THE severe UK flooding - which hit Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire particularly hard - could send shockwaves across the UK's used car market, says the AA.

Waterlogged cars are finding their way on to the market, so the AA is warning motorists to be extra vigilant when looking for a second-hand vehicle.

Ian Clark, operation's director for AA Vehicle Inspections, said: "While a car can be dried out with no obvious damage, immersion in flood water stores up potentially dangerous problems that will emerge at a later stage.

"Catalytic converter and exhaust system life can be seriously reduced, wheel bearings could seize, brakes could be affected, and alternator and starter motors could fail. Immersion will also seriously affect electrical and electronic systems, including the airbags - all costly and dangerous if not addressed."