Top 10 Used Car Myths Busted for East London Buyers

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

1. Myth: “All used cars are unreliable”

Many folk reckon that a second-hand car means trouble.

But that isn’t true.

Modern vehicles are built to last 200,000 miles or more—with proper servicing and care, reliability is excellent.

In fact, certified dealers in places like Romford Road or Ilford often offer used cars with warranties and full service history.

Don’t let gossip about “dodginess” steer you away—look for proven checks and credible dealers instead.

If you’re wondering what happens when things do go wrong, check out our page on what to do if a dealership sells you a faulty car in the UK.

2. Myth: “If it’s cheap, it must be poor quality”

Being budget-conscious doesn’t automatically dampen quality.

Yes, a lower price can reflect lesser condition or higher mileage—but that’s not always the case.

Some sellers just need to move a car quickly, while others price competitively.

The key is looking past the price tag: inspect the bodywork, maintenance history, MOT results, and drivability.

East London buyers can nab surprisingly well-kept models at fair prices if they do their homework.

3. Myth: “You can’t get finance on a used car”

This is outdated.

Many East London dealers partner with financial providers to offer hire purchase (HP) or personal contract purchase (PCP) deals—even on older models.

You can also approach credit unions or online lenders directly.

Lenders typically assess based on income, credit score, and vehicle age.

Plug in the numbers, and you might find finance terms as good as—if not better than—new-car deals.

So yes, finance does exist in this market.

For guidance on handling payments confidently, check out our guide on how to pay for a car at a dealership.

4. Myth: “High mileage means trouble”

Mileage matters—but it tells only part of the story.

A 12‑year-old car with 80,000 miles driven primarily on the motorway may be in better shape than a 5‑year‑old with 100,000 town miles.

What really counts is how the car was driven and serviced.

Ask for full service records, MOT history, and a check on timing belt or clutch changes.

In East London, it’s common to find well-maintained bangers that smash the mileage stereotype—just ask around local MOT centres for insight.

5. Myth: “Private sellers always offer better bargains”

Private sales can seem cheaper—there’s no VAT, dealer markup, or admin fees.

But gone are the safety nets: no Consumer Rights Act protection, no warranties, and no finance options.

Dealers, by contrast, often provide vehicle checks, part exchanges and peace of mind—safe if you pick trustworthy ones.

If opting for a private buy, always do an HPI check, insist on a full service history, and test-drive the car thoroughly.

In many cases, paying a bit more at a respected East London dealer is worth it for the security it brings.

6. Myth: “Service history doesn’t matter much”

Skipping full service history?

Big error.

It confirms regular oil changes, brake servicing, timing-belt replacements, and preventive fixes.

A car without it is a gamble—problems often emerge after purchase.

Dealers and private sellers who can’t back up mileage or servicing should set off alarm bells.

Buyers in East London have plenty of garages like Halfords or Kwik Fit eager to print service histories—systems that are worth checking before buying.

To understand how long servicing actually takes and what’s involved, check out our article on how long it takes to service a car at a dealership.

7. Myth: “All dealers are dodgy”

Yes, some dealers have given the industry a bad name—but many are reputable, especially those affiliated with the AA or RAC.

Pick one that offers warranties, transparent pricing, and invites independent inspections.

A quick search for online reviews and Google ratings can help vet them.

Many East London dealerships now operate with crystal-clear policies—no smoke, no mirrors.

Do your due diligence on dealer reputation, policies, and customer feedback.

8. Myth: “Diesel cars are always a bad buy”

Diesel has taken a hit lately—especially in ULEZ zones—but not every diesel is doomed.

Older Euro 4 and Euro 5 diesels in clean condition, driven mainly on motorways, can still be economical.

Many hold ULEZ exemptions, and for high-mileage drivers, they remain cost-effective.

Always check ULEZ compliance before buying—ULEZ is expanding, after all.

If you only do shorter drives, a modern petrol or hybrid might be better—but a diesel can still shine if you know what to look for.

Interested in hybrid options? Check out our guide on what insurance group a Toyota Yaris Hybrid falls under.

9. Myth: “Once it’s bought, it’s final—no turning back”

UK consumer rights are stronger than you might think.

The Consumer Rights Act allows a 30-day “short-term right to reject” a faulty car bought from a dealer—for a full refund.

After that, you have up to six months to seek repairs or partial refunds if issues arise.

Private sales don’t include this, but you do have rights against misrepresentation.

Just be sure to read the dealer’s terms and know your rights before signing anything.

For full legal advice on this topic, check out our page on what to do if a dealership sells you a faulty car.

10. Myth: “It’s cheaper to buy outside East London”

Shopping further afield can appear cheaper—outer-London towns often show slightly lower asking prices.

But you need to factor in travel costs, time, and lack of aftercare.

Local buying means easier warranty claims, quicker servicing, and stronger recourse if things go wrong.

Plus, supporting nearby businesses helps smaller dealers thrive.

Often, paying slightly more locally yields better value long-term.

If you’re curious about haggling, see our guide on how much dealerships might come down on price in the UK.

Bonus Tip: Clocked Cars & Odometer Fraud

Clocking, or rolling back an odometer, is illegal and common enough—about 15% in some markets.

Spot inconsistencies: unusual wear on pedals, misaligned service stickers, or mismatched MOT history.

Always request Vehicle History Reports via HPI, DVLA or MyMotoring.

When in doubt, a local garage inspection can help detect tampering—better safe than thousands out of pocket.

Conclusion

So there you have it—ten myths debunked.

Buying a used car in East London doesn’t have to be daunting.

Just focus on:

• Service history – ask for full records
• Mileage logic – assess not just miles, but care
• Dealer vetting – look for transparency, warranties, reviews
• Rights awareness – know what you’re entitled to
• Clocking caution – confirm true mileage

Armed with this guide, you’ll shop smarter, avoid common traps, and drive off feeling confident.

✅ Buyer’s Checklist (Quick View)

Checklist Item	Why It Matters
Full service history	Proven care
MOT & HPI report	Detects fraud/issues
30‑day return policy	Consumer protection
Dealer warranty	Avoid costly surprises
ULEZ compliance	Avoid charges
Independent inspection	Catch hidden problems