The vast majority of UK drivers feel underprepared when buying a used car, new research has found.
Almost three in four drivers (72%) admitted that they needed to refresh their used car buying knowledge, while almost a quarter (22%) said that they felt overwhelmed by the process and the amount of information involved. Of those asked, 13% believe the process has become even more complicated since their last used-car purchase, and only 15% of drivers stated that they feel confident and well prepared to buy a car today.
The research was carried out by us here at CarGurus, a leading automotive marketplace for browsing and buying used cars. Around 2,000 UK drivers were asked about their car-buying techniques and level of knowledge in the area, in order to get a better understanding of where buyers need support when purchasing.
This shortage of confidence is revealed following the publication of data by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) in April 2026, which suggests that people are holding onto their cars longer (the average age of a car on UK roads is now 9.7 years according to the data), meaning buyers dip into the market less often. That was backed up by our research, which revealed that 33% of respondents haven't bought a used car in more than three years, while it had been more than five years for 17% of drivers.
The findings of the research suggest numerous key gaps in knowledge - around cars in general, the buying process, and the availability of information and vehicle-checking tools - that leave buyers feeling exposed, and these knowledge gaps can also result in important checks being missed.
For instance, 51% stated that they wouldn’t check for outstanding finance on a car before buying. Indeed, 22% incorrectly believed that you couldn’t buy a car with outstanding finance, while 29% were unsure
The knowledge gaps seemed particularly evident among young drivers. Over a quarter of Gen Z respondents aged 17-29 believe that a full service history guarantees that a car will be problem-free, according to the research.
Indeed, the research found that many buyers had already skipped important checks on their most recent purchase. Of those surveyed, 16% didn’t check their car’s MOT history before buying, and 43% didn’t know that a vehicle’s MOT history can be checked for free, with 19% believing it would require a charge.
A fifth of drivers (20%) didn’t carry out a vehicle history check before making their most recent car purchase, while 14% didn’t review the service history. Incredibly, 19% didn’t even take a test drive before buying.
Many buyers admitted that they’d already fallen foul of failing to make these simple checks, with 34% of respondents discovering issues with their car soon after buying that they wished they had identified beforehand. Over half of these (55%) encountered a surprise mechanical issue, followed by electrical faults (24%) and corrosion (15%).
Among those who had regretted a used car purchase, unexpected repair costs were cited as the most common reason (30%), with respondents reporting an average spend of £900 during the first 12 months of ownership.
When it came to the biggest worries when buying a used car, fake documentation (28%), accident damage (26%) and finding a trustworthy seller (22%) came out on top amongst respondents, demonstrating the importance of going to a reputable seller for peace of mind.
Uncertainty also extends to the questions buyers ask before committing to a purchase. While 64% said they felt confident about knowing what to ask a seller or dealer, significant gaps remain in the questions they would actually raise. For example, 40% would not ask whether any major repair work had been carried out, and 38% would not ask whether the vehicle had previously been involved in an accident.
With many motorists recognising they need to brush up on their used car buying knowledge, professional mechanics were listed as the most trusted source of advice, named by 38% of respondents, ahead of a family member (16%). One in five (20%) would turn to car-shopping websites for advice, while 13% would consider AI search engines such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot.
To help motorists enhance their knowledge and navigate the used car market with greater confidence, CarGurus has created a Used Car Buyers Guide, covering key checks, questions and warning signs to consider before committing to a purchase, including what to inspect during a viewing to the questions to ask sellers.
Chris Knapman, CarGurus UK Editorial Director, said: “Buying a used car isn’t something most of us do every day, or even every few years, so it’s easy to feel a little out of practice when the time comes to change. The good news is that you don’t need to be a mechanic to make a more informed choice. You just need to know what to look for, what to ask and where to find reliable advice.
“Our Used Car Buyers Guide is designed to help drivers get back up to speed, cut through the jargon and approach their next purchase with greater confidence. Whether you’re buying your first used car or your fifth, a little preparation can go a long way.”
Click here for our Ultimate Used Car Buyer's Guide
