Women putting themselves at risk when buying a used car

Posted :29-03-2007

Women are more likely to buy a dangerous used car than men, according to new research.

Female drivers are more likely to purchase an older car, to buy through private individuals and to buy without checking the status of a used vehicle, all of which could impact their car insurance premiums.

This is because women are much more concerned with getting a bargain than men, the survey - conducted by Experian - claimed.

The study found that men are much more likely to have decided in advance what sort of car they want and are willing to pay more for the right marque, model and specifications.

Kirk Fletcher, sales director of Experian's automotive division, explained: "The survey found that price is more of an influencing factor for women than it is for men when it comes to buying a used car."

Twenty per cent of men who bought a used car in the last three years bought one that was less than a year old compared to 12 per cent of women, and 31 per cent of men paid more than £8,000 for their used car compared to 20 per cent of women.

Forty-one per cent of men bought from established dealers as against 33 per cent of women.

Mr Fletcher claimed: "Most male used car buyers tend not to take as many risks and are willing to pay more for the right make, model and brand.

"Women, however, are more concerned about finding a bargain."

He warned that only 30 per cent of customers for Experian's AutoCheck service - which establishes the status of a vehicle, including its safety record, outstanding finance and other features - are women.


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