Brits spend over two weeks each year in their cars, highlighting the importance of having a vehicle that aligns with their unique transportation needs and preferences. 

As advocates of car personalisation and making a car a true reflection of the driver's lifestyle, we have commissioned a comprehensive survey to delve into the mindset of drivers during and after the car-buying process. The goal is to showcase Brits' experiences and challenges when financing their vehicles.

The Car Buying Habits study offers an in-depth look at the nation's car buying traits and motor preferences. By exploring these aspects, we aim to provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of car ownership.

The results revealed:

Car Buying Habits

3 in 5 Brits will choose a used car for their next purchase

The landscape of car ownership is evolving at a rapid rate, the reasons for which can be linked to the imminent ban on petrol cars, the demise of manual steering and the cost of living crisis. This has led people to stray from the norm when it comes to car purchasing. 

Our survey revealed over 3 in 5 Brits prefer to purchase their vehicle outright. That might be why, when it comes to Brits’ next car, the majority (57%) are choosing a second-hand vehicle over a newer model. 

 

Although many Brits are still choosing the traditional route with a manual transmission, there has been a gradual rise in the automatic gearbox in recent years. Many Brits are on the hunt for a simplified drive, with nearly half (45%) of Brits admitting their next vehicle will be automatic.

According to Gov.uk, only 70,429 new drivers in 2007 undertook a test for an automatic-only licence, this rose by 360% in 2023, as 324,064 wannabe drivers opted for an automatic-only practical test. 

Despite the Government announcing a ban on new petrol and diesel cars in 2035, as well as the threat of climate change looming, many Brits still favour petrol-run cars as nearly half of the nation say their next car will be petrol. 

Despite these figures, nearly a quarter of Brits are making a transition to electric and will be opting for a hybrid engine. Only 17% will be purchasing a diesel vehicle and even fewer (12%) will be opting for an EV car.

Car Buyers' Dilemma: Electric or Petrol?

In today's car buying landscape, drivers are faced with a variety of engine options, each with their own set of pros and cons. 

As most drivers have become accustomed to driving traditional petrol and diesel vehicles, these engine types remain popular for Brits. Familiarity with this engine type and the ease of access to fueling stations mean petrol cars remain the number one choice for Brits with nearly half (49%) of Brits admitting their next car will be powered by petrol.

However, growing concerns about environmental impact and rising fuel costs, have meant electric and hybrid vehicles have gained significant traction.

Over 1 in 6 (17%) of Brits will choose an electric car when they next upgrade

1 in 6 (16%) are choosing an electric car because it’s cheaper to run

The momentum behind electric cars is undeniable, with a growing number of consumers opting for electric vehicles when it comes time to upgrade. According to our nationwide survey, over 1 in 6 (17%) of Brits will be choosing an electric car for their next purchase. 

One of the driving factors behind this trend is the cost-effectiveness of electric vehicles compared to traditional petrol, diesel, or hybrid cars. This is why 1 in 6 (16%) drivers specifically opt for electric vehicles because they are cheaper to run over time. 

2 in 5 Brits would buy an electric car if it was more affordable

Although half of our respondents admitted petrol cars would be their next choice when upgrading, electric cars have the potential to become more mainstream if the price is right. Two in 5 drivers said they would choose an electric car if their price tags were more affordable. 

While there's growing interest in EVs because they're cheaper to run and better for the environment, the initial cost is still a hurdle for many.

Over a third of Brits would buy an electric car if it wasn’t for ‘range anxiety’

Cost isn’t the only thing putting Brits off adopting an EV, however, as over a third (34%) of drivers said inaccessible charging points and the possibility of running out of battery on the road prevents them from upgrading to an EV. 

Over half of Brits think petrol cars should NEVER be banned

Third of Brits think electric cars are a ‘fad’

The imminent ban on new petrol cars in 2035 means electric cars will eventually become the new norm. However, over half (51%) of Brits said they don’t think petrol cars should ever be banned. 

While a third (34%) of Brits described electric cars as a ‘fad’, perceiving the vehicles as a passing trend. This could be linked to unfamiliarity with the technology, concerns about charging infrastructure, and general cultural attitudes toward innovation.

Quarter of over 55s not switching to electric car as they “don’t believe in climate change”

The survey revealed that the most sceptical age group regarding electric vehicles were those aged over 55, who do not agree with the urgency of climate change initiatives, including the adoption of electric cars.

Older Brits may not prioritise climate change due to a generational gap in awareness and varying personal experiences of having used petrol cars longer than younger Brits.

Only 1 in 10 Brits think petrol cars should be banned now

1 in 6 Millennials believe petrol cars should be banned now

Despite the date of the petrol car ban drawing closer, and growing concern about the state of global warming, only 1 in 10 Brits think the date of the ban should be brought forward. 

