How to avoid being scammed when buying a second hand car

Consumers looking to buy second hand cars rather than new ones to save money during the cost-of-living crisis are being warned of the dangers of buying used cars from private sellers.

The Motor Ombudsman, the Ombudsman dedicated to the automotive sector, has released research revealing that nearly three quarters of consumers are more likely to buy a used car than a new one this year in order to save money. A quarter of potential buyers said they were in the market for a used car for the first time.

The survey also reveals that half would buy from a private seller they did not know, and a third said they believed it would be cheaper to buy from a private seller.

But The Motor Ombudsman is warning that cutting corners by buying from a private seller to save money could prove to be a false economy, as repair bills may mount up in the longer term and turn the car into a very expensive liability.

Buying from someone you don’t know means the onus is entirely on you to do your homework and check the car thoroughly, because if there is an issue with the car later down the line, there is very little come back.

The Motor Ombudsman therefore recommends buying a used car vehicle face-to-face or online through an accredited retailer as buyers will have a fully transparent view of the car’s condition and history to make a fully informed purchase. The Motor Ombudsman will also be on hand to help consumers resolve any disputes should anything go wrong.

And when buying from a retailer, The Motor Ombudsman has these top tips:

• Do your research to find the car and fuel type (e.g. hybrid, fully electric etc) that’s right for you and that meets your lifestyle, requirements and budget
• Test drive the car to make sure it’s right for you, and that it performs how it should.
• Check the warranty that comes with the vehicle – as manufacturer warranties typically vary between three and seven years, so are there any years left on the manufacturer’s original warranty?
• Check any accompanying documentation thoroughly, including the service and MOT history
• Look at the ongoing running costs (e.g. insurance / road tax etc.), not just the initial purchase price