LEMONS could turn things sour in the search for a used car bargain, warns AA Car Data Check.

"The word 'lemon' is used as a generic term to describe a dodgy car," says Chris Dobson, from the AA, which has a base in Basingstoke.

"One in three cars we check has a hidden history and it's impossible to tell just by looking whether a car is stolen, has outstanding finance, is an insurance write-off or if it's done more miles than the clock states."

However, an AA Car Data Check could spot a lemon in minutes, revealing hidden history and making the search for a used car bargain a safer experience.

It is quick and simple, costs about the same as a tank of fuel and is the first thing that used car buyers should consider before even leaving the house to view a car.

All that's needed is the registration and VIN number of the car.

Guy Edge, from Weston-super-Mare, was recently hunting for a second-hand saving and decided to play safe and carry out an AA Car Data Check before driving to Birmingham to look at the vehicle.

He said: "I asked for the registration and VIN number, called the AA and found out it was an insurance write-off, which was odd, as the vendor had stated specifically that it wasn't.

"As far as I was concerned, I could easily find a similar car that hadn't been in a crunch, so I gave that one a wide berth.

"Lemons are sold every day to unwitting buyers - fortunately, I wasn't one of them."

You can squeeze lemons out of the picture in the search for a used car with the help of an AA Car Data Check, which costs from £34.99 forAA members or £36.99 for non-members.

Telephone free on 0800 056 6000 or book online at www.theaa.com

If you want ultimate peace of mind, an AA Vehicle Inspection is worth considering. Carried out by a trained engineer from the recovery organisation, it can tell buyers if a car is fit for the road and worth buying, and has the potential to save you thousands.

For just £99 for AA members and £109 for non-members, the checks can spot if a car needs expensive engine work, or money spending on it to get it road-worthy. They are certainly worth the extra cash if you're not mechanically minded.

If you're really worried, an Advanced Check gives buyers a detailed report on the condition of the car, plus a Car Data Check of the vehicle's history (£189 for AA members, £199 for non-members).

Telephone 0800 7834610 or book online at www.theaa.com