The Motor Ombudsman has issued a warning to anyone thinking about buying a second-hand car from a private seller rather than a new one this year due to the cost of living crisis. While it may seem a cheaper option at the time, it could cost more in the long run.
The Ombudsman dedicated to the automotive sector, has released research revealing that nearly three-quarters of consumers are more likely to buy a used car than a new one this year in order to save money. A quarter of potential buyers said they were in the market for a used car for the first time.
The survey also reveals that half would buy from a private seller they did not know, and a third said they believed it would be cheaper to buy from a private seller. However, The Motor Ombudsman is warning that cutting corners by buying from a private seller to save money could prove to be a false economy, as repair bills may mount up in the longer term and turn the car into a very expensive liability.
