According to a recent survey conducted by eBay Motors Group, car buyers in the UK are expected to spend more time searching for their next vehicle due to rising car prices. The study revealed that more than a quarter of in-market buyers (27%) expect the process of looking for their next car to be more time consuming. Buyers now expect to spend an average of 42 days searching for their next car. This is due to various reasons such as concerns over affordability, assessing running costs, and searching online for the best possible deal.

The research also revealed that 44% of those surveyed pointed to rising car prices as the main reason for the extended search time. The issue of powertrain was also highlighted with 28% of the respondents considering the possibility of switching to an electrified alternative to petrol or diesel. Women spent an average of 38 days searching for a vehicle, compared to 46 days for men. New car buyers averaged 45 search days as opposed to 40 days for used car buyers.

Lucy Tugby, Marketing Director of eBay Motors Group, commented on the findings and stated that pressure on consumer spending means a significant number of buyers will spend longer in the market searching for their next car as they carefully consider their options. Tugby also noted that dealers have an opportunity to open up conversations with new car buyers about suitable alternatives from their used car inventories.

In conclusion, the eBay Motors Group survey reveals that car buyers in the UK are expected to spend more time searching for their next vehicle due to rising car prices, concerns over affordability, and a desire to find the best possible deal. The findings suggest that sales staff should appreciate how hard buyers have already worked and support them in the later stages when leads turn into showroom visits. Additionally, dealers have an opportunity to offer alternatives from their used car inventories to new car buyers who may be facing long delays or short supply of nearly new models.

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