We interviewed AI about the used car marketWe interviewed AI about the used car market

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We interview AI bot ChatGPT about the UK used car market – here’s what it had to say

  • We asked ChatGPT, the AI language website, about its thoughts on the used car market
  • We quizzed it on used car prices and dealers Cazoo and Cinch
  • AI platform tells us – in its own words – how it thinks it can help the car industry 

Time 9:30 am, January 31, 2023

Artificial intelligence might sound like something from a sci-fi movie, but it’s already here and active in our everyday lives.

ChatGPT is the latest AI language programme that is taking the internet by storm, thanks to its incredible conversational responses to any question you input.

The clever technology has applications across the industry, from writing used car adverts for dealers to responding to customers online.


It’s making so many waves, that its maker, OpenAI, has just won a reported $10bn multi-year investment from Microsoft, as tech giant supercharges its move into the technology.

Some even believe that ChatGPT could soon become a genuine rival to Google, thanks to its chatty responses to users’ questions.

Car Dealer decided to give it a go and ask the robot its thoughts on the car industry, the future and how it can reinvent dealers’ day to day lives.


The responses in this story are completely generated by ChatGPT and published verbatim without editing.

First we asked Chat GPT to introduce itself to those people who might not have heard of it before.

It said: ‘ChatGPT is an AI language model developed by OpenAI. It uses advanced machine learning algorithms to generate human-like text based on the input provided. 

‘ChatGPT is trained on a massive amount of text data and can answer questions, provide information, write stories, and perform many other language-related tasks. 

‘The model is designed to be flexible and scalable, making it well-suited for a variety of use cases such as customer service, content creation, and research.’

Here’s our chat with the robot about the car industry, published in full.

How important are physical car dealerships to car buyers?

ChatGPT: Physical car dealerships can still be important to many car buyers as they provide a tangible touchpoint for customers to see and test drive the cars they are interested in buying. This can be especially important for customers who want to get a feel for the car before making a purchase. 

Physical dealerships also provide a more personalized and human experience, allowing customers to speak to knowledgeable sales staff and receive face-to-face advice. On the other hand, some customers prefer the convenience, transparency and control offered by online sales. 

Ultimately, the importance of physical dealerships to car buyers will vary based on individual preferences, needs, and buying habits.


Are online car sales the future?

ChatGPT: Online car sales are becoming increasingly popular and are likely to play a significant role in the future of the car buying experience. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards online shopping for many products, including cars. 

Many consumers appreciate the convenience, transparency, and choice that online car sales offer. Additionally, advancements in technology and the growing trend towards e-commerce are likely to continue to drive the growth of online car sales. 

However, traditional brick-and-mortar car dealerships are still an important part of the car buying process for many consumers, and it’s uncertain to what extent online sales will completely replace traditional sales methods.

What do customers want from a car dealership?

ChatGPT: Car buyers have diverse needs and preferences, but some common factors that can influence their decision when choosing a dealership include:

  1. Convenience: Many customers want a dealership that is easily accessible and offers a wide range of inventory.
  2. Selection: A good selection of cars that meet their needs, preferences and budget can be important to customers.
  3. Price: Customers often want to find the best value for their money and may compare prices and financing options at multiple dealerships.
  4. Transparent pricing: Customers appreciate dealerships that are upfront about pricing, fees and trade-in options.
  5. Customer service: Good customer service can be a key factor in customer satisfaction and repeat business. Customers want a dealership that treats them with respect and provides helpful, knowledgeable advice.
  6. Trust: Customers want to feel confident that they are making a good decision and trust the dealership to provide a fair and transparent buying experience.

What percentage of car sales will be made online in 2023?

ChatGPT: I don’t have the exact information on the predicted percentage of online car sales in 2023. However, the trend towards online car sales has been growing in recent years and the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards e-commerce. 

While the exact percentage of online car sales in 2023 is uncertain, it’s likely that the trend towards online sales will continue to grow. The actual percentage will depend on several factors such as consumer preferences, technological advancements, and the ability of online platforms to effectively meet customer needs.

Do you think used car website Cazoo will thrive and survive in 2023?

ChatGPT: As a language model AI, I do not have personal opinions but here is some information for you. Cazoo is a relatively new company that has gained popularity quickly and has received significant investments. 

It operates in a highly competitive market, however, the shift towards online car buying due to the Covid-19 pandemic has been favorable for the company. Therefore, it is possible for Cazoo to survive and thrive in 2023, but the actual outcome will depend on several factors including market conditions and the company’s ability to effectively compete and innovate.

Is Cazoo unique?

ChatGPT: Cazoo aims to differentiate itself from traditional used car dealerships by offering a fully online car buying experience, including financing and delivery options. 

While there are other online used car platforms, Cazoo has positioned itself as a disruptor in the industry with a focus on customer experience and a wide range of inventory. So in that sense, it can be considered as unique.

Which company will be around longer – Cazoo or Cinch?

ChatGPT: As an AI language model, I do not have the ability to predict the future or determine which company will be around longer. Both Cazoo and Cinch are relatively new companies that have gained popularity quickly, and their future success will depend on several factors such as market conditions, competition, innovation, and their ability to effectively meet customer needs. 

The longevity of a company is determined by its ability to remain relevant and competitive over time, which can be influenced by a variety of internal and external factors.

What will happen to used car prices in 2023?

ChatGPT: I am an AI language model and do not have the ability to predict future events or market trends. However, used car prices can be influenced by a variety of factors such as supply and demand, economic conditions, technological advancements, and consumer preferences. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the global economy, and its long-term effects on the used car market are still uncertain. Additionally, government regulations, fuel prices, and other factors may also play a role in determining used car prices in 2023.

Why are used electric car prices falling?

ChatGPT: Used electric car prices may be falling for a variety of reasons, including:

  1. Increased supply: As the number of electric vehicles on the market increases, the supply of used electric cars is also growing, which can lead to lower prices.
  2. Technological advancements: As electric car technology improves and newer models are introduced, the demand for older models may decrease, causing prices to fall.
  3. Range anxiety: Some used electric car owners may be looking to sell their vehicles due to concerns about the range of the car and its ability to meet their needs.
  4. Battery degradation: The range and performance of electric car batteries can degrade over time, making some used electric cars less desirable to buyers.
  5. Competition: As more consumers consider electric cars, the increased competition in the used car market may drive down prices.

These are some of the factors that can contribute to falling used electric car prices, but the exact reasons can vary depending on the specific model and market conditions.

How could Chat GPT help the car industry?

ChatGPT: ChatGPT could help the car industry in several ways, including:

  1. Customer Service: ChatGPT could be used to provide 24/7 customer service, answering common questions and providing information on a wide range of topics related to cars.
  2. Sales Assistance: ChatGPT could assist sales teams by generating personalised quotes, providing product information and answering customer questions in real-time.
  3. Market Research: ChatGPT could help the car industry understand consumer behavior and preferences by analyzing large amounts of data on customer interactions, social media, and other sources.
  4. Content Creation: ChatGPT could be used to generate high-quality, informative and engaging content for websites, advertisements, and social media, helping car companies reach and engage with their target audience.
  5. Automated Reporting: ChatGPT could help car companies generate reports and analyze data, freeing up time for human employees to focus on other tasks.

By leveraging the advanced technology of ChatGPT, the car industry could improve efficiency, better understand its customers and improve the customer experience.

You can try the ChatGPT model on the website now. Trust us, it’s worth a go…


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James Baggott's avatar

James is the founder and editor-in-chief of Car Dealer Magazine, and CEO of parent company Baize Group. James has been a motoring journalist for more than 20 years writing about cars and the car industry.



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