Unexpected repair costs rise to £1,288 for used car buyers
More than a third of motorists have faced unexpected repair costs after buying a used car, with the average bill recorded at £1,288.
Research from Blackcircles has found that 37% of used car buyers said they’ve bought a second-hand car and later discovered unexpected repair costs.
However, the data also revealed that vital checks were often not carried out prior to purchase, with 43% admitting they didn’t check tyre depth, 29% saying they didn’t check MOT history, and 28% not carrying out a vehicle history check.
Ray Kavanagh, CEO of Blackcircles, said: “Buying a second-hand car can be a great way to save money, but drivers must know what to check before committing to a purchase. Our research shows that many used car buyers are skipping checks that could help them spot problems before they buy, including MOT history, tyre condition and vehicle history checks.
“Tyres are especially important because they’re one of the most common MOT failure categories and can have a direct impact on safety. Buyers should check tread depth and tyre condition carefully, looking for signs of uneven wear, cracking, bulges, or other damage. MOT history is also a valuable tool. Repeated advisories or prior failures can help buyers understand whether a vehicle has been well-maintained or may hide future repair costs.
“For older cars, it’s worth taking extra time. The MOT data shows vehicles aged 16 years or more are almost three times as likely to fail an MOT as vehicles aged three to five years, so buyers should be particularly careful when reviewing older used vehicles.”
