Disputes in regards to the buy of a used automotive account for 40% of recent circumstances opened by clients in 2024, says The Motor Ombudsman.
This displays earlier developments seen by the Ombudsman’s impartial and neutral Various Dispute Decision (ADR) service (41% in 2023, and 38% in 2022 respectively).
Invoice Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and MD of The Motor Ombudsman, stated: “Used automobiles can show a cheap gateway to automotive possession, as a substitute for ordering from new.
“Nevertheless, for the comparatively cheaper price, this readily brings a level of utilization and put on from earlier possession. As our newest report has proven, the vast majority of points stem from what could be discovered underneath the bonnet.
“This, however, may not immediately be evident to buyers, coupled with the fact that any prior issues may not have been disclosed during the purchase process.”
Of those complaints, 91% have been about ICE fashions, adopted by a hybrid (5%), and a pure battery electrical variant (4%).
From round 16,300 used automotive disputes logged a couple of enterprise in 2024 underneath The Motor Ombudsman’s Chartered Buying and selling Requirements Institute (CTSI)-approved Car Gross sales Code (protecting new and used), 58% stemmed from a problem with a automobile’s engine.
The second most distinguished motive for shoppers to register their unresolved dispute is the extent of customer support delivered throughout the automotive shopping for expertise (17%).
The automobile’s bodywork and fixtures (7%) was the third largest motive for complaints in relation to a used automotive, adopted by issues in regards to the transmission (4%), and electrical techniques (3%).
When it comes to a really perfect decision, (29%) noticed an outright rejection of the automotive (in alternate for an equal mannequin for free of charge) as a good consequence whereas 26% have been in search of a full refund for the value paid for the automobile, and 18% have been looking for a free-of-charge restore.
