In an era when most of us are questioned by the bank if we try to withdraw over £1000 it is astonishing that Facebook Marketplace remains packed with counterfeit designer and luxury goods for sale, dodgy cars, vehicles with fake or cloned plates, plus 100s of ads for rubbish removal on a cash-in-hand basis etc. which is arguably the primary driver behind UK fly tipping on an industrial scale.
New research of some 200 car adverts has revealed some shocking safety issues, here’s the word;
A new study conducted by road safety experts at etyres has uncovered an alarming trend: sellers advertising cars on Facebook Marketplace without disclosing important safety information.
Automotive experts at etyres have analysed 200 used car advertisements from across the UK on Facebook Marketplace to calculate how many fail to mention safety details such as MOT status, service history, tyre condition, and V5C log book information. Shockingly one in four (25%) of the advertisements analysed DON’T include any of this safety information whatsoever.
The Consumer Rights Act states that goods sold by individuals must match their description. Selling a car without safety information isn’t illegal, however, selling an unroadworthy car is illegal unless the buyer is fully aware. If the buyer proceeds with the purchase despite missing safety details and the seller hasn’t made false claims, returning the car isn’t an option, leaving the buyer responsible for any costs.
Four hidden safety risks of buying cars from Facebook Marketplace revealed by research
1. Not listing MOT status – One-third of ads fail to do this
Shockingly, etyres’ study uncovered that one-third of car advertisements analysed failed to mention the MOT status of the vehicles being sold. While it’s legal to privately sell a car that has failed its MOT, buyers must be aware so they can arrange transportation to a garage for the test as soon as they purchase the car. Driving a car without a valid MOT certificate, including during test drives, can result in hefty fines of up to £1,000.
2. Failing to disclose tyre information – Only one in seven car advertisements analysed disclosed any information about tyres
Tyre tread depth is a critical safety indicator, yet only one in seven car advertisements analysed disclosed any information about tyres. Given that tyre tread depth is the most common reason cars fail their MOT in winter followed by tyre faults in general, this oversight is alarming. The legal tread depth limit in the UK is 1.6mm, however, etyres recommends changing your tyres at 3mm as once they are below this, stopping distances increase drastically. Buying a car that is at or close to the legal tread depth limit will cost on average £400 for a new set of mid-range tyres.
3. Service history omissions – 70% of car advertisements analysed omit crucial service history information
A staggering 70% of car advertisements analysed omit crucial service history information according to etyres’ study. It is estimated that not having a full-service history for your car can reduce its value by as much as 20%. Regular services allow small issues with cars to be identified and fixed before they become big problems that could lead to safety issues and MOT failure further down the road. As a buyer, if you are opting to buy a car that doesn’t have a full service history ensure this is reflected in the asking price before sealing the deal.
4. Missing V5C log book – 90% of car advertisements analysed failed to mention the presence of a V5C log book
A concerning 90% of car advertisements analysed failed to mention the presence of a V5C log book. The absence of this document raises significant concerns, including the risk of purchasing a stolen, written-off, or vehicle with unpaid finance against it. Even if there are no untoward reasons why the log book is missing it costs £25 to replace it.
Taking control: Four crucial safety checks when buying a car
Richard Croft, Operations Director at etyres has shared four safety checks drivers should complete before buying a car from social media “When considering buying a used car, it’s essential to undertake thorough checks. Begin by verifying the MOT Status through the gov.uk MOT history service to prevent a potential £1,000 fine.
“Don’t forget to find out the tyre condition of a vehicle before agreeing on the sale to avoid having to unexpectedly pay out on average £400 for a new set of mid-range tyres. Pay close attention to tyre tread, tyre pressure and examine the general tyre condition, including signs of wear, bulges, or punctures.
“Additionally, find out the vehicle’s service history to gain valuable insights into its maintenance record and potential future expenses. This information allows you to negotiate the purchase price while mitigating any hidden risks associated with incomplete service records. Finally, confirm the current owner has the V5C log book to safeguard yourself against potential legal entanglements and financial liabilities.”
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