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A motoring expert has shared three essential checks people must do when buying a second-hand car to avoid getting one with costly hidden faults.
It comes as research from temporary car insurance provider Tempcover found that a third (33%) of private second-hand car buyers discover faults shortly after taking ownership,
Additionally, those who find a fault face average repair bills of £700.
The research, which surveyed more than 2,000 motorists, follows the September plate change, a time when many drivers upgrade and sell their existing car.
Among buyers who found a post-purchase safety defect, 30% discovered it on the drive home.
Meanwhile, 2% of buyers who found defects were forced to scrap or sell the vehicle at a loss.
Despite the financial risks, the research highlights gaps during private viewings.
Just 57% of potential buyers reviewed physical service history records, such as stamps, receipts, or the service book.
More than a third (37%) did not check a vehicle’s online MOT history, which verifies past advisories, failures, and mileage consistency.
The most common safety defects or mechanical faults discovered after purchase, among those who found one, include:
- Low engine fluid levels or fluid leaks (oil, coolant, brake fluid) - 20%
- Electrical faults (e.g. electric windows, central locking) - 20%
- Active dashboard warning lights - 18%
- Engine knocking or misfiring - 17%
- Brake problems e.g. noisy, pulling to one side, poor responsiveness - 16%
- Non-functioning lights or indicators - 16%
3 essential checks to make when buying a second-hand car
Andy Turbefield, motoring expert at Halfords, has shared his advice on what to look for when buying a private vehicle.
Tyres
Tyres are a very important factor to review, as driving with an illegal tyre can mean a fine of up to £2,500, plus three penalty points per tyre.
Giving advice on how to check them, Andy explained: "Our Tyre Safety Month research found that four in ten motorists don’t know you can check tread depth with a 20p coin.
"Insert it into the main grooves: if the outer band is hidden, the tread is above the 1.6mm legal minimum.
"If you can see the outer band, the tyre may be at or below the limit and needs checking."
Warning lights
Andy shared: "Check the dashboard lights come on when you turn the ignition and go out once the engine starts.
"An ABS, airbag or engine light that stays on points to an unresolved fault, which could mean costly repairs or disabled safety systems."
Under the hood
Andy said it is important to check oil, coolant and brake fluid levels.
He added: "Low or dirty fluids can point to leaks or neglect, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure or sudden brake degradation."
Jake Lambert, temporary insurance expert at Tempcover, said: “Many costly problems can be spotted before any money changes hands, but only if you know what to look for.
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"A quick list of essential checks on the driveway, such as looking for uneven tyre wear and any warning lights on start-up, followed by a proper test drive on a mix of roads, can make the process much smoother.
"Once a buyer drives away, they’re responsible for the car’s condition.
“Make sure you’re insured before you get behind the wheel, and don’t assume the seller’s policy covers you, as cover for other drivers varies."
Have you gone through checks like these when buying a second-hand car? Let us know in the comments.