Most common issue with used vehicles in the UK

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【Summary】AA Cars has identified faulty brakes as the most common issue with used vehicles in the UK. Data from expert assessors revealed that 70% of inspected used cars had at least one fault. Brake issues were the most prevalent, costing an average of £400 to fix. Other common faults included previous accident damage, corrosion, clutch malfunctions, and timing chain and belt faults.

FutureCar Staff Aug 30, 2023 4:57 PM PT

Most common issue with used vehicles in the UK

AA cars has issued a warning to used car buyers in Britain, urging them to be cautious of faulty brakes. According to data from 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 brakes, which on average cost £400 to fix.

Aside from brake issues, the next most frequently occurring faults were signs of previous accident damage and corrosion, followed by clutch malfunctions. Repairing these issues can cost between £600 and £800. However, the faults that can have the biggest impact on drivers' wallets are timing chain and belt fault noises, which could set them back as much as £1,200.

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

Edmund King, the AA president, responded to the findings, emphasizing the importance of getting a pre-purchase vehicle inspection. He compared buying a car to buying a house, stating that most people wouldn't purchase a house without a survey. King highlighted that many common problems found during inspections are difficult for the average person to spot. AA vehicle inspectors conduct up to 206 checks on a car, which is nearly impossible for non-motoring experts to replicate.

King also pointed out the financial risk of purchasing a used car without an inspection, as 70% of the assessed vehicles had some kind of issue. He stressed that vehicle inspections provide valuable peace of mind and can empower buyers to negotiate a lower price or request repairs before finalizing the purchase.