The majority of car owners (76%) buy their car from a car showroom, rising to 86% of over 66s, compared to just 58% of under 34s.
The survey of 2,000 UK drivers, commissioned by InsuretheGap.com, a leading supplier of GAP Insurance (Guaranteed Asset Protection) for new and second-hand cars, finds that drivers, who prefer to buy from showrooms, do so because:
- 34% wish to part-exchange their vehicle;
- 33% want a showroom warranty – this is particularly important for over 66s (41%), compared to under 34s (25%);
- 21% like a showroom’s after-sales service;
- and 11% buy want to be able to access finance options.
In contrast, almost one in ten (9%) prefer to buy a car online or privately so they don’t have to deal with car salespeople (10% men and 8% women) and 12% say they can get a better deal not buying through a showroom.
The remaining buyers purchase cars from a private seller (9%), car supermarkets (4%), online retailers (3%) and gifts from family members (3%).
One in twenty (5%) drivers are happy to buy a car online without even seeing it (8% men and 3% women), rising to one in ten (11%) under 34s, compared to 4% of over 55s. However, 9% would also buy a car without a test drive (11% men and 6% women).