10 Common Used Car Problems to Watch Out For
So, you’ve found a used car that looks great and sounds like a deal — but hold on! Before you hand over the money, make sure you’re not buying someone else’s problem. Here are 10 of the most common issues people run into with used cars, and how to spot them before it’s too late. Her is recent complaints and issues from Citizens Advise According to recent figures, used car complaints remain one of the most common consumer issues in the UK. In 2023, support services reportedly received nearly 43,000 complaints relating to used vehicles — that’s roughly one every three minutes.
A large portion of these complaints (around two-thirds) involved faulty or substandard cars, while around 13% were connected to safety concerns.
Additional survey results highlight how widespread the problem is: roughly 28% of buyers who purchased a used car within the last 10 years experienced at least one issue. The most frequent problems included:
- Cars that turned out to be defective (30%)
- Undisclosed damage at the time of sale (27%)
- Vehicles with higher mileage than advertised (19%)
The data also shows that interest in the used car market remains strong, with an estimated 3.5 million people — or 15% of the population — currently planning to purchase a used vehicle.
10 Common Used Car Problems to Watch Out For:
1. 🚨 Engine Problems
Listen closely when you start the car.
Weird noises like knocking, ticking, or rough idling could mean engine trouble.
Also, watch for smoke from the exhaust — especially blue or white smoke. Big red flag.
2. ⚙️ Rough Gear Shifting-Gearboxproblems
If it’s an automatic, dsg, cvt it should shift smoothly. Includes clutch issues with manual gearbox concerns.
If it jerks, hesitates, or clunks when changing gears — that’s a sign the transmission may be on its way out (and it’s expensive to fix!).
3. ⚠️ Dashboard Warning Lights
If the check engine light is on — or any other warning lights — that’s your cue to ask questions.
It might be something minor, or it might be hiding a major issue.
Ask the seller for a diagnostic scan or bring your own code reader.
4. 🚗 Rust & Hidden Body Damage
Look carefully around the wheel arches, under the doors, and beneath the car.
A little surface rust isn’t unusual, but deep rust or flaky metal is a big problem, especially if it’s on the frame.
5. 🔋 Weak Battery
Does the car hesitate or click when starting? That could be a dying battery.
Check the battery label — if it’s more than 4–5 years old, it’ll probably need replacing soon.
6. 🛞Worn or Uneven Tyres
Check all four tyres.
If they’re bald, cracked, or wearing unevenly, it could point to alignment or suspension issues — or just poor maintenance.
Bonus tip: don’t forget the spare!
7. 🛑 Squeaky or Soft Brakes
Screeching, grinding, or a soft brake pedal usually means the brakes are worn out.
Don’t ignore it — brakes are your most important safety feature.
8. 🚧 Bouncy Ride or Noisy Suspension
Take the car over a few bumps.
If it feels floaty, noisy, or unstable, the suspension might be worn.
Also try pressing down on each corner — if it bounces more than once, those shocks might be shot.
9. ❄️ Weak Air Conditioning
Test the AC! If it doesn’t blow cold, smells musty, or only works sometimes, you could be looking at a leak, electrical issue, or clogged system — all annoying to fix.
10. 🧾 No Service History
If the seller says “I lost the service book” or there’s no proof of maintenance, be careful. Avoid in all cost.
That usually means they haven’t looked after the car properly — and it could be hiding past issues.
Final Thought
Buying used is a smart way to save money — but only if you buy the right car.
Take your time, inspect everything, and when in doubt, get a professional opinion.
A quick look at these 10 Common Used Car Problems to Watch Out For things can save you from a very expensive mistake.
Buying a used VW. Buying used vauxhall, BMW, Jaguar, Ford, Volvo, Range rover, Bentley, Aston Martin, Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Hyundai, Tesla, Honda, Pagani