I am considering buying a second-hand car. Does this mean it is more likely to break down?
Age and mileage raise the odds, but history and maintenance matter more. A five-year-old car with a full service record and new tyres is a better bet than a three-year-old car that has been neglected. The breakdown statistics the big providers publish each year are dominated by the same faults regardless of age: batteries, tyres, alternators and starter motors, most of which are maintenance items.
Before buying, check the MOT history online (it is free and shows advisories), look for evidence of regular servicing, and have an independent inspection if the price justifies it. Walk away from anything with a patchy history.
For cover, two things change with an older car. First, budget policies often exclude vehicles over 10 to 16 years, so check the eligibility before comparing prices. Second, home start becomes worth having, because electrical faults in older cars most often show up first thing in the morning on the driveway. Our guide to breakdown policies covers the rest.
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