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Used car buyers snub old bombs


Used car buyers snub old bombs

Author: NRMA MediaDate: 31 March 2008

Australian motorists buying a used car are prepared to spend more on newer, fuel efficient models, rather than on traditional cheap old bombs.

The analysis of car-buying trends of approximately 1000 Australian consumers found almost 45 per cent would spend $15,000 to $25,000 or more on a used car.

The research also found that two-thirds (64%) looked to buy a car no more than five years old.

NRMA Board Director Wendy Machin said the data highlighted how trends and attitudes toward second-hand car buying had changed dramatically.

"Gone are the days of the used car market being dominated by people looking for a cheap deal," Ms Machin said.

"Environmental concerns are top of mind and price is no longer a primary motivator.

"Our research showed almost 45 per cent of women are buying greener, more fuel efficient cars with a fuel consumption of less than 9L/100km in the city, compared to 26 per cent of men.

"Buyers are more interested in value than savings - that means not buying a lemon that will cause them problems in the future.

"Since new cars are cheaper there is now more choice available on the second-hand market and buyers are snapping up the options."

The new research reveals only 9 per cent of consumers would spend less than $5000 on a used car, and overall 41 per cent of motorists seek vehicles with environmentally friendly fuel consumption - less than 9L/100km in the city.

The number of manufacturer recalls and common faults in a vehicle also concerned car buyers.

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