'Grill' dealers

The AA is urging buyers to “grill” used car retailers or risk purchasing unroadworthy or clocked vehicles.

AA engineers inspected 253 used cars over a three-day period and found that 144 needed essential repairs and 14 should have been scrapped. Most of the cars were for sale at dealerships.

The AA has introduced a Standard Check, costing £89 for members, £99 for non-members, as a less expensive option to the Essential Check service. Engineers will check fundamental safety and mechanical items before carrying out a road test.