Motorists are three times more likely to be driving a car they bought used rather than new, according to the AA’s used car website.
The AA-Populus poll of more than 15,000 drivers found that 29% had bought a ‘nearly new’ car most recently, compared to the 26% who opted for a brand new car, and 25% who bought a used car which was more than five years old.
In total, almost three-quarters (74%) of drivers said their most recent vehicle purchase was a used car.
The ranks of ‘nearly new’ cars – defined as those less than three years old – have been swelled by large numbers of vehicles that were leased or bought on finance when new. AA Cars’ research revealed these vehicles as the most popular of all among car buyers.
Scottish and Northern Irish drivers were most likely to be driving a car bought new, with 30% of drivers in each region doing so. They were followed by the 28% of motorists in the South East of England and the 27% in the North East who opted for a brand new car. The lowest proportion of new car sales was seen in the East Midlands, where 23% of drivers bought their current vehicle new. | The last car bought by people from Wales: New – 24% Nearly new (3-5 years old) – 28% Used car (3-5 years old) – 22% Used car (more than 5 years old) – 26% |
The survey also confirmed that young people are predominantly buying older – and therefore often less expensive – vehicles. Of those surveyed, 59% of 18-24 year olds said their most recent purchase was of a used car more than five years old.
Almost a quarter (24%) of those in this age group had bought a used car between three and five years old, with just 7% buying a nearly new vehicle and a mere 6% opting for a brand new one.