Forty per cent of cars will break down in first year post-manufacturer warranty, it has been claimed.

Data from Warranty Direct suggests that two in every five '52-plate' cars will suffer some degree of mechanical failure over the next twelve months, after the manufacturer’s three-year warranty ends.

The company’s warranty bills suggest the typical repair bill for a three-year old car is currently £308.25, 'escalating into the thousands' for any major mechanical failures.

The commonest problems recorded in the 12 months after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired relate to the suspension (34%), braking system (22%), electrics (22%), and engine (19%).