More than two out of four used cars would fail an MoT, the RAC says

More than 40% of the cars up for sale would fail an MoT test, it said.

The RAC analysed 500 of its own vehicle inspection reports and found 18% of the cars had at least one dangerous fault, with a further 4% classed as illegal.

Among the faults found - described by the RAC as "very worrying" - were badly or unevenly worn tyres, fuel leaks, damaged brakes and uneven steering.

The RAC study follows last week's Which? magazine report, which said three out of four cars it had tested received poor service from garage mechanics.

'Buyer beware'

Tony Noakes, head of RAC inspection services, said: "The level of issues we find with used vehicles is very worrying.

"Half of vehicles we checked had more than 10 faults. And even if they weren't a risk to motorists' safety, 60% of those with faults would cost the new owner more than �200 to fix.

"Potential issues are many and varied but reliable inspection services are not. Our motto for RAC inspections is always 'buyer beware'," he said.

Motorists buying a used car are being advised to get it independently inspected, but also to check its history to make sure it has not been stolen, written off for insurance purposes or still carries an outstanding loan.

Last week's Which? survey showed mechanics carried out unnecessary work at a quarter of garages. Others skimped on basic checks.

This included not checking the brakes or gearbox, which could leave motorists with potentially unsafe cars.

Which? booked 48 cars into garages for a full service, introducing three faults that should be picked up in a service.

Immediately after each service, the cars were checked to see whether the faults had been spotted, and inspected to see exactly which parts of the car had been checked and which items had been fixed or replaced.