from expert assessors showed that 70% of inspected second-hand cars had at least one fault, with brake issues being the most common. Other common faults included previous accident damage, corrosion, and clutch malfunctions. The survey also revealed that many buyers are unaware of potential faults, with only 24% knowing that brakes were the most common flaw.

FutureCar Staff Aug 18, 2023 6:42 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, urging them to be cautious about faulty brakes. According to data analyzed by the platform's expert assessors, 70% of the used cars they inspected had at least one fault. The most common issue found was problems with the brakes, which can cost an average of £400 to fix.

Aside from brake issues, the next most frequent faults were signs of previous accident damage and corrosion, followed by clutch malfunctions. Repairing these issues can range from £600 to £800. However, the faults that could hit drivers the hardest in terms of cost are timing chain and belt fault noises, which can amount to £1,200.

The survey also revealed that 85% of potential buyers lift up the car's bonnet to inspect it. However, 45% of them admitted to having no idea what they should be looking for. Only 24% of respondents knew that brakes were the most common flaw to be aware of.

Edmund King, the AA president, reacted to the findings by highlighting 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 emphasized that many common problems found by vehicle inspectors are difficult for the average person to spot. He also mentioned that AA vehicle inspectors conduct up to 206 checks on a car, which is nearly impossible for non-motoring experts to replicate.

King stressed that undetected faults could lead to expensive repairs, and with 70% of used cars assessed having some kind of issue, buying a car without an inspection poses a significant financial risk. He emphasized that vehicle inspections provide valuable peace of mind to drivers, allowing them to negotiate the price or request repairs before purchasing the car.