AN urgent warning has been issued to used car owners over a basic mistake that could cost them £400 when they sell their motor.
An expert has revealed there are a number of things to-be buyers look out for when they’re looking to buy a second-hand vehicle.
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And he said while some of those things may seem minor, they can add up in cost.
Expert Steven Edwards said lights on the dashboard of a car should be dealt with whether you’re selling your motor or not – but they could seriously devalue your vehicle.
Steven, who is the editor at used car platform MOTORS, added that while you may not act on the warning light now to try to save your pennies, it could cost you in the long run.
He says that if warning lights are on when you say goodbye to your motor, buyers may ask you to cough up £400 to pay to get a service.
Steven said: “The brake, engine, airbag, coolant and low tyre pressure warning lights are just a few of the dashboard symbols drivers will be familiar with.
“While warning lights should be addressed with or without you selling your vehicle their presence could seriously affect a car’s value.
“Taking your car in for a full service before putting your vehicle up for sale will allow you to address these issues and get them fixed – boosting the value of your car and reassuring buyers.
“Unlike an MOT, which checks a car’s roadworthiness, full-service checks over the various aspects of the vehicle from electrics to tyres, identifying any underlying problems including dashboard warning lights.
“The cost of a full service will depend on the size of your vehicle, with smaller models averaging around £170 and larger makes hitting the £400 mark.
“Remember to keep a physical paper copy and receipt for your service should you need to produce it on the day of sale.”
It comes after another motoring expert revealed a common “flashing” dashboard alert could be a sign of a “big problem”.
Scotty Kilmer, who has fixed motors for over 50 years, also shared how a simple scan can save you hundreds.
While warning lights should be addressed with or without you selling your vehicle their presence could seriously affect a car’s value.
Steven Edwards
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Scotty issued a “serious warning to all car owners“.
He said: “When your check engine light comes on, that means there’s a trouble code stored in the computer and there’s a problem.
“These problems can be big or little.
“When [the light] flashes on and off, it means it’s big enough to ruin your catalytic converter.”
Scotty urged motorists not to ignore a flashing check engine light and to take the car to a garage immediately.
There, a technician can use a scan tool to diagnose the problem and fix it.
Scotty added: “Just pray it’s something simple like a misfire off a bad ignition coil and it’ll only cost you £40 for a new one.”
‘Timing is everything’ says ex-Top Gear host
By TOM DUFFY
AN ex-Top Gear host has urged Brits to hold off from buying a second car as prices continue to tumble.
Quentin Willson, who presented the original Top Gear show with Jeremy Clarkson in the 1990s, has urged punters to delay buying a used car.
Quentin, who used to run a used car dealership, has urged drivers to avoid jumping into the market too soon.
He said: “We could see spiking fuel costs because of instability in the Middle East, interest rates don’t look like they will be falling significantly soon, and consumer confidence is low with so much political uncertainty before an election. I don’t think this is a time to take any risks.”
With the price of petrol set to rise in the coming months, experts have all noted that used car prices are particularly low at the moment.
Quentin added: “If you do need to buy now then research prices, negotiate hard and only buy the best used car you can find.
“That means a desirable make and model, a good strong colour,
petrol engine, low mileage and a continuous service history from new.
“High mileage, tired looking used cars always depreciate the most. Lots of asset classes (expect gold) have weakened over the last few months.
“I’d watch the market and world events carefully and wait
to see if things start to recover. This is definitely a buyer’s market where timing is everything.”
