F&I Management & Training

The economic downturn, coupled with greater awareness of greener motoring means used car buying trends are moving with the times. According to an analysis of checks done with HPI during 2010, nearly 40% of all the cars it checked were small family cars and superminis, reflecting the demand for fuel efficiency and lower motoring costs for both families and those looking for a reasonably powerful run-around. HPI urges used car buyers to take advantage of readily available information on fuel and efficiency ratings for used cars to make a well-informed buying decision.

HPI analysis of the types of vehicles checked in 2010 shows an increasing number of small engine cars being bought, which is a trend that has continued over recent years. In a possible reaction to the poor weather conditions over the past year, or the increasing number of potholes on Britain's much-maligned roads, 4x4s have also experienced a small resurgence, coming in third as the most popular type of vehicle checked with HPI, followed closely by compact executives. However, the continued popularity of smaller cars and a general downward trend for purchasing larger vehicles over recent years seems to confirm that used car buyers are giving more consideration to fuel economy and long-term motoring costs when making their purchasing decisions.

"Our figures show that mid-range 1500 to 1599 engines are the most popular for small family cars, with around 26% of checks done on these. However more powerful 1900 to 1999 engines ran a close second in the small family car bracket, coming in at 25% of checks conducted, "says Nicola Johnson, Consumer Services Manager for HPI. "Engine size for the supermini category is more of a mixed bag, with the smaller 1200 to 1299 engine size proving the most popular with just over 20% of checks conducted. However both the smaller 1100 to 1199 and larger 1500 to 1599 were also popular for superminis"

There is a greater industry focus on delivering alternatives such as electric vehicles and bio fuel, but HPI's 2010 figures show they remain an unpopular choice with used car buyers; less than 1% of checks are done on these. Petrol vehicles are undoubtedly the most popular, still accounting for 62% of all checks conducted, with diesel making up nearly 37%.

Nicola Johnson comments, "Used car buyers still seem to reluctant to embrace electric vehicles and bio fuel. The cost of these vehicles, combined with a relatively poor infrastructure - especially for used models when it comes to repairs and servicing - are obviously disconcerting for potential buyers. However, the technology is moving forward all the time, with innovation from race teams helping push the envelope for road vehicles, so we are sure we will see a pick up in these vehicle types on the used market over the coming years."

HPI's figures show the average used car buyer is clearly becoming more environmentally conscious, with a third of vehicles checked having an 'A' CO2 rating. However, in terms of the most popular models checked with HPI, the most common CO2 rating for a supermini was 'F' and for a small family car 'G', suggesting that perhaps these smaller models are not always as environmentally friendly as appearances suggest.

Johnson concludes, "Consumers are clearly focusing on reducing the size of their vehicle as they brace themselves for another year of economic instability. However, being armed with vital tools such as HPI's free CO2 Certificate, will enable you to make buying decisions supported by expert information such as emissions and fuel efficiency ratings. HPI's CO2 Certificate comes as standard with every HPI Check conducted.

"Although the future remains uncertain, used car buyers can at least be sure about the vehicle they are buying, not just in terms of the vehicle's finance, accident, mileage and theft history, but just how much it will cost them to run during these turbulent times."