As many as 7.5 million drivers have sold used cars with existing issues to avoid repair costs.
A survey by Carmoola has revealed that 15% of motorists said they sold unroadworthy cars rather than having them fixed.
Meanwhile, a further 31% admitted they would consider selling a car in the future that had existing faults.
The data found that 33% of millennials had sold a faulty vehicle, with 49% saying they would consider doing so in the future, while just 16% of over 55s said they would sell a car they knew was faulty.
Meanwhile, 82% of motorists believe it’s important to have access to a vehicle’s full history before making a purchase, but 19% admit to not taking any steps to get a vehicle’s history.
Used cars
Aidan Rushby, founder and CEO of Carmoola, said: “It’s worrying to see just how many people are willing to pass on a car with known issues, and how many buyers are left to foot the repair bill as a consequence.
“Our survey also found that nearly half of drivers admit they don’t feel confident spotting faults. So it’s clear there’s a serious gap in consumer knowledge when it comes to car buying.
“When looking for a car, we suggest going with a reputable dealership rather than a private sale as this offers more buyer protection. Dealerships often come with reviews, which can give you added peace of mind. However, wherever you buy, we believe access to transparent vehicle history is key to helping people make smarter, safer decisions when buying a used car.”
