The hidden maintenance costs of used cars are one of the biggest factors buyers overlook in 2025. With new car prices still high and waiting lists long, second-hand vehicles remain in strong demand. But while the purchase price may seem like a bargain, unexpected upkeep expenses can quickly creep up after the sale
In fact, it’s not unusual for a “cheap” used car to need £1,000–£2,000 of essential repairs within the first year of ownership. Here are the most common costs UK buyers underestimate — and how to protect yourself from nasty surprises.
You can check the age, mileage and MOT history of any UK registered car for free using Total Car Check.
1. Brakes: Pads and Discs Wear Faster Than You Think
Brake components are designed to wear out — and many used cars are sold just as they’re due for replacement.
- Average costs in 2025:
- Brake pads only: £150–£300
- Pads + discs per axle: £240–£400
- Full set (front & rear): £500–£600+
What buyers overlook: An MOT certificate doesn’t guarantee healthy brakes. Pads can be thin, discs may be scored, and even “advisories” often get ignored by sellers.
Pro tip: Always check MOT history online for brake-related advisories and budget for replacements if they’re more than a year old.
2. Suspension: Arms, Bushes and Shocks
Potholes, kerbs and speed bumps take their toll on suspension. As you know, the UK’s roads are full of such hazards these days, meaning Garages are fixing a lot of suspension issues. Worn suspension bushes or arms don’t just reduce comfort — they can affect steering precision and tyre wear.
- Average costs in 2025:
- Lower suspension arm: ~£150 per side
- Bush replacement: £400–£650
- Minor suspension repairs: £100–£600
- Full suspension overhaul: £1,000–£3,000
What buyers overlook: Suspension issues often sound like faint knocks or squeaks. These may not be obvious on a short test drive but can become expensive quickly.
Pro tip: Ask the garage or seller when the suspension was last replaced. On higher-mileage cars, assume bushes and arms will need attention soon.
3. Tyres: Safety at a Price
Tyres are one of the easiest ways to cut corners when selling a car. A vehicle may pass its MOT with legal tread, but that doesn’t mean they’re safe, efficient or long-lasting.
- Average costs in 2025:
- Budget tyre: £50–£60 each
- Mid-range: £70–£90 each
- Premium: £115–£220 each
- Full set of four: £400–£600 including fitting and balancing
What buyers overlook: Cheap or mismatched tyres can reduce braking performance and increase fuel use.
Pro tip: Check the tyre brand, tread depth and age (printed on the sidewall of the tyre) and ensure any new tyre matches the specification. Anything over 5–6 years old may need replacing soon, regardless of tread.
4. Timing Belt and Timing Chain
One of the most overlooked but most expensive hidden costs. A failed timing belt can destroy an engine.
- Average costs in 2025:
- Belt replacement (with water pump): £400–£800
- Timing chain replacement: £800–£1,500+
What buyers overlook: Sellers often won’t replace timing belts before selling. If there’s no documented service history, check the mileage/age of the vehicle and follow the manufacturers recommendation on when it needs to be replaced.
Pro tip: Factor this into your negotiation. Spending £500 on a new belt is cheaper than risking a £3,000 engine repair.
5. Batteries: More Than Just a Jump Start
As more hybrids and EVs enter the used market, battery health is becoming a major concern.
- Average costs in 2025:
- Standard 12v battery: £100–£200
- Hybrid battery replacement: £2,000–£5,000
- EV traction battery: £5,000–£15,000
- Battery health check: £50–£150
What buyers overlook: A weak 12v battery can leave you stranded. Worse, an EV with degraded range may seem like a bargain but could lose thousands in resale value.
Pro tip: For EVs and hybrids, always request a battery health certificate. Some manufacturers provide warranty cover up to 8 years — check carefully. Read our ultimate guide to buying a used car.
6. Air Conditioning and Climate Control
You might not test the A/C on a chilly day — but replacing a faulty compressor is anything but cheap.
- Average costs in 2025:
- Air-con re-gas: £60–£120
- Compressor replacement: £500–£1,200
What buyers overlook: Climate systems are complex, and leaks often return if not fixed properly.
Pro tip: Run the air conditioning on both hot and cold before you buy. Weak performance often points to bigger problems.
7. Exhausts, DPFs and Catalytic Converters
Exhaust systems don’t last forever. Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) and catalytic converters are particularly costly.
- Average costs in 2025:
- DPF cleaning: £200–£400
- DPF replacement: £1,000–£2,000+
- Catalytic converter: £700–£1,200
What buyers overlook: A seller might reset a warning light just before selling. Problems may reappear within days of ownership.
Pro tip: Check MOT history for emissions-related advisories and avoid cars mostly used for short trips (higher risk of clogged DPF).
8. The “Small but Annoying” Extras
It’s not just the big jobs. A series of smaller fixes can quickly drain your budget:
- Windscreen replacement: £200–£400
- Wheel alignment: £40–£80
- Wiper motor replacement: £150–£250
- Key fob reprogramming: £80–£200
Individually small, but combined they can add up to the cost of a month’s finance payment.
What about Electric Cars?
Electric cars generally have lower maintenance costs than combustion engine vehicles because they have far fewer moving parts and no need for many traditional engine components. An EV doesn’t require oil changes, spark plugs, timing belts, or exhaust system repairs, all of which are routine expenses for petrol and diesel cars. The braking system also tends to last longer thanks to regenerative braking, which reduces wear on brake pads and discs. Read more on the benefits of buying an electric car.
How to Avoid These Hidden Costs
- Run a full vehicle history check — Spot MOT advisories, mileage discrepancies, outstanding finance, and more.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection — A professional check (around £150) could save thousands.
- Ask the right questions — Timing belt done? Suspension replaced? Battery tested? If there’s no paperwork, budget for it.
- Budget realistically — Add £500–£1,000 on top of the purchase price for immediate repairs.
- Don’t rush — A thorough test drive (urban + motorway) reveals much more than a quick spin.
Final Thoughts
Used cars remain a smart way to save money in 2025, but the real cost of ownership is more than just the sticker price. Brakes, suspension, tyres, batteries, and timing belts are the most common hidden expenses that buyers underestimate.
By doing your homework, checking service records, and setting aside a repair fund, you can turn what looks like a risky purchase into a reliable bargain.
Buying used should save money — not cost more in the long run.
Repair cost sources:
- RAC
- CheckaTrade
- FixMyCar
- ClickMechanic
You’ve covered many of the hidden costs that catch buyers off guard. I especially appreciate the emphasis on timing belts and suspension.
One thing I’ve seen often on different sites like enginefinders.co.uk, is buyers underestimating how vehicle history and usage patterns (e.g. whether it was used for short city trips vs long motorway drives) can accelerate wear on components like brakes, DPFs, and even engine internals. Even if the MOT record looks clean, those usage details can tell a different story.
My suggestion is that always try to get a full service history and ask not just when parts were replaced, but under what conditions the car has been used. That can save you thousands in surprise repairs down the line.
Great feedback Henry. Thanks for taking the time