A third of private second-hand car buyers find defects after purchase
With those facing average repair bills of £700.20
Last updated: 27/10/2026
Last updated: 27/10/2026
London, 22nd October 2026: A third (33%) of private second-hand car buyers discover faults shortly after taking ownership, with those who find a fault facing average repair bills of £700.20.
Meanwhile, almost half (47%) of people who view or buy a car from a private seller don’t always carry out basic safety checks every time, according to research from temporary car insurance provider Tempcover.
The research, which surveyed over 2,000 motorists, follows the September plate change, a time when many drivers upgrade and sell their existing car. Among the buyers who found a post-purchase safety defect, three in ten (30%) discovered it on the drive home - with 2% of buyers who found defects forced to scrap or sell the vehicle at a loss.
Skipped checks & common faults
Despite the financial risks, the research highlights gaps during private viewings. Only 57% of potential buyers reviewed physical service history records (stamps, receipts, or service book) and over a third (37%) didn't check a vehicle’s online MOT history (verifying past advisories, failures and mileage consistency).
Even among the 96% who carried out some physical checks, key ones were often skipped. Of these buyers, 59% didn’t personally check fluid levels and leaks, 45% didn’t check for active dashboard warning lights, and 45% didn’t check tyre tread depth or sidewall condition. 44% didn’t test brake responsiveness, despite brake problems being among the most common faults found after purchase (16%).
The most common safety defects or mechanical faults discovered after purchase, among those who found one, include:
False Security and Social friction
The research points to false security and social friction as reasons buyers skip checks. Among those who don’t always carry out checks, over a quarter (26%) said they assumed a valid MOT meant the car was completely safe and roadworthy. While an MOT confirms a minimum legal roadworthiness standard at the time of testing, it does not guarantee ongoing mechanical health at the point of sale.
Other barriers were also cited: 20% admit they don’t know what to look for when carrying out physical checks, 19% feel awkward inspecting a car outside the seller’s house, and over one in ten (12%) feel rushed by the seller.
Deferred pre-sale checks
The research indicates buyers cannot rely on sellers to have checked or fixed faults before listing. Only three in ten (30%) private sellers took their car to a garage and had all identified issues repaired in the three months before sale, while almost a quarter (23%) relied solely on a recent MOT with no additional checks or servicing. Half (50%) didn’t check tyre tread depth and sidewall condition.
Among sellers who skipped pre-sale repairs, nearly a quarter (24%) assumed the buyer would inspect the car themselves, the same proportion priced the car lower to reflect its condition, and 22% said repairs were too expensive or squeezed by household bills.
Responsibility on the drive home
The burden of these deferred maintenance issues falls largely on buyers. Finding a fault on the journey home isn't just an unexpected financial hit, it can carry immediate legal consequences. Under UK road traffic law, once a buyer takes possession and drives the car, they are responsible for making sure it is roadworthy and insured. Driving with a dangerous defect can mean a fine of up to £2,500 and 3 penalty points, and if a known fault contributes to an accident, an insurer may reject or reduce the claim.
Yet three in ten (30%) motorists believe they only become legally responsible for a used car’s roadworthiness once the DVLA registration is updated. In practice, the buyer is responsible for its condition as soon as they drive away.
Jake Lambert, temporary insurance expert at Tempcover says, “Many costly problems can be spotted before any money changes hands, but only if you know what to look for. A quick list of essential checks on the driveway, such as looking for uneven tyre wear and any warning lights on start-up, followed by a proper test drive on a mix of roads, can make the process much smoother. Once a buyer drives away, they’re responsible for the car’s condition.
“Make sure you’re insured before you get behind the wheel, and don’t assume the seller’s policy covers you, as cover for other drivers varies. Temporary car insurance, available from as little as an hour, lets you take your time over the test drive and be insured for the journey home.”
Andy Turbefield, motoring expert at Halfords shares his advice on what to look for when buying a private vehicle: “Many motorists place their faith in a valid MOT certificate, but it only confirms a car met the legal standard on the day it was tested. That can lead buyers to overlook simple checks that could uncover costly or dangerous defects, especially as one in three buyers discover a fault shortly after taking ownership. A few minutes spent on these checks can help you avoid unexpected repair bills and give you greater confidence in the car’s condition before ownership changes hands.
Tyres - Driving with an illegal tyre can mean a fine of up to £2,500, plus three penalty points per tyre. Worn tyres reduce grip and increase braking distances. Our Tyre Safety Month research[1] found that four in ten motorists don’t know you can check tread depth with a 20p coin. Insert it into the main grooves: if the outer band is hidden, the tread is above the 1.6mm legal minimum. If you can see the outer band, the tyre may be at or below the limit and needs checking.
Warning lights - Check the dashboard lights come on when you turn the ignition and go out once the engine starts. An ABS, airbag or engine light that stays on points to an unresolved fault, which could mean costly repairs or disabled safety systems.
Under the hood - Check oil, coolant and brake fluid levels. Low or dirty fluids can point to leaks or neglect, which can lead to catastrophic engine failure or sudden brake degradation.
“If you’re preparing a car for sale, having it serviced or checked first can help you spot and fix any issues early, and may give buyers greater confidence when they view it. Halfords services come with a [2-year/24,000-mile] guarantee on parts and labour.
Notes to Editors
Research: conducted by Mortar Research, commissioned by Tempcover, 7th - 9th October 2026, among 2,001 UK motorists.
