Ghost MOTs: drivers warned over fake certificates that lead to huge repair bills

Secondhand car buyers urged to carefully inspect vehicles, while owners told to beware tests that are suspiciously quick

• Rise of the ‘ghost owner’: 18,000 UK vehicles in use without proper records

You have just bought a secondhand car. It was older than you wanted, but were reassured because it had recently passed its MOT.

Within a few days, you notice a problem with the steering and take it into a garage to be checked. As well as that issue, they find the tread depth of the tyres is so low it should not have passed the test.