Used Cars NI, the nation utilising this new trend and the reasons why:
It’s fair to say that the past two years have really shaken the shopping habits of the nation, ultimately affecting many industries and the car industry is no different! Things like accessibility and affordability are to blame for rise in popularity of used cars Northern Ireland wide .
- Accessibility
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 2 years, you’re going to know about the global shortage in supplies as a result of Covid-19. This global shortage has had a knock-on effect on the car manufacturing industry as computer chips used in car production as well as other materials such as copper, aluminium and cobalt has led to fewer new cars rolling off production lines.
- Affordability
As a result of these supply issues in the new car industries many people have turned their attention towards used cars as they became not only more accessible but as always, more affordable.
Another reason why the affordable option is being chosen by many is ultimately because the financial impact of the pandemic has been felt across NI.
- Ease of online retailing
Another knock-on effect from the pandemic is of course the rise in online retailing. As car dealers scramble to get themselves online, customers have benefitted from this new ease of purchase. I.e. no longer do they have to make their way into the showrooms. Now they can simply put their feet up and browse all their favourite car makes and models from the comfort of their sofa.
This is supported by data released by NFDA during the first 2 weeks of lockdown 1 which found that 55% of dealers saw an increase in online used car sales, rising to 74% in August.
- Safety concerns over public transport
Of course another reason for the rise in used car sales again is all thanks to the pandemic. This time it’s because of safety concerns surrounding public transport. The whole idea of a car being a “safe place” was definitely appealing to the many who could afford to make the switch from cramped bus to their own car. We even saw bicycle sales boom as a knock-on industry effect.
Of course this factor is probably likely to dry up as the majority of concerned commuters have probably already jumped ship.
- Young Buyers
A seemingly surprising factor was reported by Auto Trader who reported a sharp rise in 18-24 years olds looking at cars on their website. While driving school RED also announced a major increase in uptake.
Of course, it has always been the case that newly qualified drivers are more likely to purchase a car more than 5 years old over opting for a shiny new one.
Ready to purchase your new used car?
So if you fall into one of these categories but haven’t yet taken the used car plunge. Now is your time and we have just the people to help you – Car Lover. Car Lover serves the entirety of Northern Ireland. Their mission? To pair you with the perfect used car that ticks all your boxes.
