Used car buying and clock change driving risks

In a cautionary tale for used car buyers, The Northern Echo has reported the prosecution of a car dealer who bought cheap vehicles at auction and sold them on without carrying out urgently needed repairs.

Teesside Crown Court heard how 34-year-old Andrew Robson was repeatedly warned by Trading Standards officials, until he was finally charged.

In one case, a man who bought a Mazda 5, advertised as being in good working condition, soon found a broken turbocharger and a heavy oil leak.

In another, an elderly customer bought a Mini One for his grandson, but it broke down within an hour.

Overall, the investigation showed that Robson spent nearly £500,000 at vehicle auctions over a period of about two years, selling most of the cars for twice what he paid for them.

The defence admitted it was sheer good fortune that none of the drivers were injured. Judge Sean Morris told him: “You fobbed people off with a pack of lies.”

In other safety-related news, research by Insurethebox has revealed a 34% increase in accident rates between 5pm and 8pm in the weeks following the October clock change.

Young drivers, aged 17-25, are more likely to have a smash than experienced motorists, the analysis found, as their normal drive home from work will be much darker than they’ve been used to, with the additional risk that roads are likely to be slippery.

“Our data shows that accident risk increases as a direct result of the clocks going back,” said Sarah Vaughan, head of pricing at Insurethebox.

“For many young drivers, the evenings after the clock change will be their first experience of driving in the dark, coping with different conditions.

“We are highlighting our findings to encourage all motorists to be mindful of the lower visibility and to watch out for wet weather.”

Bought to you by MyCarCheck.com.