AA Cars reveals upward trend in online car sales
New research from AA Cars has revealed that a quarter of UK drivers have bought a car online without viewing it in person.
This is according to a study of 10,000 motorists carried out by the AA’s used car website.
It found that nearly half (48%) of these buyers bought a brand new car from a dealership, while 44% purchased a used car from a dealer or online car-selling platform. However, fewer than one in 10 (six per cent) bought a used car without seeing it in person from a private seller and two per cent did so from an auction.
Topping the factors giving buyers peace of mind when buying online was warranties, with 44% saying that influenced their decision. Meanwhile, 43% felt confident making their purchase online as they used a reputable national dealership or well-known platform, while 25% used a dealer or platform they had bought from previously.
Over one in five (21%) cited the ease of returning the vehicle if an issue arose as a key factor in their decision, and 20% were reassured as the dealership or platform provided a detailed vehicle inspection.
AA Cars data
James Hosking, director of AA Cars, said: “A big-ticket purchase like a car is an important decision and people want to feel confident they are getting the best deal for their hard-earned cash. The majority of drivers still prefer to visit a forecourt in person, believing they will get better value for money and less likely to end up with a car with any mechanical issues or cosmetic flaws.
“However, consumers are growing increasingly confident in buying a car online, which allows for greater convenience and access to a wider variety of options. Dealerships that offer the option to buy online and a user-friendly experience can expand their customer base across the UK, making it easier for consumers to find the right car without being limited by location.
“But to ensure that buyers feel secure in purchasing unseen vehicles, it’s important that dealerships provide the necessary reassurances, such as high-quality photos and videos, warranties and return guarantees.”
