Motorists are now less likely to visit a car showroom this weekend and spend their time looking on-line.
The number of drivers buying cars which they haven’t set eyes on in person now stands at a one in 10 (11%) as more people place their faith in online portals giving them access to dealers across the country.
This is underlining the fact that consumers are increasingly willing to put aside previously-held reservations about used dealerships in the hunt for a car that best suits their needs.
The AA-Populus poll of 19,350 drivers found that whilst historically the majority of drivers have only paid for vehicles after seeing what they’re buying, millions of UK consumers would change their habits and pay for cars they haven’t already looked at in person if they were more confident of the history and quality of the car.
More than half of Brits (52%) that haven’t bought sight unseen previously, for example, say they would be more likely to do so if it had been examined by a pre-sale vehicle inspector from a trusted brand first.
Other factors that would see consumers more likely to embrace buying blind include dealers being upfront and providing clear information about their right to cancel (48%), a significantly discounted price (44%) and knowing that the dealer was associated with a trusted body (44%).
Additionally, 37% of buyers would be more likely to spend on a car they hadn’t seen first if there were more pictures, videos and information about the vehicle online.
James Fairclough, CEO of AA Cars, said,“A decade ago, the idea of buying a car without seeing it in person was highly unusual.
“These days, consumers are much more comfortable with buying valuable products they haven’t seen first – namely due to the sheer volume of listing information and all-angles pictorial evidence that is provided by respected portals online, making a prospective buyer feel like they have practically kicked the tyres themselves.