A major investigation into second-hand cars has found that 86% of problems arise within just three months of purchase – with the average cost to the buyer a painful £465.
The Office of Fair Trading’s (OFT) investigation found that while the majority of second-hand car purchases go through without a hitch, buyers who do encounter problems struggle to get the problem rectified by the dealer.
Only 47% of those who contracted their dealer managed to get the problem fixed – with the average paying £465. People buying at auction suffered even worst, forking out on average £752 to get the problem sorted.
Meanwhile, nearly 30% of people told the OFT that the dealer failed to resolved the problem at all.
“The second hand car market has consistently attracted a high number of consumer complaints,” says Heather Clayton, senior directer of infrastructure at the OFT. A shocking 68,000 complaints about second-hand cars were made to Consumer Direct last year.
For help on resolving disputes, check out these Dispute Advice pages
For Used Car Expert's insights into the risks of buying at auction, pick up a copy of our latest magazine in WH Smith, Tesco and all good newsagetns (or click here to buy online)