Used Cars Costs Brits 200 million quid a year!

New research released by the RAC has revealed that poor purchasing decisions leave British people spending over £238 million on fixing faulty used cars each year.
Hasty decision making and a lack of motoring knowledge are the most likely reasons that 29% of buyers fail to spot significant problems before driving off in their shiny ´new´ motor and then end up shelling out for repairs that could have been avoided.
A significant number of faults occur relatively quickly after the vehicle is purchased. For 24% of buyers who experienced difficulties, mechanical problems occured within just one month after buying.
RAC Vehicle Examinations carried out the research and they looked at the problems encountered by motorists when buying second-hand car and also revealed that not being careful enough can cost buyers dearly. In 11% of cases of mechanical fault with a second hand vehicle, motorists have paid up to £400 for repairs. In 6% of cases, faults were so serious that up to £800 was paid out to fix them - almost a 5th of the price of the average second hand car.
Not having a lot of mechanical or motoring knowledge are the major reasons that consumers end up with ´duds´. Worryingly that accounts for 48% of those surveyed who admitted that they know nothing or little about cars yet only 29% forked out to have a professional take a look at the car they were buying, despite the fact that a car is one of the most expensive things that any of us are likely to purchase.
Motorists are also too eager to get their hands on the keys in many cases - not leaving enough time to thoroughly check their purchases, question the owner or test-driving the vehicle. Just under half those questioned spent less than 30 minutes carrying out their checks on a used car they were going to buy.
Motorists had a lot of reasons to hand to explain why they didn´t pay for professional checks:
* 44% relied on the advice of mechanically minded friends/family
* 22% blamed cost – despite the fact that RAC’s "essentials" vehicle examination costs only 3% of the value of the average second hand car
* 15% were too short of time
* 14% didn’t know such a service existed
As a result of the high number of mechanical faults, 11% of buyers wished they could have their time again - this time forking out for a professional examination.
Nick Lindsay from RAC Vehicle Examinations said: “It’s easy to be persuaded into buying a bargain. Consumers must approach the business of buying a second-hand vehicle with caution in order to avoid disappointment. All too often, buyers treat the process too casually and suffer the consequences as a result.”
To help motorists avoid the pitfalls of buying used cars, RAC Vehicle Examinations has issued the following checklist to make sure you drive away with a bargain, not a banger:
1. View the car in daylight, at the seller’s address so you can confirm the address is the same as the V5 vehicle registration document
2. Look for signs of clocking – does the condition of the car match the mileage?
3. Is there wear on the seats, pedals or steering wheel. Check for rust and general corrosion on the bodywork. How worn are the tyres?
4. Take the car for a test drive on a variety of roads, but make sure you are properly insured. Listen out for any odd noises from the engine and suspension
5. Get an RAC Vehicle Examination, which can help to identify potentially expensive problems and signs of major accident repair.
6. Check out the history and status of the car with an RAC Vehicle Status Check– the check will reveal whether the car has any outstanding finance against it, has been written off or reported stolen by the Police. RAC Vehicle Checks cost £24.99
7. Check engine numbers/chassis numbers match the V5 documentation provided with the vehicle
8. Beware of false keys – separate keys for the driver’s door and boot may indicate previous damage
9. Check under the bonnet for signs of undue wear and tear – is anything leaking, are all the fluid levels correct?
10. If you feel something’s not right – walk away. Don’t get too attached to a car – if something’s too good to be true, it probably is.