10 most common car problems, and the cars most likely to have them.
Be aware of potential big repair bills on used cars as we reveal the most common problems and the models most likely to have them.
Avoid Costly Repairs
Plenty of motorists dip into the used car market to get their next model at a lower price, but having peace of mind over its reliability is an important factor. To help, we’ve put together a list of the most common car problems, and the models most likely to have them. This list has been compiled using data from vehicle between 5 to 8 years old.
While it makes financial sense to buy a used car, it can mean footing the bill for repairs once the manufacturer warranty expires. For most that’s after three years. However, one of the solutions is to buy an aftermarket warranty that’ll protect you if anything major goes wrong with your vehicle. Make sure that you choose a Pre Purchase inspection before buying your next car.
1. Gearbox
Of the near-5,000 reported faults , expensive gearbox repairs top the list, accounting for 8.4 per cent of all problems.
3. BMW 3 Series
2. Electrical
As cars are loaded with more tech than ever, electrical gripes are the second biggest problem, adding up to 8.2 per cent of all repairs.
1. BMW 3 Series
3. Audi A3
3. Clutch
As mileage racks up, slipping or burnt out clutches can become common, contributing to 7.8 per cent of claims.
2. Ford Focus
4. Turbo
One of the priciest faults your vehicle can develop is with the turbocharger. This is increasingly frequent, making up 4.7 per cent of repairs.
1. Ford Focus
3. BMW 3 Series
5. Brakes
Having fully functioning brakes is the most vital feature of your car, so it’s disappointing to see faults developing on so many used examples (4.7 per cent).
6. Alternator
The traditional alternator could be phased out with the advent of hybrids and electric cars, but it’s an issue in used models, with a failure rate of 4.3 per cent.
3. Ford Focus
7. Cylinder head gasket
White smoke and coolant leaks are symptoms of a cylinder head gasket failure; 3.1 per cent of cases involved vital gasket repairs over the last year.
2. Citroen C3
3. Peugeot 207
8. Air-con condenser
Air-con is a necessity for those odd hot days. New condensers accounted for 3.1 per cent of problems.
3. Audi A4
9. EGR valve
Exhaust gas recirculation valves were at the heart of the recent emissions scandal. Data shows faulty parts made up 2.9 per cent of claims.
10. Window motor/regulator
Gone are the days of winding your windows down by hand. But even modern motors can burn out; fixes were required in 2.2 per cent of cases.
3. Audi A5
11. How about HPI information?
Over 32,000 used cars were flagged to have a multitude of possible issues that should make prospective buyers very wary before handing over their cash
Issue discovered:
Number plate change
9,024 – 27.5 per cent
Outstanding finance
5,782 – 17.6 per cent
Insurance write-off
4,670 – 14.2 per cent
Import/export
627 – 1.9 per cent
Change of colour
465 – 1.4 per cent
Stolen
60 – 0.2 per cent
Scrapped
41 – 0.1 per cent
No issue/clean car
15,769 – 48.0 per cent
Basic inspection
£79.00
INCLUDES:
- Up to 75-point check.
- For vehicles up to £2,500
- Full Vehicle History Check
- Limited checks of exterior and interior
- Up to 5-mile road test
Standard inspection
£95.00
INCLUDES:
- Up to 155-point check including engine, suspension, brakes and fuel system.
- Full Vehicle History Check
- For vehicles up to 8 years old
- Full photographic report
- Limited checks of exterior and interior
- Up to 5-mile road test
Enhanced inspection
£149.00
INCLUDES:
- Up to 218-point check including engine, suspension, brakes and fuel system.
- Full Vehicle History Check
- For vehicles of any age
- Full photographic report
- Detailed physical inspection, including mechanical parts
- Bodywork checks for accident damage
- Up to 10-mile road test
Pre-Purchase Inspections
Check a used vehicle’s condition
Learn About Hidden Problems Before You Buy
Every Next Car Check Comes With A Personalised, Unbiased Review
from Carwow, AutoCar and more…
Our car reviews are totally independent and come with verdicts you can trust from the biggest names in the industry.
5 Star Google Reviews
Our Next Car Checks come with the highest levels of customer care and accuracy