New plate may start car sales surge

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The launch of the new '59' number plate on September 1 could prompt a rush in car-buying across the UK and help stimulate the used-car market in particular, according to a poll.

Three fifths (59 per cent) of people are looking to buy a used car as their next vehicle, despite some of the benefits that buying a car from new can offer, such as a manufacturer's warranty.

Car insurance company esure have urged people buying a second-hand car to get it checked out before they commit to the deal. Otherwise they may find themselves out-of-pocket when trying to insure the vehicle and its murky past emerges.

Potential pitfalls in buying used cars vary from them being stolen or having a costly fault, to coming with considerable accident damage or outstanding finance. The true market value of the car could be revealed when you need to make an insurance claim or go to re-sell the car.

"Every month thousands of damaged cars end up at salvage yards when insurers deem them a total loss and many end up back in the used-car market when they aren't roadworthy," said Head of Risk and Underwriting at esure car insurance Mike Pickard.

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