Millennials, however,  expressed a stronger desire for an immediate ban on petrol cars, with 1 in 6 showing their support for such a measure. Raised in an era where climate change discussions were common, millennials are particularly attuned to the environmental harm caused by petrol-powered cars.

Most Important Purchasing Factors

Vehicle cost & fuel efficiency are main practical factors, but car colour is main aesthetic requirement

There are many factors to consider when purchasing a new car. Depending on your needs and circumstances, different car qualities will be more beneficial to some than others. Families may consider the number of seats, petrolheads may factor in the horsepower while avid shoppers will look for a spacious boot. 

Based on our survey results, the cost to insure, size, practicality, model and safety features are all high on Brits’ main priorities, but it’s the vehicle’s price to purchase that ranks number one. This is closely followed by the car’s fuel efficiency.  

Technical features such as Apple CarPlay and 0-60mph acceleration time weren’t considered high priorities by Brits who ranked these qualities lower. 

Instead, Brits seem to care more about practical aspects of a car with cost efficiency being a main priority for car owners - fuel efficiency and cost of ownership were ranked highest. 

This means that for British consumers, a smooth and comfortable ride, a car that lasts a long time, and affordability in terms of both purchase price and maintenance costs are key factors. Environmental concerns, such as low emissions and good fuel economy, might also be higher on their list of priorities. 

How do Brits like their car to look?

Although Brits place higher consideration on vehicle, fuel and insurance costs, UK drivers still place high importance on the appearance of their motors. 

The most important aesthetic factor? The colour. Over half of British respondents said colour is their main consideration when choosing a new car. Closely followed by the car’s structure, including the body type and the number of doors.

Car colour is Brits’ most important visual car decision factor 

According to the survey, the colour of a car is the top priority for many buyers, Brits were more concerned about the visual appeal of their vehicle than other factors like fuel efficiency, brand, or tech features. But which colour are Brits most on board with?

In 2023, Brits opted for a grey car over any other colour, as according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) this had the highest number of registrations, closely followed by other neutral tones - black and white.

How do overall car preferences change between men & women?

5 doors, colour and boot space make the perfect vehicle for women, while men opt for body type, colour and make

Drivers overwhelmingly agree that car colour is a top priority, with both men and women ranking it among their top three aesthetic considerations when choosing a new vehicle.

While men and women share many priorities, they differ in certain key areas. For women, having a 5-door car is the most important factor, while men place greater emphasis on the car's body type.

A spacious car boot is also a high priority for Brits and this feature is especially important to women, with 57% considering it a priority compared to 45% of men.

Whereas men had a greater pull to aesthetic features like alloy style and colour as over a quarter (27%) rated this as a top priority compared to only 1 in 6 (16%) of women. 

Women were also more likely to consider a car that had better safety features compared to men. By contrast, male respondents were substantially more likely to prioritise leather seats, horsepower and 0-60mph acceleration time.

What do Brits look for in a used car?

Low mileage is the top thing Brits look for in a pre-owned car

With 3 in 5 Brits choosing a used car over a new one for their next purchase, CarMats.co.uk asked Brits what are the main things they look for when buying a secondhand vehicle. 

Low mileage is the ultimate deciding factor, with 3 in 5 (62%) of Brits opting for a car that’s not spent a long time on the road, while other top considerations for Brits when buying a used car are its value for money (62%) and full-service history (61%). 

Other important factors include a recent MOT check (59%), costs to insure (48%) and exterior and interior condition.

More Brits would choose a fresh-smelling car over a swanky entertainment system

When buying a used car, Brits say they would rather purchase a vehicle that had a pleasant interior smell over one with a contemporary entertainment system. One in 5 Brits said a pre-owned car’s interior scent is one of its top considerations, which is more than 1 in 6 who said a modern multimedia interface was an important consideration. 

While some level of wear and tear is anticipated when purchasing a used car, an unpleasant smell can raise suspicions about the previous owners' maintenance of the vehicle.

Conclusion

The Car Buying Habits study explores why people choose their new vehicles and how often they choose to renew, focusing on trends, costs, and environmental factors. Although cost and visual appeal were the leading influences, performance, safety features, safety, and sustainability features were also high on the list of needs. 

It highlights what drives future car purchases and provides valuable insights into the evolving needs of car buyers.

Methodology

Research conducted by CarMats.co.uk team utilising the sources below. Information correct as of Friday 21st June 2024. 

We surveyed 1,035 UK drivers using Censuswide, to find out about their opinions and experiences of the car buying process. The sample included women, men, transgender, non-binary and gender-fluid people (and an ‘other’ option to specify a different gender not listed). They ranged between 17 and 55+ from across the UK.

Fair use statement 

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