Almost one driver in 10 has bought a used car without seeing it in person, or considered doing so, during the pandemic, says AA Cars.
The finding comes as an increasing number of AA Cars dealerships have been offering click and collect services during the pandemic, growing by 30% since the start of 2021 alone.
Research from AA Cars shows that 8% of drivers have bought, or have considered buying, a used car they have not seen in person during the pandemic.
And of those drivers who have bought a car unseen during the pandemic, 84% said they would do so again.
Nevertheless, about 47% of drivers said they would never buy a used car without seeing it in person first. It suggests that the ability to visit a forecourt remains important to many, and that dealers who offer a range of ways to buy will appeal to the widest range of buyers.
AA Cars surveyed almost 19,000 drivers to find out what would make them more likely to buy a secondhand car without seeing it in person first.
Reassurance that a car has been inspected by a trusted company was the factor most likely to make a driver willing to buy a car unseen. Over half (51%) of drivers said it would increase the likelihood of them buying a used car without seeing it in person first.
Drivers rated having no charge for returning a car if they decide to cancel as the second highest incentive which would make them likely to buy a car unseen, and having clear information about their right to cancel was third.
Almost half (47%) of drivers said knowing the dealer was associated with a trusted body would make them more likely to buy a car without seeing it in person first, and 45% said they would want a click and collect option where they could choose to cancel if they don’t like the car when they go to pick it up.
