Auto-topsy Report: Are Brits Selling Dodgy Cars to Avoid Repair Costs?

In a revelation that might take car buyers by surprise, our latest survey has found that almost one in seven Brits (15%) admit to having sold a car they knew had issues - all to avoid the cost of repairs. Additionally, a third (31%) of people who have not done this would consider doing so in the future. 

With this in mind, we set out to learn more about what the general public knows, and needs to know, before buying a car, so that every car buyer feels confident and empowered to make the best possible decision.

Dodgy deals: Who’s most guilty? 💔

Millennials are leading the charge when it comes to offloading unreliable rides. A third of 25–34-year-olds (33%) confessed to selling  a faulty vehicle, while nearly half (49%) said they’d consider doing so in future. In contrast, only 16% of people over 55 would even entertain the idea.

It’s no wonder that 42% of Brits say they’ve bought a used car that later revealed hidden issues. But what are the most common problems sellers knowingly pass on to buyers? It’s a tie between weak or dying batteries and engine problems, both cited by 19% of those who admitted to selling cars with known faults.

These issues aren’t minor, either. A failing battery can leave a driver stranded, and engine misfiring, knocking, or oil leaks can often signal deeper mechanical problems.

Other issues commonly passed onto the next owner were:

• Air conditioning not working (16%) 
• Excessive oil consumption (15%) 
• Overheating problems (14%) 
• Transmission issues such as slipping gears or hard shifting (14%) 
• Coolant leaks or a faulty radiator (14%)

Buyer beware: Most still struggle to spot the signs ⛔️

Shockingly, 12% of buyers took no steps at all to check a vehicle’s history, relying solely on the seller’s word. A further 5% admitted they didn’t even know they should check.

Among those who did their homework:

• 81% did some sort of history check prior to purchasing their vehicle49% requested full service and MOT records
• 32% ran a car history check—tools like Carmoola’s free history checker are becoming increasingly popular for this very reason.

Despite these efforts, nearly half (49%) of UK drivers admit they don’t feel confident spotting red flags, showing there’s a real need for better consumer education in the used car market.

Trust issues: Dealerships reign supreme 🤝

So, where are Brits buying their cars from, and who do they trust?

Looking at where drivers purchased their last vehicle, it seems that dealerships still come top:

• Franchised dealership (32%) 
• Independent dealership (28%) 
• Private seller (16%) 
• Online retailer (10%)

Dealerships also top the list for buyer trust.  Half of Brits (50%) say they’d rather buy from an established dealer than a private seller. Only 12% trust online reviews, and just 10% say they trust private sellers - underscoring a major gap in confidence when buying second-hand.

Top tips: Avoid getting stung 🦂

Carmoola asked ex-car salesperson Daryl for his advice on buying a second-hand car safely and to avoid a big payout for issues in the future. Here’s what he had to say:

Check the MOT history:

“It’s free to do on the GOV.UK website and can reveal shocking details—like repeated MOT failures or years without testing. A quick check could save you from a dodgy deal.”

Run a full background check:

“Comprehensive vehicle checks can tell you if the car’s been written off, stolen, or has outstanding finance. You can even do this for free through Carmoola’s app.”

Know your rights:

It’s important to know that the Consumer Rights Act gives you the legal right to return or reject a car within 30 days if it has a major fault, was misrepresented during the sale, or isn’t safe to drive. If you’re buying a car without seeing it in person—such as through an online purchase—you’re also covered by the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation, and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013. These rules offer extra protection by including a cooling-off period, which lets you change your mind and return the vehicle even if there’s no issue with it.

Choose a dealership:

When shopping for a car, it’s a good idea to choose a trusted dealership over a private seller, as this generally offers greater protection for buyers. Dealerships often have customer reviews, which can provide extra confidence in your purchase.

The bottom line? 🏁

Buying a used car is a great way to save, but you still need to carry out some due diligence. With one in seven people knowingly selling faulty cars, and even more open to the idea, buyers need to be more informed than ever. 

Use all the tools at your disposal, stay alert for red flags, and never be afraid to walk away from a deal that doesn’t feel right.