Car buying - more economics than aesthetics

RIAS is a successful UK insurance company that targets the over-50s.

An omnibus telephone survey of 500 over-50s, conducted in September, showed that people's fears about finances are causing a significant shift in preferences and patterns of behaviour when buying a new car.

The poll revealed that 32% of over 50s in the UK would choose their next car based on its petrol consumption efficiency. Low emissions (13%) and safety features (12%) are way behind in importance.

The result that should send a shiver down the spines of car dealers is that 50% of the group will not be changing their car for the foreseeable future.

As always, this stuff is interesting, but would give far more insight if compared with younger people attitudes. Dick Stroud