Top Gear 'highlights road safety issue when buying used cars'

Date: 17/2/2011

Top Gear has helped to shine a spotlight on the dangers that can arise when purchasing a second-hand car, according to one group.

In the latest episode of the BBC motoring magazine show, the three presenters each purchased seemingly identical used BMW 325i convertibles as part of their weekly challenge.

However, differences between the cars soon arose, with Richard Hammond discovering a mileage discrepancy on his motor, along with an inadequate security system, suggesting it had been badly modified.

As a result, presenter Jeremy Clarkson urged viewers to always take caution when buying a second-hand car as among these road safety issues, there may also be outstanding finance attached to it.

Commenting on the show, Nicola Johnson, Consumer Services Manager at vehicle checking service HPI, said: "Whilst most used car buyers will not expect to purchase a used car at new car showroom standard, a seemingly perfect vehicle with a hidden history can still come at a heavy price. The HPI Check offers consumers the best protection from buying a banger like the Top Gear team did."

Elsewhere, TRACKER has warned that the lack of modern security features on classic cars can make them an easy target for thieves.

Posted by Sarah Bailey