Car buyers warned over relatives

01/11/11

By Shaun Teale

Consumers are falling foul of "rip-off relatives" when it comes to buying second-hand cars, according to a survey.

As many as 67 per cent of those who had bought a car from a relative had a bad experience, the poll by website Trusted Dealers found.

Also, 42 per cent said they had bought from a family member to save money but more than 65 per cent said the car had ended up costing them more in the long run.

The most common complaints after buying from relatives were mechanical problems, being over-charged and breaking down.

The survey also found that men were twice as likely to buy a car from their relatives as women, citing a desire to save money as the reason behind their decision. However more than 70 per cent of men said they ended up paying more than they expected for their car.

Trust was the main reason women gave for buying from a family member, followed by saving money and convenience.