Cost counts most for used car buyers Zainal Abidin, 16/08/2025 Cost is the driving factor for most motorists considering buying a second-hand car, according to a new poll commissioned by the Motor Ombudsman.It found that 58% of respondents said money mattered more than model or make.Meanwhile, the research also revealed that buying from retailers was the preferred option with 48% saying it offered more assurance buying from a business rather than a private seller and 43% saying it offered a safety net if something was to go wrong with their car after buying it.Meanwhile, the overriding majority (46%) of respondents would buy a petrol model, with those in the 55-plus age bracket the most likely to do so (52%), while 26% said a hybrid would be their preferred choice, followed by diesel (17%) and electric (10%).Bill Fennell, chief ombudsman, said: “Several million used cars change hands each year, and the second hand market, for some consumers, provides a more affordable and accessible proposition. To help steer consumers in the right direction as they embark on their used car buying journey, our handy reference guide has been designed to outline some of the key considerations, from initial research to extended warranties, and to act as a useful… Continue Reading
Cost of living crisis is fuelling booming used car market – Automotive Blog Zainal Abidin, 01/08/2025 New research has highlighted the No. 1 reason why more people choose used cars over factory-fresh models.A poll commissioned by The Motor Ombudsman found that more than half of respondents (58%) said that their primary motivation would be to save money.This is particularly pertinent at a time when consumer budgets remain under pressure, with further increasing looming for household bills, such as council tax, broadband, water, and standing energy charges.More than 7.2 million used cars changed hands in 2023, compared to 1.9 million new car registrations, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).The research also revealed that four in 10 respondents would prefer buying a car that had one or more previous owners to help avoid bearing the initial loss in value (ie depreciation), which is especially associated with buying a car from new.Nearly a third (32%) said there is often a large choice of vehicles to select from across the country when shopping around, while just over a quarter of survey participants (26%) agreed that they would be able to test drive and buy cars that were for sale on forecourts.When quizzed about some of the primary benefits… Continue Reading