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Cost of Living Crisis Driving Customers Into Dealerships
Reading time 4 minutes
Categories Automotive Industry »
We are hiring! Are you an experienced technician? Join our outstanding team »
Cost of Living Crisis Driving Customers Into Dealerships
Reading time 4 minutes
Categories Automotive Industry »
It seems like the term ‘cost of living crisis’ has been with us for eternity, but unfortunately, it shows no signs of going away.
A combination of factors, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, Brexit, inflation on essential goods and a fall in real incomes, have meant that people across the UK have had to tighten their belts in recent months.
With this in mind, people are changing their purchasing behaviours in a number of ways.
According to data from Startline Motor Finance, 55% of people are now less likely to buy a car online, with people preferring to head into dealerships in person.
In this article, The Windscreen Company will take a closer look at the issue.
As mentioned above, the cost of living crisis has undoubtedly made people more cautious with their finances – especially when it comes to purchasing big ticket items like a new car.
In recent years, online purchasing has become one of the most popular ways to buy cars, especially with the influx of automotive websites and apps. However, as the cost of living bites, people are wanting to make absolutely certain they’re making the correct decision.
This includes 31% of people wanting to view the car in person before they decide on purchasing. Plus, 17% of people surveyed stated that they intended to negotiate a lower price with dealerships in order to save money, something that is easier to do in person.
Another factor that has seen an increase in the popularity of dealerships is that more leasing and finance options are available. At a time when people may be having to dip into savings accounts on a more regular basis, fewer people have the finances to splash out on a brand-new car. Instead, smaller, monthly payments are preferred by some consumers.
In order to react to the shift in consumer habits, dealerships are making a concerted effort to stock more economical vehicles.
In fact, according to Startline’s statistics, more than a third of UK dealerships have said they’re doing exactly that. They’re also stocking cars that are cheaper to buy or lease as well as smaller cars, which are typically cheaper to run.
As 28% of people say they’re making a conscious decision to purchase a cheaper vehicle due to the cost of living crisis, dealerships may also consider stocking more used cars alongside new options.
If you’re considering buying a new car in the current climate, but want to ensure you’re making the most economical choice possible, the first thing you should decide is whether to choose a petrol, diesel or electric car.
Electric cars are the cheapest to run as they don’t need to be regularly filled with fuel, but they can be more expensive to buy outright.
With this in mind, you may still prefer a fuel option. Handily, car dealership Cinch has provided a list of the most economical petrol and diesel options based on miles per gallon (MPG) ratings.
At The Windscreen Company, we know times are tough at the moment. This is why we’ve put together our own money-saving driving tips guide to help you combat rising costs.
No matter what kind of vehicle you drive, we provide a dedicated windscreen replacement and windscreen repair service that can restore your car to a safe condition if it’s suffered from a chip or crack. We work with vehicles from every manufacturer, but to view our models, simply click here. We offer mobile windscreen replacement services across the West Midlands, South East and beyond. To find out how we can help you, get in touch with our team today.
The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.
The Windscreen Company's, help-and-advice pages offer valuable tips and guidance on maintaining vehicle safety through quality windscreen care, while also featuring updated industry realted content.
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