Over half of used car buyers have been caught out after identifying previously unidentified issues with their vehicles, according to experts at carwow.
A new poll reveals that a staggering 51 percent of road users admitted they had discovered “hidden problems” with their models after taking ownership of the car.
The findings suggest millions of British road users have been plagued with problems after parting ways with their hard-earned money.
Purchasing second-hand models is still the most popular way to get hold of vehicles in the UK making the news more concerning.
Around eight in 10 cars sold are in the used category with demand expected to grow in the early part of 2024.
John Veichmanis, CEO at carwow warned buying second-hand models was a “leap of faith” that can come with “serious consequences” down the line.
He said: “Buying a second-hand car can have lots of benefits – it’s more affordable than buying new, you avoid the new car ‘depreciation’ hit, and insurance costs are often lower.
“But it is still a big investment, and you want to make sure that your money is spent on a vehicle that is safe, exactly how it’s described at the point of sale and worth what you’re paying for it.
“If you don’t know the seller personally, it can require a leap of faith and one that can have serious consequences if you get it wrong.
“For example, if you buy a car that has been stolen, the police can seize it and you’ll be left with nothing, or if the seller is still paying a finance company for the vehicle, the finance company could repossess it.”
The new data from carwow shows Britons are generally left anxious about purchasing second-hand models.
A whopping 69 percent of buyers fear they will pay more than the overall value of the model they are trying to secure.
More than half of those polled said they are concerned about discovering undisclosed damage while four in 10 (43 percent) are worried they’ll need to make important repairs as soon as they take over responsibility for the car.
Meanwhile, one in four (25 percent) are worried they will discover that vital car recalls will have never been addressed.
