Used-car buyers beware: one in 12 owners would conceal a costly fault when selling
When buying a used car, the biggest problem may be the seller’s honesty. A British survey found that eight per cent of car owners would not voluntarily disclose a fault requiring an expensive repair. Some would admit to the problem only if asked directly, while others would say nothing at all. Almost half of respondents, however, would be prepared to fix the fault or lower the price.
Younger sellers more likely to conceal faults
OnePoll surveyed 2,000 UK car owners on behalf of vehicle diagnostics company Carly. The findings showed that five per cent of respondents would disclose a costly fault only if the buyer asked about it. Three per cent would not mention the problem at all.
The largest difference emerged between age groups. Among car owners aged 35–44, 15 per cent would not voluntarily disclose a fault, compared with just three per cent of those aged 65 or over.
Regionally, the figure was highest in Wales, where 13 per cent of respondents would either not mention the problem or wait for the buyer to ask. In London, the figure reached 12 per cent.
The picture is not entirely bleak, however. A quarter of respondents would tell the buyer about the fault and lower the price, while 24 per cent would repair it before selling. It is important to note that the survey measured people’s responses to a hypothetical situation, not the actual prevalence of concealed faults.
An unlit dashboard warning light proves nothing
Carly highlights an issue that used-car buyers often underestimate. A modern car can store fault codes in its electronic control units even when no dashboard warning lights are illuminated. For example, a diagnostic scan may reveal faults in the engine, gearbox, emissions system or driver assistance systems that would go unnoticed during a short test drive. The company therefore recommends including a diagnostic report in the used-car sales process to complement the service history and roadworthiness inspection records.
However, a diagnostic tool should not be regarded as a cure-all. The absence of fault codes does not mean that a car is mechanically sound. An electronic check may not reveal mechanical wear, hidden accident damage or every developing fault.
Buyers should check more than mileage
The UK survey does not directly show how car sellers behave across Europe, but the risks of buying a used car are similar.
A vehicle’s history can also be checked online. These records can help uncover possible discrepancies in mileage and vehicle history, but they are no substitute for a technical inspection.
Faults in modern automatic gearboxes, exhaust aftertreatment systems and electrified powertrains can be particularly expensive. A repair bill of a few thousand euros can quickly turn an apparent bargain into a loss.
The most sensible approach is to combine diagnostics with an inspection by an independent workshop and a thorough test drive. It is also worth asking the seller for written confirmation of any known faults. When buying a used car, the question is not just whether the seller is telling the truth. More important is whether they actually know what is wrong with the car. A thorough technical inspection protects both parties to the transaction better than even the most convincing sales pitch.
