Drivers who buy second-hand motors and keep them running smoothly with car parts bought online may find the recession has a lasting effect on the used vehicle market.

According to BCA, the fact the new auto sector continues to struggle is likely to have an impact on the stock mix and age of older models being sold in the UK.

Peter Cooke from the Centre for Automotive Management at Buckingham University explained the recent rise in the price of used cars in Britain is a result of the current economic climate.

He explained the drop in the number of autos straight off the production line being sold means there is a shortage of first-time second-hand vehicles available – and the value of any there are has consequently gone up.

Prof Cooke predicted: "This phenomenon is likely to continue for some years – probably two to three years after the new car market has returned to two million units or more each year."

Motorists who are unwilling to buy another used auto while prices are relatively high may find they can keep their current vehicle on the road for longer using cheap car parts bought online.

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