Half of used cars have been in an accident

The RAC revealed that 58% of vehicles that underwent one of its vehicle examinations in January had been involved in an accident at some point, and 30% had dangerous faults.

Nearly 80% of vehicles checked would have failed a basic MOT and 82% had faults that would cost more than £200 to put right.

Nick Lindsay, head of RAC Consumer Vehicle Examinations, said: "It's easy to be taken in by good looks and the right price, but our figures show that once you get below the flashy exterior, many cars have something to hide.

"This means at best consumers could be buying vehicles that need repair and worst they could be buying a death trap - a scary thought indeed."

Mr Lindsay added it was not just mechanical faults that used car buyers needed to protect themselves from. "A seller could be selling a stolen car or one that has outstanding finance and no amount of looking under the bonnet will help buyers discover that," he said.