UK motorists issued £5,500 warning over hidden extra costs of buying a car

UK motorists have been warned about the hidden costs of buying a used car, which can amount to as much as £5,500 in subsequent repair and replacement bills on top of the purchase price. While buying a second-hand vehicle often seems like an attractive option in the cost of living crisis, due to lower prices, greater choice and reduced insurance costs, it's crucial not to overlook important checks.

Dorry Potter at National Scrap Car has highlighted the importance of thoroughly inspecting any vehicle before purchase, even if the dealer claims to have done so. This is to ensure there are no unexpected costs further down the line.

It's normal for used cars to have some signs of wear and tear from previous owners but there are clues to watch out for that could indicate more serious issues. This could make your purchase much less of a bargain if later repair costs start to add up. Buying from a second-hand car dealer means you can at least ask for any problems you spot to be put right by their specialist technicians before you part with hard-earned cash.

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Check for bumps and dents

Bumps or dents could mean the car has been involved in an accident. This can help determine the true value of the car and whether there will be any future maintenance costs.

Look carefully for any signs of damage. The windscreen is one area where signs of past accidents may be evident. Check both the front and rear windscreens, as well as the windows, for any chips, cracks or scratches. A repair for a chipped windscreen can set you back between £40 - £118 on average, so it's essential to spot these chips before you part with your cash.

It's also vital to take an eye-level view of the vehicle and scrutinise the main line down the side of the car's body. If the paint's reflection appears distorted, the body panels will likely be hammered out or replaced due to damage.

Also, make sure to inspect the gaps between doors and adjoining body panels to see if they are straight. Uneven gaps could indicate that the doors or panels have been replaced. The cost of replacing a door can reach up to £434 while fixing dents and scratches on doors can total around £310.

Examine the paintwork

The paint on a car isn't just for aesthetics; it also serves to protect the metal surfaces from corrosion. The paint should be a consistent colour and have a uniform texture. However, it's normal for the paint not to be completely smooth on every surface, as even factory-applied paint might not look entirely flawless.

If you notice numerous inconsistent bumps and blemishes on the car, it could suggest that inadequate preparation was done before a repaint. Similarly, if the paintwork shows signs of bubbling, this could be an indication of rust beneath the paint or resprayed panels.

You can also use a torch on your phone to look for any scratches in the paintwork, which could prevent you from spending £400 on general paint repairs, or £2,650 for a complete respray.

Ensure the lights are working

Driving without working lights not only poses a risk to you but also jeopardises the safety of other road users. Your brake lights are vital for signalling others when to decelerate and halt. If these lights malfunction, it could result in an accident.

While they're crucial for safety, it might take some time to realise if lights are defective, so make sure to check them before buying a second-hand car. Driving with brake lights that don't come on could result in a £60 fine, plus three points on your licence.

Even though fog lights aren't frequently used, they are vital when visibility is poor, helping you see the road better and ensure other vehicles can spot you. These lights are legally required in the UK, so confirm they're operational.

New car lights cost around £150, so verify all the lights are functioning before you buy the car. This way, the dealer should cover the maintenance costs.

Inspect the tyres for wear and tear

While it's impossible to find a second-hand car without any signs of wear and tear, it's crucial to know what you're getting into to avoid future problems.

Before buying the vehicle, check the tread depth of all tyres to ensure they have at least 1.6mm, and look for any cuts or signs of ageing rubber. If anything looks suspicious, you might be able to negotiate the replacement or maintenance costs into the price before you take on responsibility for them.

Tyres can also provide valuable insight into how well a vehicle has been maintained. For instance, if the tyre has a date stamp older than the car, this could suggest that part-worn tyres have been fitted.

Visually inspect the tyres for any cuts and bumps to check for damage. If possible, try to test drive the vehicle to verify the tyre pressure is correct and there are no other issues.

The cost of replacing tyres can range from £50 to £700, depending on whether they're budget, mid-range or premium.

Check the gearbox

Gearbox issues can occur for a variety of reasons, so it's important to recognise any common signs. This may be hard to determine when first looking at your used car, but there are several ways to confirm if there's something wrong with the vehicle.

Firstly, if you start to detect a burning odour, this could be an indication that the transmission fluid is either running low or overheating. A gearbox fluid flush should rectify this issue, but it's crucial to address this as soon as you notice it to prevent the fluid from breaking down and causing further damage.

If you hear any clunking or whining sounds from your gearbox, diagnosing the problem can be slightly more challenging. The issue could be as simple as a low level of transmission fluid or wear and tear on your gear teeth, but regardless, it's essential to get this fixed immediately.

Don't overlook the interior

It's not just the exterior of the car that needs checking for damage or hidden costs - the interior is equally important. Take a moment to sniff for any unpleasant odours, such as mildew, which could indicate water damage or poor ventilation in the vehicle.

Check for any signs of wear and tear, stains and spills on the seats and carpets, as this could imply that the previous owner neglected the car and didn't maintain it properly. Don't hesitate to use a torch to search for more concealed damage.

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