Brits urged not to make this expensive mistake when buying a car

Brits are risking costly repairs and buyer's remorse by failing to carry out even the most basic checks when buying a used car, a major motoring firm has warned.

A shocking two in five drivers (38%) admitted they didn't bother to look under the bonnet before handing over their money, according to a new survey of over 11,000 motorists by AA Cars.

And an astonishing 79% made the big-ticket purchase without arranging a professional inspection, leaving themselves exposed to hidden faults and expensive surprises.

More than half (51%) failed to check the crucial V5C logbook - the official document that proves who owns the car - while just 42% checked for a wheel locking nut key. Only 28% tested the air conditioning, and fewer than one in three turned on the radio to check the sound system.

The figures highlight a widespread complacency among second-hand car buyers, despite the risks involved.

James Hosking, Managing Director of AA Cars, said: "Buying a used car is a major financial decision, so it's concerning how many people aren't ticking off even the most basic checks.

"Failing to thoroughly assess a car before buying it could mean missing warning signs that point to costly repairs down the line. It also makes it harder to know whether you're getting good value for money."

The findings come amid a growing shift towards online car shopping, where many buyers complete purchases without seeing the vehicle in person - a trend flagged by the AA last year.

Despite the dangers, the most common checks were relatively superficial, such as taking the car for a test drive (85%) and looking for scratches or dents (73%).

Mr Hosking urged motorists to consider buying only from trusted dealers who offer AA Inspected vehicles - which have undergone a 128-point check - or to pay for an independent inspection, starting from £99.

"That's why it's so important to buy from a trusted dealer who can offer reassurances like a detailed inspection, verified service history, and third-party approvals," he said.

"When you're making one of the biggest purchases of your life, it's worth investing in an inspection to check whether you're making a good decision. You wouldn't buy a house without getting a survey, so why should a used car purchase be any different?"