0:00 What mechanics see in new cars
2:25 Touchscreens and driver assistance
5:00 Heavy cars, big wheels and missing spares
6:17 The modern car battery
7:48 Particulate filters and short trips
9:14 Dry dual-clutch gearboxes
10:51 Wet belts and engine damage
13:14 Why small knocks cost big money

A stone chip can turn into a £700 camera-calibration bill. I break down the problems mechanics are seeing in modern cars, from buried controls and driver assistance systems to tyres, batteries and short-trip damage.

I explain why dry dual-clutch gearboxes, particulate filters and wet belts can become expensive trouble, including the risks around the Stellantis 1.2 PureTech and Ford 1.0 EcoBoost. I also look at how sensors, cameras and coded parts are pushing up repair and insurance costs.

I finish with practical checks for buying new or nearly new, covering service history, build dates, road tax, recalls, ULEZ and the questions to ask before signing for a car.