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

Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,805Avg. savings £4,765 off RRP*Used from £9,000
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £39,045Avg. savings £4,255 off RRP*Used from £11,195
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,870Avg. savings £4,467 off RRP*Used from £9,222
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £25,250Avg. savings £2,502 off RRP*Used from £8,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Hyundai Ioniq 3 breaks cover with stunning sci-fi looks
Alastair Crooks with the Hyundai Ioniq 3

New Hyundai Ioniq 3 breaks cover with stunning sci-fi looks

Despite sharing the same underpinnings as the Kia EV2, the Hyundai Ioniq 3 looks radically different
News
20 Apr 2026
Fiat's Grande Panda is about to get cheaper thanks to a good-old manual gearbox
Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid in La Prima trim - front tracking

Fiat's Grande Panda is about to get cheaper thanks to a good-old manual gearbox

Fiat will soon offer the currently auto-only Fiat Panda with a manual gearbox, lowering the range’s starting price and keeping petrol power alive
News
20 Apr 2026
Luxurious Audi Q9 SUV to compete with Range Rover from 2026
Audi Q9 render

Luxurious Audi Q9 SUV to compete with Range Rover from 2026

Audi’s next flagship will be a huge SUV aimed at US and Middle Eastern markets
News
20 Apr 2026