AFTER more than 50 years in the business, there is not much Barrie Reynolds doesn't know about the second-hand car industry.
As a result, spotting a vehicle's faults comes second nature to him.
But for those that it doesn't, the 75-year-old has a few words of wisdom.
Mr Reynolds, who runs Adelphi Garage, Main Street, Bulwell, said: "The real problem is people buying old bangers and expecting them to go forever.
"If a second-hand car buyer does anything, they should make sure it has got 12 months' MoT. At least they would know for a fact that the car has been through an independent check and that it is roadworthy.
"They should also get an expert to go over it before they buy it. But people often just jump in and can't wait to get a car and drive off.
"Half the trouble is people do not spend enough time checking out the car before they buy."
Mr Reynolds also recommends carrying out an HPI check on any car before buying.
The check can identify if a vehicle has an outstanding finance agreement, is stolen, has been written off, or had its mileage clocked.
Mr Reynolds said: "At the moment there is a real shortage of good used cars. As a result, the market price for second-hand is higher than it should be.
"Instead of wanting one yesterday, people need to take some time.
"The second-hand business still has problems. People are buying cars off the pavement from people who are dealing vehicles.
"You have to have a council trader's licence to sell second-hand goods. Everybody should have this certificate to see if they are a bona fide dealer."
Mr Reynolds' advice comes as Notts Trading Standards revealed it had dealt with 904 complaints about second-hand cars since April.
It had only 59 complaints about new cars in the same period.
There were 1,889 second-hand car complaints in 2011-12, and 145 relating to new cars.
Trading Standards officer David Brocklebank said: "Purchasing a car is one of the most expensive things that a person will buy.
"You should always take a car for a test drive and do your own checks. Do not take what you're being told by the seller for granted.
"There's perhaps now a trend of people buying cars on the internet. We recommend people use a trader who has been recommended by friends or family, and based at a business address."
The top complaints relating to second-hand cars involved vehicles being advertised with features they did not have, fake documents and clocking.
Some turned out to be unsafe to drive.
Mr Brocklebank said: "Remember, an older vehicle with high mileage may not be as good as a newer vehicle with low mileage, but it should still be fit for use on the road,
"Check the car and its documents thoroughly against the description that is provided before agreeing to purchase or paying a deposit. Also check with the garages that have done previous services.
"The average mileage is around 10,000 per year, so if it is much lower, this might indicate it has been tampered with."
He added: "When you buy a car from a dealer, the car must be of satisfactory quality, be fit for the purpose it's being used for, and match its description. If it doesn't then you have a right to a repair, replacement or refund."
The issue was also discussed by followers of the Post's Facebook page this week.
Daryl Maguire posted: "Is the real issue here not ignorance? I mean, you spend a few hundred or a few thousand quid on a car and don't fully check it over.
"You wouldn't make a house purchase without doing necessary checks and following a certain protocol and you wouldn't purchase beef sirloin steak from a bloke in the pub.
"I can imagine that the majority of people who know nothing about cars don't do background research on what to look for or take a mechanic friend with them."