Some 70% of British car buyers are a sensible bunch when it comes to buying a new car, prioritising a car that is reasonably priced, fuel efficient, reliable and easy to fix over how it looks – 64% men and 75% women – according to a new Opinium survey of 2000 drivers.
The survey, commissioned by InsuretheGap.com, a leading supplier of Guaranteed Asset Protection insurance for new and second-hand cars, found that over three quarters, 76%, diligently research cars before picking one including checking its fuel efficiency, safety and general reliability record (75% men and 77% women).
Almost one in ten car buyers even use a car checking service, provided by organisations like the AA and RAC, to give a used car the once over before buying (men 8% v women 7%).
Even after all that research, 60% of drivers say a car is just ‘a set of wheels that gets me from A to B’ (57% men and 64% women). However, younger age groups are less likely to feel this with only just over half (54%) of 18 – 34s agreeing, rising to 62% of over 55s. Drivers in Wales (64%) are the most likely to seek practicality, while the South East (56%) are the least likely to.
Ben Wooltorton, Chief Operating Office of InsuretheGap.com said, “Unless you have a company car or like trading in your car every few years, buying a car is one of the biggest financial outlays that most people make and getting it right is essential.
“Because a brand new car takes such a hit on depreciation in its first three years on the road, a second-hand model can be a much more cost-savvy option. It’s also important to budget for the extra expenses such as the cost of the insurance, spare parts and the fuel it uses to get a realistic picture of how much the car will really end up costing you.”