Around 15% of drivers have knowingly sold a vehicle to avoid repair costs, suggesting as many as 7.5 million faulty cars have changed hands despite being less than roadworthy.
The data comes from a survey commissioned by digital car finance provider Carmoola. The findings also revealed that 31% of drivers would consider selling a car with known issues in the future.
Age difference in sale of faulty cars
The biggest culprits when it comes to selling faulty cars are millennials. In this age group, 33% admitted they had sold a vehicle with an issue, while 49% confirmed they would consider doing so in the future. In contrast, just 16% of over-55s would even entertain the idea.
The most common faults that sellers knowingly offloaded onto unsuspecting buyers included a weak or dying battery, and engine problems, such as misfiring, knocking or oil leaks. Both these issues saw 19% of survey respondents indicate these areas.
In comparison, 42% of motorists have purchased faulty cars, the study found.
Service history being ignored
Although 82% of motorists say it is important to have access to a vehicle’s full history before making a purchase, it does not seem that all drivers follow through. According to the data, 19% of drivers admit to not taking any steps to check a vehicle’s history before proceeding with their purchase.
A further 5% said they did not know they needed to do any. Both these steps could help decrease the potential of purchasing a faulty car, by ensuring at least that the service history is up to date.
Of the 81% who took steps to check a vehicle’s condition before purchase, 49% requested full service and MOT records, while 32% used a car history check.
When it comes to trust in the car-buying process, dealerships remain the top choice for Brits, with 50% saying they trust them the most when purchasing a vehicle. In comparison, only 12% place their faith in online reviews, while just 10% say they trust private sellers, highlighting a clear preference for more established and regulated sources when it comes to making such a significant purchase.
“It is worrying to see just how many people are willing to pass on faulty cars, with known issues, and how many buyers are left to foot the repair bill as a consequence,” commented Aidan Rushby, founder and CEO of Carmoola.
“Our survey also found that nearly half of drivers admit they do not feel confident spotting faults. So, it is clear there is a serious gap in consumer knowledge when it comes to car buying.”
Aftermarket requirements
The survey results suggest that younger drivers see cars as a disposable item, while older drivers are more responsible. It may also be that younger drivers do not understand the basics of maintenance and the requirements of servicing, leading to an increase in faulty cars.
That battery issues are a leading cause of selling a ‘faulty car’ highlight this. While battery replacement is more complex on newer vehicles, it is something that workshops will often do. It is a job that will not take long, could be conducted during a service, and save money in the long run.
Instead, battery issues are leading to drivers selling faulty cars. Therefore, it falls, once again, on the aftermarket to educate on the basics of keeping a vehicle healthy. By maintaining a car correctly, ensuring it is regularly serviced, and any issues are rectified sooner rather than later, drivers can actually save money.
They will not spend out on expensive repairs by conducting preventative maintenance and will also see the value of their car remain higher that it would be with any potential issues at sale.
