A veteran car dealer has revealed a trio of popular car brands he would never purchase second-hand - even if they're priced well.
After almost two decades in the motor trade, Tom Kershaw is well versed in which models are most likely to leave their owners out of pocket - and which you can rely on. The salesman, from Bristol, warns even models from manufacturers that appear to be in good condition can quickly deteriorate into a costly nightmare to run.
After conferring with experts from Number 1 Plates and drawing on average annual repair costs from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, as well as his 18 years car-selling experience, the expert has identified which brands to avoid and explained his reasoning behind each one. "Some cars are beautifully made — until they start going wrong," the pro said. "And once they do, they don't stop. When you work in the business, you quickly learn which badges to walk away from."
While the Fiat 500 may appear budget-friendly, it can be expensive to repair(
Fiats, particularly the Fiat 500, are often seen as budget-friendly city cars, but Tom warns that their long-term ownership costs can be deceptively high. With an average annual repair bill of £413.21, common problems include electrical failures, clutch wear and suspension issues — especially on entry-level models.
Tom's advice is to avoid any Fiat lacking a comprehensive maintenance record or showing large gaps between services. He added: "The Fiat 500 is everywhere, but they're often on their third clutch before they hit 70,000 miles. It's rarely worth the hassle. A Fiat without proof of regular maintenance? Walk away."
BMWs can be expensive to maintain, especially if something goes wrong
BMW is another popular brand that Tom recommends approaching with caution. Although BMWs are celebrated for their driving experience, their maintenance costs can surprise unsuspecting buyers. With an average annual repair cost of £539.63, Beemers can become expensive to own once the manufacturer's warranty expires, especially diesel models with mileages between 70,000 and 100,000, with repairs 'easily exceeding' £1,000 if not addressed promptly.
Tom stresses the importance of reviewing the car's full maintenance history, seeking invoices for significant work rather than just service stamps, and steering clear of vehicles with recurring MOT advisories. "BMWs are fantastic to drive, but once the warranty's gone, expect bills. Timing chains, EGR valves, DPF blockages — they all come knocking," he warned.
Land Rovers are one of the most costly cars to repair
Land Rover tops Tom's list of vehicle brands to avoid when buying used. With an average annual repair bill of £550.48, Land Rovers are among the most expensive vehicles to maintain. Tom has found that while these vehicles are visually appealing and feel high-end, their reliability can be found to be lacking.
He frequently encountered repeat issues with certain models, including air suspension failures, electrical problems, oil leaks and gearbox problems, which he warned could often appear well before the vehicle reached 100,000 miles. Tom advises that buyers should only consider a used Land Rover if it comes with a complete dealer service history and documentation of major repairs.
He concluded: "They look great and feel premium, but the reliability isn't there. I've had customers bring back Discoverys and Freelanders with the same issues again and again."
So while Tom acknowledges there are good examples of every car brand, he he stands by his warnings: "People fall for a badge or a bargain. But if you end up with a money pit, it's no deal at all. Buy smart, not shiny." His final piece of advice: "Stick to brands with a reputation for reliability, and don’t be afraid to walk away if the history doesn't stack up."
Fiat, Land Rover, and BMW have been approached for comment.
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