New drivers opt for new cars

More than a third of drivers opt to buy new cars on finance after they’ve passed their driving test, according to new research.

A survey of 1,371 UK drivers by motoring solicitor specialists, Motoring Offence Lawyers, indicates that 38% of new drivers shun bangers for brand new cars.

Economy was credited as the main reason for this, with 32% believing newer cars are more fuel efficient than older cars.

Aspirational attitudes are also contributing to this change, with 28% of new drivers choosing cars with the latest technology, such as Bluetooth speakers, mobile integration, parking cameras and sensors.

A quarter (25%) claimed it is more cost effective to buy a new car through the help of a variety of finance schemes now available for first time car owners.

Nearly one in three (31%) said they would have been embarrassed driving an old car when they first passed their test, while just one in 10 (11%) were given a hand-me-down car when they passed their test.

“It’s interesting to see how many newly licensed British drivers are now preferring to choose a brand new car, rather than selecting a traditional second hand one or even hand-me-downs,” said Matthew Miller of Motoring Offence Lawyers.

“Given the aspirational nature of millennials and the range of more cost-effective models and finance options available, it’s not surprising to see that new drivers are aiming higher.

“However, I still believe that traditional second hand cars will remain a viable option for many first-time drivers as they have been over the past few decades, but perhaps now these older cars will only be called upon for a shorter period of time just while they get to grips with the roads.”

Birmingham is the banger capital of the UK – with just 21% of newly licensed drivers opting for a brand new car. Manchester is the new car capital, with 49% opting for a brand new car when they pass their test.

Top 5 new car cities
Manchester – 49%
London – 47%
Oxford – 45%
Liverpool – 42%
Bristol – 41%

Bottom five new car cities
Birmingham – 21%
Newcastle 23%
Glasgow – 24%
Sheffield – 25%
Cardiff – 26%