Skip advert
Advertisement

Mike's Top Tips

TV’s Mike Brewer reveals his tell-tale warning signs to a dodgy second-hand deal

Every used car purchase is different – but no matter what sort of model you’re buying or how much money you’re spending, you still need to spot any signs of a dodgy deal.

Knowing what to look out for is essential, so I’ve listed my nine top tips for rooting out a second-hand lemon. Experience any of these situations, and alarm bells should immediately start ringing in your head...

Advertisement - Article continues below

For Mike's master class in car buying, click through the pictures on the right

Verdict

For Mike's master class in car buying, click through the pictures above.

Extra Info

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £5,321 off RRP*Used from £11,399
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,912 off RRP*Used from £7,299
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £8,206 off RRP*Used from £11,940
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £3,055 off RRP*Used from £13,499
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car Deal of the Day: The posh Peugeot 3008 for £210 a month is a perfect Christmas gift
Peugeot E-3008 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: The posh Peugeot 3008 for £210 a month is a perfect Christmas gift

This is probably the cheapest the Peugeot 3008 has been all year. No wonder it’s our Deal of the Day for December 19.
News
19 Dec 2025
New Ford Fiesta shaping up for its gigantic 2028 comeback
Ford Fiesta render Avarvarii

New Ford Fiesta shaping up for its gigantic 2028 comeback

Ford’s passenger-car business will get a new lease of life thanks to Renault’s Ampere platform, paving the way for two new small EVs
News
21 Dec 2025
Groundbreaking new Jaguar GT: huge price, power and plans for the 4-door EV revealed
Jaguar E GT Avarvarii

Groundbreaking new Jaguar GT: huge price, power and plans for the 4-door EV revealed

Jaguar boss Rawdon Glover gives Auto Express the very latest on 2026’s most keenly anticipated car: the Jaguar four-door GT
News
19 Dec 2025