That’s the advice from RAA’s vehicle inspection service, after it found only 16% of BMWs brought in for an RAA vehicle inspection last year were given the green light.

In 70% of cases, caution was advised in the form of a yellow light result – a rating that means potential buyers should proceed with caution, as there are some problems that may need attention.

However, it was the Land Rover that recorded highest number of serious roadworthy faults last year, with an average 2.3 serious faults per inspection.

RAA motoring expert Mark Borlace said it was worth noting the faults weren’t necessarily a result of defects with the car makes themselves, but rather how the vehicles had been looked after by previous owners.

Across all vehicle makes and models, there was an average of 10 faults at every inspection, including 178 cases that were serious enough to warrant a red-light rating.

“That’s 178 times when someone was considering buying a vehicle that would have been a terrible investment,” Mr Borlace said.

“That’s why it’s so important to get any car checked by a professional – it may cost you a small amount now but it could save you a lot of money in the long run.”

Top 5 serious roadworthy faults:

Headlights/Park/Driving lights

Stop/Tail/Number Plate Lights

Brake/Hose/Pipe Condition

Door glass/Windscreen & Tinting

Wipers/Washer