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It is possible that the used car market will get back on its feet in 2010 after experiencing problems over the past 12 months, one website has suggested.

Honest John, an independent car advice site, urged people who are considering buying a second-hand motor to make sure it is up to standard.

With potholes becoming an ever-increasing problem across the UK, checking that a vehicle is roadworthy is perhaps more important than ever.

"Of course, used cars definitely provide fantastic value for money - as long as they are in good condition," commented the website's editor Dan Harrison.

He acknowledged that the so-called big freeze has had a negative impact on the country's roads, meaning cars are at more risk of breaking down or being damaged.

Mr Harrison continued: "It's near impossible to avoid them when driving on suburban roads if you don't want to cause an accident.

"But every pothole a driver hits could be doing unseen damage to the wheels, tyres, body and suspension of the vehicle."

The AA reported a 40 per cent increase in road problems at the start of the year, which is likely to have led to a rise in people having to make claims on their car insurance.

Many used car dealerships have seen improvements in their stock levels recently, Honest John revealed, which suggests that demand will also increase, meaning more second-hand vehicles are on the country's roads.

"The slump in new car sales to fleets over the past 18 months means that there will continue to be a shortage of cars that are six months old or less," Mr Harrison suggested.

For those who are driving older motors, it is important for them to carry out basic maintenance checks to avoid breaking down or being involved in an accident.