A recent study by Carvertical reveals that over 20% of cars in Finland have a history of damage, with 2.9% classified as seriously damaged. The data, gathered from vehicle history reports between July 1, 2024, and November 6, 2025, indicates that many of these damaged cars are repaired cheaply and sold to other countries. Experts in the automotive field caution that cars with serious damage may pose safety risks and can result in expensive repairs.

The research highlights the issue of vehicle safety and the potential consequences for buyers who may unknowingly purchase cars with a troubling past. Serious damage is classified as damage wherein the repair cost exceeds half of the vehicle's market value. This raises concerns not only for individual car buyers but also for the broader implications on public road safety, as damaged vehicles may not perform adequately.

Additionally, the trend of importing repaired vehicles from other countries underscores a growing challenge for the automobile industry in Finland. As consumers become more aware of vehicle histories, there is an increasing demand for transparency and thorough inspections, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for regulatory bodies and businesses in the automotive sector to improve safety standards and consumer confidence.