10 Jan 2025
Motorists say “a good deal” is the factor most likely to swing a used car in 2025, according to new research.
January’s Startline Used Car Tracker shows that almost half (48%) could be convinced to buy if presented with the right offer.
Other high scoring factors include the need to replace an existing car (46%), cheaper finance (39%), a wider choice of cars (27%), and a better warranty (26%).
Also, 22% would buy if they saw a car they liked, 16% would value a faster and easier car buying process and 16% would like a high part exchange valuation.
Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “For most people, personal finances remain under quite a lot of pressure and there are limited signs in our research of people deciding to change their used car for any other than practical reasons. Fewer than one in four say they are in a position just to buy a car because they like the look of it.
“More than anything, motorists are looking for car dealers to present them with a proposal that makes financial sense, including factors such as cheaper finance, a good warranty and a high part exchange valuation. In 2025, it seems the used car market is going to be all about putting together deals that make sense for consumers.”
Interesting, the Startline Used Car Tracker research also shows that just 9% would be tempted into buying if they were offered direct government help to buy an electric car.
Paul added: “There is quite widespread industry support for the idea of government financial support, such as zero interest loans, to boost used electric car purchases. However, our research indicates that relatively few motorists would be interested in such a move.”
The Startline Used Car Tracker is compiled monthly for Startline Motor Finance by APD Global Research, well-known in the motor industry for their business intelligence reporting and customer experience programs. This time, 329 consumers and 58 dealers were questioned.