Three quarters of Brits would never buy a car sight unseen, despite lockdown and rise in virtual viewings – AA Cars data reveals
The number of UK drivers willing to pay for a car they haven’t seen first has fallen since last year, with three-quarters saying they would not buy one without viewing it in person, according to new research by AA Cars.
An AA-Populus poll of more than 17,100 drivers[1] found a fifth (21%) of Brits have bought a car unseen — a fall from 24% who said last year[2] that they had done so.
Of those who have bought unseen, 62% purchased a brand new car from a dealer, while 38% bought a used car unseen, either from a dealer, a private seller or an online auction site.
Meanwhile, three-quarters (75%) of drivers said they had never bought a car unseen, and never would in the future, rising from 69% in 2019.
This shift in attitudes towards only buying a car after seeing it in person comes as hundreds of dealers have started offering virtual viewings, and delivering vehicles direct to customers’ doors, to make it easier for people to buy without setting foot on a forecourt.
Younger drivers are the most reluctant to buy a car unseen, with 84% of 18-24 year olds and 80% of 25-34 year olds saying they would never purchase one without seeing it in person. This falls to 75% among people aged 35-54.
Meanwhile, women are less willing to buy a car without seeing it first, with 80% saying they would never do so, compared to 73% of men.
In total, 4% of drivers who had never bought a car unseen said they would consider doing so in the future, falling from 5% last year.
For anyone planning to buy a car unseen, AA Cars recommends always getting a vehicle inspection to minimise the likelihood of unexpected repair costs. The AA’s vehicle inspectors can carry out an extensive mechanical inspection that tests up to 206 elements of the car.
AA Cars data shows interest in used cars has rebounded well since dealerships in England and Northern Ireland reopened in June, followed slightly later by those in Wales and Scotland. The number of views of cars listed for sale on the site during June and July surged back to 8.9% above the pre-lockdown level recorded at the start of March[3].
James Fairclough, CEO of AA Cars comments: “It has been widely assumed that more drivers would choose to buy a car unseen if they are unable to visit a forecourt in person.
“Yet our data from the lockdown period suggests only a minority of drivers would want to buy a car without viewing it first, and shows people still value the reassurance of seeing a vehicle in person before parting with their money.
“Buyers know they can carry out extensive research online to compare prices and check a car’s history before they choose to buy — but nothing compares to seeing a vehicle up close and getting a feel for it during a test drive.
“With social distancing remaining in place, it is recommended that people continue to carry out their research online first, and compare prices at dealerships before booking an appointment to see the cars they are interested in.
“It is also essential to carry out a history check before you buy a used car, as this will confirm that the mileage and number of previous owners is accurate. Test drives are still taking place, and many dealerships are allowing unaccompanied drives. Check with the dealer before you visit to see what ID you need to take.
“If you’re in an at-risk category or are anxious about buying in person, many dealers will allow you to buy a car online or over the phone, and will then deliver it to your door. You can also request a video walk-through, so you can see the car inside and out without leaving the house.
“But, as with any car, before you part with your money, consider booking a pre-purchase inspection. Having the vehicle inspected by a qualified engineer will minimise the likelihood of unexpected repair costs down the line.”