'I'm a mechanic and you should avoid buying these used cars in UK before major change'

A car mechanic has issued a stark warning to motorists looking to buy used cars, naming certain models that he believes should be avoided.

The trend of opting for second-hand vehicles over brand new ones has surged in recent years, as drivers hunt for nearly-new cars at bargain prices. This shift in consumer behaviour has allowed some car dealers to increase their prices in response to the increased demand.

However, amidst the scramble for a premium deal, experts have been advising potential buyers on what to look out for, which models to opt for, and which to steer clear of. In response to a query about the least reliable vehicles, car mechanic and author James Goodhand offered some advice on which cars prospective buyers should approach with caution.

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James singled out two popular brands at opposite ends of the premium scale, pinpointing Jaguar Land Rover's Range Rover model and certain used Ford cars as ones to avoid.

Speaking about Range Rovers, he said: "The ownership experience is akin to sitting in a comfy leather chair on top of a block of flats, tearing up fifty-pound notes."

He added: "As I have had to advise several unfortunate customers who've faced ruination, this is a £100k car and no matter that you bought it second hand for £25k, it still has the running costs of a hundred-grand vehicle, and an appallingly built one at that."

On Fords, James added: "Sadly (as a historic blue oval fan) I tend to direct people away from used Fords. The petrol engines with their 'wet belts' can be an absolute disaster - killing an engine if they break or disintegrating with a consequent 2k repair bill.

"Timing belts are reliant on friction and rubber breaks down in oil, and yet these engines have the belt quite deliberately running in engine oil as a timing chain would. And Ford's diesels seem to suffer more particulate filter issues than most, so the brand is best avoided full stop."

While James slammed second-hand Fords, another motor expert sang the praises of one of the marque's most beloved models, the Ford Focus, claiming it represented excellent value in the used market.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Paul Lucas championed the Mk1 Ford Focus for its straightforward design and dependability. He told the publication: "For me, a 20-year-old 1.6 litre Mk1 Ford Focus is top for reliability.

"It was designed before all the unnecessary bells and whistles came in and even lets you start the car with a real key rather than press a button. I bought mine 15 years ago for £500 and have no regrets."

The contrasting views from James and Paul emerge as the pre-owned vehicle sector experiences significant transformation, driven by growing numbers of electric motors flooding the marketplace.

This trend has been highlighted by theSMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) who reported that appetite for second-hand electric vehicles had rocketed in 2024.

In a statement, they said: "Demand continued to soar for used battery electric cars (BEVs), rising some 57.4% to a record 188,382 units and achieving a new high for market share, at 2.5%, up from 1.7% in 2023 and 13 times larger than back in 2019.

"Combined, the number of used electrified vehicles changing hands increased by 43.3% on 2023, with more than half a million of these ultra low or zero emission motors accounting for a 7.7% share of sales.

"This growth aligns with the new car market and demonstrates the increasing demand and choice across the sector for new and used electric motors - at price points to suit all potential buyers."