5:38 pm, February 22, 2011
SMALL family cars and superminis were the cars of choice among consumers in 2010 says HPI.
According to an analysis of checks done with HPI during 2010, nearly 40 per cent 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.
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 per cent 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 per cent 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 per cent of checks conducted. However both the smaller 1100 to 1199 and larger 1500 to 1599 were also popular for superminis.’
While there is a greater industry focus on delivering alternatives such as electric vehicles and bio fuel, HPI’s 2010 figures show they remain an unpopular choice with used car buyers; less than 1 per cent of checks are done on these. Petrol vehicles are undoubtedly the most popular, still accounting for 62 per cent of all checks conducted, with diesel making up nearly 37 per cent.
Johnson said: ‘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.’
