Drivers thinking about buying a used car have been urged to make one important check in a bid to avoid being scammed with a model that has a hidden history.

With the average cost of a used car on the decline, many motorists think now is the perfect time to get an attractive set of wheels for an even more enticing price.

However, John Cassidy, Managing Director of Sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance, highlighted that very few drivers check to see whether the model they are interested in buying has been involved in an accident.

He explained: "Despite the fact that cost is the most important consideration for buyers of used vehicles, it’s somewhat surprising to see that many buyers chose not to carry out simple checks which could save them money in the long-term.

“Carrying out simple tasks, such as checking the mileage, fuel economy and service history of a vehicle, are quick and easy ways to ensure a car being purchased has less risk of becoming a financial ticking timebomb. "

According to a study of 2,001 drivers from across the UK, 36 percent stated that they did not check whether their used car had previously been involved in an accident.

This can be particularly problematic for motorists, with accident damaged vehicles being hard to repair correctly and possibly being less safe for occupants in the event of a crash.

One of the easiest ways drivers can check whether a car has been involved in an accident is to look for misaligned or inconsistently coloured panels and inconsistent gaps in the bodywork.

Alternatively, John highlighted that many car financing firms will thoroughly check the history of any vehicle they sell, reducing the risk of being scammed.

He added: "Motor finance providers, such as Close Brothers Motor Finance, ensure that the history of a vehicle is checked before a finance package is provided, giving customers peace of mind that the car they are buying is of a good standard, reducing the chance of any costly surprises further down the line.

"Dealers will be able to support customers with any enquiries relating to a vehicle, and will assist with carrying out basic checks to ensure buyers are getting a safe vehicle for their money."