|
The RAC warns of the dangers of purchasing a
second hand vehicle - 16th May 2008
When buying a used car it is important to
make sure that the vehicle is checked thoroughly to avoid
further expense correcting faults
A faulty vehicle could increase the
risk of being involved in a
road accident, and as a result lead to increased insurance
premiums if car
accident claims need to be made.
The RAC
warns car buyers that although the vehicle may look like your
dream car there could be allsorts of hidden problems with the
engine or electrical system.
When buying a new car they recommend that a
checklist is followed suggesting such things as going for a test
drive of at least 10 minutes, always check the ownership
documents and ensure accurate mileage, view the car in good
weather and light, get an experienced person to take a look at
the vehicle.
In tests carried out by the RAC it found
three quarters of the second hand cars inspected would fail
their MOT, and that one on three have illegal or faults that
could be dangerous.
Checks for structural damage should be
looked for as cars are designed to protect occupants if the
vehicle is involved in a
car accident, and any structural damage may reduce the
protection offered.
The most common problem found was with
tyre safety where they were worn below the legal limit or
damaged and unsafe for use.
RAC Inspections manager Nicola Johnson said:
“Individuals looking for a used car bargain are entering a
minefield and not everyone has either the right level of
knowledge to know what to look for, or a mechanically minded
friend or family member that they can call upon to help.
The level of issues we have found with used
cars is concerning, with half of the vehicles we checked having
more than 10 faults.
Even if they weren’t a risk to motorists’
safety, over 80 per cent of those with faults would cost the new
owner more than £200 to fix.” 300 inspections showed that 66% of
used cars for sale had been in some kind of
road accident, 51% had faulty tyres, 44% had steering or
suspension problems, 42% had some type of fluid leakage and 39%
had brakes with faults.
|
