More than a third of used car buyers fail to check accident history

More than a third (36%) of drivers admit they haven’t checked whether their car has been involved in a previous accident, according to new research from Close Brothers Motor Finance.

The research polled over 2,000 UK drivers, which also showed that more than half (55%) are planning on buying a car in the next 12 months, of which 21% will look into a second-hand model.

The research shows 22% of drivers will opt for a new car, and 12% will look into both (new and used). 

The research, which looked at what car buyers check when purchasing a second-hand car, found that one in five (22%) don’t check the mileage, and a similar number do not check the MOT history of the vehicle (29%).

More than a third (37%) don’t check the service history before buying, and half (50%) don’t check whether the vehicle has been modified. 

What drivers fail to check before purchasing a second-hand vehicle: 

• Mileage - 22%
• MOT history - 29%
• Whether the vehicle has ever been involved an accident - 36%
• Service history - 37%
• How much the insurance would be before purchasing - 41%
• Number of previous owners - 43%
• Whether the vehicle has any modifications - 50%

Factors driving used car purchase decisions

The research also looked into the factors that are driving used car purchase decisions.

The cost of the car itself remains the largest factor for 65% of motorists.

Fuel costs also weigh heavily on the buying process for 44% of drivers, followed closely by road tax costs (42%).

Two-in-five (39%) research the general maintenance costs before purchase, and 16% factor in the cost of regional charges such as London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ).

Only one-in-10 (10%) buyers do not factor in anything in particular when looking at purchasing a used car.

Close Brothers Motor Finance ensures that history of a vehicle is checked before a finance package is provided.

John Cassidy, Close Brothers Motor Finance managing director, said: “Despite the fact that cost is the most important consideration for buyers of used vehicles, it’s somewhat surprising to see that many buyers chose not to carry out checks which could save them money in the long-term.

“Carrying out tasks, such as checking the mileage, fuel economy and service history of a vehicle, are quick and easy ways to ensure a car being purchased has less risk of becoming a financial ticking timebomb.

"Unfortunately the rise of car buying activity on online marketplace platforms means that there’s been an increase in consumers buying vehicles blind.

"Many motorists are also unaware that factors such as modifications have implications on insuring a vehicle, potentially leading to higher premiums."