- Warrantywise research reveals seven in ten UK drivers still prefer face-to-face transactions when buying second hand cars
- The survey of 2,000 UK drivers, conducted via OnePoll, suggests that trust, transparency, and personal interaction remain key factors when purchasing a second hand vehicle
- Buying second-hand cars entirely online remains rare, with only eight per cent of UK drivers preferring this method.
- The research suggests that, while online car buying might be growing, consumer confidence in digital-only transactions remains low
- An extended warranty offers those who purchase online some peace of mind, knowing they can take their vehicle to any local VAT-registered garage for repairs
- 7 in 10 UK drivers still prefer to buy used cars in person, prioritising trust, transparency, and personal interaction when purchasing a pre-owned vehicle.warrantywise
- Only 8% of UK drivers opt for pure online used car purchases, showing consumer confidence in digital-only transactions remains low despite the growth of online car marketplaces.warrantywise
- 17% of drivers favour a hybrid approach, combining both online and in-person elements—starting research online but completing the purchase face-to-face.
- When asked where they’d buy a used vehicle:
- 34% chose franchised dealerships
- 27% chose independent dealerships
- 10% preferred private sellers
- 5% would use online marketplaces (eBay, Facebook Marketplace)
- 25% were not sure
- The research is based on a 2024 survey by OnePoll of 2,000 UK car owners.
Despite the rise of online car marketplaces, 7 in 10 UK buyers still prefer to purchase used cars in person. New research from Warrantywise and OnePoll reveals that trust, transparency, and personal interaction remain key factors in car-buying decisions—highlighting the importance of face-to-face transactions in a digital age.
Trust Matters Most
Buying a car is a big decision, and many people feel more confident when they can meet the seller, ask questions, and check the car over in person. Around 7 in 10 drivers say they prefer a face-to-face deal rather than just clicking “buy” online.
Online helps, but in person still matters the most
Only 8% of drivers want to buy a car completely online. That said, 17% like a mix of online and in-person – browsing and comparing cars on the internet first, then visiting in person to view, test, and complete the purchase.
Why Seeing the Car Matters
Photos and videos can help, but they can’t match sitting in the driver’s seat, hearing the engine run, or spotting small issues in person. A test drive gives buyers confidence and helps them decide if the car is right for them.
Warranties Give Peace of Mind
A warranty can make buyers feel more secure, especially with second-hand cars. With Warrantywise, a warranty plan applies whether a car is bought online or in person, and repairs can be done at any VAT-registered garage – helping drivers feel protected from unexpected repair costs.
Although the survey, conducted by Warrantywise in partnership with OnePoll, reveals a clear preference for face-to-face transactions, 17 per cent of drivers indicate they favour a hybrid approach that combines online and in-person methods. This highlights a trend for those that may like to start the purchase online but finish it with a face-to-face interaction.
With only 8 per cent of motorists preferring to buy online, UK dealerships have a clear opportunity to focus on delivering a seamless buying experience to those researching online and buying in-person.
| If you were to purchase a used vehicle, where would you buy this from? | % |
|---|---|
| Franchised dealership | 34 |
| Independent dealership | 27 |
| Not sure | 25 |
| Private seller | 10 |
| Marketplace (e.g., eBay, Facebook Marketplace) | 5 |
As consumer habits evolve, the online car-buying market could expand, but the enduring preference for face-to-face interactions highlights the importance of trust in significant purchases like cars.
How would you prefer to conduct your used vehicle purchase?
Most people prefer to buy used cars from franchised dealerships, especially older adults—40% of those aged 55 to 64 chose this option. This shows that people trust well-known dealers, probably because they offer reliable cars and warranties. Independent dealerships are more popular with younger buyers, like 18 to 24-year-olds (36%), likely because they offer cheaper prices or easier payment plans.
Private sellers and online marketplaces such as eBay or Facebook are not very popular with any age group, which might be due to worries about safety or getting support after buying. Interestingly, 25% of people overall aren’t sure where they’d buy a used car, which means there’s room to make the process clearer and more helpful in the future.
| If you were to purchase a used vehicle, where would you buy this from | Total % | 18 to 24 % | 35 to 44 % | 45 to 44 % | 55 to 64 % | 65 and Over % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Franchised dealership | 34 | 14 | 39 | 30 | 40 | 36 |
| Independent dealership | 27 | 36 | 24 | 28 | 24 | 27 |
| Private seller | 10 | 14 | 14 | 9 | 6 | 5 |
| Marketplace (e.g., eBay, Facebook Marketplace) | 5 | 14 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| Not sure | 25 | 21 | 20 | 31 | 28 | 31 |
Men and Women. Where Will They Buy Their Next Car From?
Women are more likely than men to choose an independent dealership (32% vs 22%), while men are almost twice as likely to buy from a private seller (13% vs 7%). Very few people of either gender would use online marketplaces such as eBay or Facebook Marketplace (3% each). Interestingly, almost a third of both men and women (29%) say they are not sure where they would buy, highlighting uncertainty and perhaps a need for more trust or guidance when purchasing a used vehicle.
| If you were to purchase a used vehicle, where would you buy this from? | Female % | Male % |
|---|---|---|
| Franchised dealership | 30 | 37 |
| Independent dealership | 32 | 22 |
| Private seller | 7 | 13 |
| Marketplace (e.g., eBay, Facebook Marketplace) | 3 | 3 |
| Not sure | 29 | 29 |
Tailored Used Car Warranties
Warrantywise offers tailored extended warranties for second-hand cars, no matter how they were purchased. These plans are available through independent dealerships and the dedicated Warrantywise online store, giving drivers the flexibility to select a warranty that best fits their needs.
Each plan comes with terms and conditions that have been written in plain English, enabling motorists to make an informed decision about their warranty. Customers can then have their vehicle repaired at any local VAT-registered garage of their choice, too.
By providing extended warranties for cars bought both in-person and online, Warrantywise plays a crucial role in building consumer confidence. These warranties protect buyers from unexpected repair costs and offer dealerships a valuable tool to build trust in their online offerings. Whether purchased from a forecourt or an online platform, this status enhances dealer credibility and reassures customers that their investment is protected.
Warrantywise is the UK’s leading provider of extended used car warranties, offering comprehensive peace of mind to used car buyers. Through its partnerships with trusted dealerships and robust warranty options, Warrantywise ensures every used car purchase – whether online or in-person – meets the highest standards of quality and reliability.
Disclaimer:
The data cited in this release was compiled from research conducted by OnePoll in 2024. The survey was based on responses from a representative sample of 2,000 UK: Car owners.