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Loading ...In a HPI survey it was revealed that nearly 70 percent of used car buyers believe they are more vunerable to buying risks by purchasing a vehicle online, with 60 per cent fearing fraud the most.
While the advantages of using the web were confirmed in the study - 71 per cent thought choice was one of the main benefits and 63 per cent stated convenience as a bonus - 62 per cnet said fraud was the webs main downfall and nearly 70 per cent thought they were more at risk from used car crime when buying online.
Rob Barr Manheim motor group communications director was adamane that online used car buying had not taken off in a massive way so far. “Our research shows that while 85 percent actually find the car they want online, most people dont buy used cars online.”
However these comments are disputed by some in the industry with large Used Car Supermarket sites regularly selling vehicles outside of there target region, “When making any purchase New or Used Car if a customer is spending 5k or more they are prepared to travel for the best deal on the right car”
Barr from Manheim commentent “It is still a brave person that buys a car unseen over the internet. Otherwise traders would redevelop their property to luxury flats and work from a shed.”
But some dealerships and websites insist online used car sales are growing. Ebay motors for example has arround 3 million visitors a month, with 1.3 million live listings on site at any time. In 2007, more than 1.5 billion worth of vehicles, parts and accessories were bought and sold on the website. But if your considering advertising your car for sale on ebay you had better have a low price in mind or you will never get any attention among the 1.3 million other vehicles listed or you will struggle to retain your used car value.
It may be more prudent to visit a site like UKcarads.co.uk or carcompound.co.uk and sell your vehicle for FREE.
One in 20 people commit to buying a vehicle over the phone or are prepared to, so dealers should have a means of securing a deposit via phone or internet. However internet fraud is a fact and you should no more give someone £10,000 over a website than you should agree to meet in a dark alley with a bag of used fivers.
Automotive director for HPI said there are very real risks that can be avoided when buying online.
“We uncovered an alarming number of cases of criminals operating out of Europe, duping UK buyers into parting with their cash in exchange for what turns out to be a phantom car. These criminals are obtaining DVLA details of genuine vehicles for sale, going online themselves and selling a car they dont even own!”
So be careful to use a trusted Source if you wish to buy online.