Used cars

The value of used vehicle inspections

Are used car vehicle inspections worth the hassle and expense? According to figures released by the RAC, it all depends on the buyer.

Auto Express Car Reviews

09th October 2007

Used vehicle inspection experts at the RAC say the majority of faults found by its engineers are relatively easy to spot – if you have the confidence to watch out for the basics yourself.

According to a list of the most common faults found by its engineers in a sample of 300 inspections carried out last year, illegal tyres and corroded or badly worn brake discs were among the top finds.

They were joined by leaks from the engine, gearbox and steering rack, poorly maintained air-conditioning and chipped windscreens. All are relatively obvious if you know what you’re looking for.

So does that mean you don’t need a used car inspection? Auto Express’s used car editor Ross Pinnock says not. He explains: “If you can’t afford to pay a few hundred pounds, you certainly can’t afford to lose a few thousand, or more, by buying a dodgy motor!”

This view is backed up by other results in the same RAC sample which found 66 per cent of cars had been in an accident and 83 per cent had faults which would cost at least £200 to fix!

A shocking 76 per cent were afflicted by problems that would cause an MoT failure, and 28 per cent were deemed dangerous.