Motorists purchasing second-hand used cars could be at serious risk with “callous sellers” hiding problems and selling damaged petrol and diesel vehicles, according to an expert.
Andrew Jervis, CEO of online mechanic marketplace ClickMechanic, called on road users to do their checks to ensure they were not “buying a dud”.
The expert pointed out the top red flags motorists should look out for before agreeing to a deal and parting ways with their money.
He explained: “Most motorists will have bought at least one second-hand car in their lifetime and it comes with a higher degree of risk than a new one from the factory.
“It may have had multiple owners in the past and may not have been properly maintained, but callous sellers do all they can to hide these problems.
“When buying a second-hand car, it’s very important to balance your desire to find a bargain with the need to make sure that you are not buying a dud.
“If a deal appears too good to be true, it probably is, so make sure you do all the correct checks and balances.
“Be alert for any red flags such as rust, a strange smell, misaligned body panels or bad paintwork, that may suggest it hasn’t been properly maintained or it has been modified.
“If the paperwork is incomplete or doesn’t match up to the DVLA’s records, this could be a sign that there is something seriously wrong with the vehicle.
“And if the seller is being pushy or aggressive, it might indicate that they are aware there are problems with the vehicle and they are desperate to get it off their hands.”
The warning comes after data from the Citizens Advice Bureau revealed the scale of issues around second-hand used vehicles.
Data has revealed the agency has revealed they are sent over 4,400 requests a month from customers who feel they have been short-changed by used car sellers.
ClickMechanic points out that motorists are protected under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 if the vehicle develops a fault after buying.
Those securing used cars also reportedly have the right to ask for a full refund within the first 30 days of purchase.
Andrew added: “Buying a second-hand vehicle can be a very smooth and safe process if the seller is trustworthy and you receive all the information you need.
“It may be cheaper to buy directly from an independent seller rather than a specialist second-hand vehicle trader, but it might not come with the same peace of mind of going through a rigorous inspection and having a warranty.
“It’s also important to check the car’s history with the DVLA and GOV.UK, such as its MOT history and its mileage, to make sure you are buying the real deal.”
