A large majority of motorists, 97%, think that the offer of finance or a servicing deal is not a significant factor when buying a used car, according to research by Trusted Dealers.
The used site from the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) said that just 3% of the 1,000 motorists it surveyed said the offer of a finance deal or service plans was significant when buying a used car. More than two-thirds, 68% said a full mechanical inspection was the most important factor when choosing a used car.
Checks for outstanding finance were ranked second, with 61% of respondents marking it as an important factor. Ensuring the accuracy of a vehicle’s mileage was crucial for 60% of customers surveyed. Proof that a used car had not been stolen or written off was expected by 58% of those surveyed.
Neil Addley, managing director of Trusted Dealers, said: “The research offers valuable insight into customer expectations and highlights to dealers what services are most attractive to potential buyers.
“We know the way in which people buy their next car is changing and that consumers are becoming more aware of scams such as car cloning and clocking, so including services such as 12 months guarantee on maintenance work or theft and warranty checks as standard, signals to consumers that when they buy from a franchised dealer, there won’t be any nasty surprises.”
