New research has revealed some of the strangest and scariest experiences consumers have had when buying used cars. From setting alight on the way home from the dealer, to the complete absence of third gear, the full list of used car horror stories has been released just in time for spooky season.

Car gap insurance provider, ALA Insurance, carried out the research by analysing public messenger board, Reddit, to find the strangest stories.

Ten of the Strangest Used Car Horror Stories

The lights of a Volvo VR6 GTI exploded and set on fire just moments after driving away from the car dealer’s.
A 2003 R52 Mini Cooper’s third gear had completely blown away, so the only way to get into it was to grind it and continuously press the clutch.
The soft top of a 2004 Honda S2000 was so battered that it “looked like a lion tried to get into a car”.
The owner of a 2018 Audi S5 Sporback stopped being able to open the doors from the inside despite the car being just three years old.
A 1990 Ford Probe owner experienced a failed battery days after buying the car, followed by the whole engine exploding after 5000 miles.
One owner bought a ‘pristine looking’ 1997 red Subaru Legacy that turned bright pink after a few weeks due to a botched paint job.
The owner of a 1993 Nissan Pulsar found that the seats were stuffed with used t-shirts, while a melted candle was stuck to the centre console.
The same Nissan Pulsar owner found that the fuel leaked everytime the car was parked on a hill.
A 1997 Bonneville was sold with parts held by Gorilla tape, including the rusted tyre fenders which were also fixed with newspaper.
The owner of a Porsche 911 C4 experienced a burning smell and a loud noise on route home after buying. It turned out the previous owner racked up £4,000 worth of damages that hadn’t been mentioned in the deal.
The list has been compiled in a bid to encourage used car buyers to always look out for hidden mechanical issues and deceptive sellers before completing a transaction.

ALA Insurance hopes that by highlighting the strange and spooky stories people have about used cars, it will encourage buyers to be more vigilant.

Simon England, Founder and Managing Director of the leading car gap insurance company, has provided advice to those looking to buy a used car:

“When buying a used car, it’s important to thoroughly research the specific make and model, checking for common issues and recalls. Obtain a comprehensive vehicle history report to reveal any hidden problems and schedule a pre-purchase inspection with a trusted mechanic.

Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, scrutinise the seller’s credibility, and understand your rights under consumer protection laws. Consider securing financing pre-approval to establish a budget and avoid high-pressure sales situations. A secure car warranty can also act as a safety net to cover any faults post-purchase too.

With a well-informed and diligent approach, used car owners can significantly reduce the risk of encountering issues commonly associated with purchasing a second-hand car.”