More than a third of motorists over 65 are skipping basic safety checks when buying a used car, according to a new poll of 2,001 UK drivers conducted by Tempcover and seen exclusively by the Express.
The study found that 36% of over-65s who bought or viewed a private second-hand car in the past three years did not carry out checks such as inspecting the tyres, looking at warning lights or researching a car's service history.
Mechanical faults found shortly after purchase
One in ten (10%) of over-65s who bought a private used car in the last three years found a mechanical fault shortly after buying, and 33% of those discovering a fault found the issue within the first 48 hours of ownership.
In another concern, over a quarter of road users (28%) wrongly assume that a valid MOT means that a car is completely safe and roadworthy. Although a valid MOT certificate means that a car can legally stay on the road, tests are only accurate at the time the test was taken, as damage may have afflicted the car between an assessment and the point of sale.
Trusting the seller's word
Meanwhile, 23% of drivers said they trusted the seller's word that the car was in good condition.
Andy Turbefield, motoring expert at Halfords, said: "Buying a second-hand car can be a significant investment, and with research finding that over a third of over 65 motorists don't always carry out basic safety checks when viewing a vehicle, it's important not to overlook these simple steps.
"Taking the time to inspect the tyres, check dashboard warning lights and review the car's service history can help buyers make a more informed decision and avoid costly surprises after driving away."
Legal responsibility and insurance
According to Tempcover analysis, 28% of motorists over 65 wrongly believe they only become legally responsible for a used car's roadworthiness once the DVLA registration is updated.
However, responsibility begins as soon as road users drive away, meaning buyers risk complications with their insurance claims if they are behind the wheel of an unroadworthy vehicle.
Jake Lambert, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, said: "Whether you're buying for yourself or helping the grandchildren give a second-hand car the once-over, don't assume a seller's insurance covers the test drive or the journey home. In a private sale, it often won't."
