17/07/2018

Motorists embrace future technology

Motorists aged between 25-34 would be the most likely to buy a car via an app according to the results of a survey from automotive data and valuations expert, hpi.

Only 19% in this age range said they wouldn't consider buying a new car in this way and a quarter (26%) wouldn't consider an app purchase of a used vehicle.

Of those motorists aged 65 or more, almost three-quarters (71%) would never consider buying a new car online while for used cars the figure is even higher at 76%.

Wanting to kick the tyres is the most common reason for not buying a used car online, while fears of getting ripped off comes in at number two. Almost one in five of those questioned said they'd never buy anything online at all, with one in six saying they're not comfortable with how their data might be used. More than a third of those who wouldn't buy a second-hand car over the internet admitted that it was because of a lack of consumer protection in the event of problems occurring.

The research found that men would also be more likely to purchase a car via mobile app than women according to the survey findings.

13% of those questioned have already bought a new or used car online without viewing it first. Furthermore, while almost two-thirds of those who bought online had no worries about doing so, more than one third did have reservations yet still went ahead with the 'blind' purchase.

Fernando Garcia, consumer expert at hpi commented, 'It's easy to see why consumers feel quite relaxed about buying a car without seeing it 'in the flesh' first. Virtually all car manufacturers have an approved used scheme in place that allows consumers to buy a used car with a long warranty, often providing the same peace of mind as when purchasing a new car. The faith in these schemes is illustrated by the responses we canvassed in our research: of those who would buy a car without trying it first, the majority would feel the most comfortable if the app was created by an official dealer or a car manufacturer. If the app was developed by a third-party company that peace of mind was much less evident amongst consumers.'

The survey revealed that for men vs womens' buying habits, the results varied considerably.

The survey found a quarter (23%) of men had no worries about buying a new car without viewing it prior to buying, even paying for the vehicle before they'd got their hands on the keys. The figure was lower for men buying used cars unseen (14%). Over one in ten (14%) of women had no qualms about buying a new car unseen and parting with the cash compared with nine per cent for used cars.

When it comes to making the same purchase via a mobile app, 35% of men said they would buy a new car in this way without viewing it before payment and 18% for a used car. For women, just over a fifth (22%) would buy a new car through an app without viewing it first and 12% for a used car in this way.

Fernando Garcia added, 'This latest research into how consumers buy cars shows that we are changing the way we buy. Although men and women do have some concerns about buying a car via a mobile app it would appear that in time it is something they would be prepared to do as demonstrated by their increasing willingness to buy cars from websites. Buying vehicles via mobile apps as is done routinely for more everyday items allows for much greater freedom and flexibility.

'Since 1938, hpi has been providing peace of mind for car buyers providing them with vital information about the car they're looking to buy. With 80 years of trust, expertise and experience established with motorists and the motoring trade, hpi has evolved inline with the motoring world and will continue to do so. With car purchasing via mobile apps in an instant and a wide variety of technology-based changes on the horizon, the next 80 years presents a very exciting future for the motor industry.'

The company's hpi check data has identified that there is a one in three chance of uncovering a hidden problem, one in 16 vehicles has a mileage discrepancy and one in five cars has had a plate change.

The hpi check protects buyers against making a costly mistake by revealing whether a vehicle is currently recorded as stolen with the police, has outstanding finance against it, or has been written off. It also includes as standard, a mileage check against the National Mileage Register, which has records of over 200 million mileage readings.