Problems with newly bought second-hand cars are the most complained about trading standards issue in Essex, it has been revealed.

Dodgy dealers topped the list of problems that people most frequently need advice about from Essex County Council’s trading standards department in the last 12 months.

Large numbers of complaints have also been made about shoddy home maintenance and “improvements”, as well as furniture and other home appliances.

The top-10 list, released this week, also reveals consumers have frequent issues with window installation and computers.

Trading standards councillor Roger Walters said: “The team receives thousands of calls about second hand cars each year and there are a number of simple checks you can make to avoid a bad experience.

“These include checking the car’s value online, viewing it in daylight with a family member with more experience of buying a car and of course taking the car for a test drive.

“Another key priority for us is home maintenance and improvements, which covers the issue of rogue and doorstep traders.

“We advise never to agree to any work from a trader who knocks on the door and to check any leaflets through the door as these can contain false addresses and pay as you go telephone numbers that cannot be traced.”

Other advice includes getting three quotations and never paying upfront for any work.