A dramatic shift in buying trends in the UK’s new and used car markets is predicted in the latest survey from car supermarket group, Motorpoint. More than two thirds of car buyers said they will be downsizing with their next purchase.

Industry watchers have been highlighting a surge in both new and used supermini and compact MPV sales over the last twelve months. But even the highest recorded small car sales figures have not broken the 30% market share barrier.

Rising running costs, soaring fuel prices, road tax hikes and maybe even environmental awareness are all influencing consumer habits. Another benefit of a smaller car is slower depreciation, which will improve even further as demand increases.
Motorpoint managing director David Shelton said: “These figures show a potentially massive shift of over two thirds of the motoring population – about 20 million people – into smaller vehicles. ”

Faye Sunderland