MANY of the thousands of used cars pushed into the market by new-car registrations on March 1 have outstanding features.

AA Car Data Check reveals that one in every five cars checked has a dubious financial history.

The AA's Helen Goodsall says: "Outstanding finance where a bank or finance company has a legal claim to a car is one of the most common forms of fraud within the private used-car sector.

"The finance company can simply re-possess the car, and the buyer may have no comeback at all."

The AA's Car Data Check gives full details of all outstanding finance that exists on any vehicle. It will also check whether the car has been reported stolen, or written-off by an insurance company.

The service costs £29.99, or £31.99 if you're not an AA member.