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, according to data from its expert assessors. The survey also revealed that 70% of inspected used cars had at least one fault, with brake issues being the most common. Other common faults included signs of previous accident damage, corrosion, clutch malfunctions, and timing chain and belt faults.

FutureCar Staff Aug 29, 2023 6:56 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 of faulty brakes, as they have been identified as the most common issue when purchasing a second-hand vehicle. Expert assessors from the platform found at least one fault in 70% of the used cars they inspected. Brake problems were 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 costliest issues were timing chain and belt fault noises, which could set drivers back as much as £1,200.

In addition to identifying common faults, the survey also looked into buyers' knowledge of potential issues with used cars. It found that 85% of potential customers inspect the car's bonnet. However, 45% admitted to having no idea what they should be looking for, and only 24% were aware that brakes were the most common flaw to watch out for.

Edmund King, AA president, responded to the findings by emphasizing the importance of pre-purchase vehicle inspections. He compared buying a car to buying a house, stating that most people wouldn't consider purchasing a house without a survey. King highlighted that many common problems found during vehicle inspections are difficult for the average person to detect. Even if buyers conduct some checks themselves, such as looking under the bonnet, they often don't know what to look for. AA vehicle inspectors perform up to 206 checks on a car, which is nearly impossible for non-motoring experts to replicate. King warned that failing to get an inspection could result in drivers having to pay hundreds of pounds for repairs. With 70% of used cars assessed having some kind of issue, purchasing without an inspection poses a significant financial risk. Vehicle inspections provide buyers with peace of mind and the ability to negotiate the price or request repairs if faults are found before purchasing the car.