There was a pronounced rise in online enquiries for used cars across the UK during the third quarter of 2017, according to new analysis released today by leading showroom system provider, Dealerweb. From July to September 2017 enquiries for used cars submitted to franchised dealers via the internet rose by almost a third (32%), year-on-year. This contributed to an overall 4% uplift in all forms of enquiry for used cars during the quarter, and a 15% rise for the year to date.

The positive news regarding used cars is being countered by a downturn in new-car enquiries. Dealerweb reports that overall new car enquiries fell by 8% in Q3, and have declined by 3% for the year to the end of September. The most notable decline in Q3 was for new-car ‘walk-in’ enquiries, which fell by 11%.

Dealerweb gathered data from UK dealers using its cloud-based showroom management system, across volume- and premium brand franchised dealerships.

“While the latest registrations data from the SMMT points to the continued decline in new car demand, our analysis brings important additional context, highlighting how a significant volume of enquiries are gravitating towards the used market,” comments Martin Hill, Managing Director at Dealerweb. “One inevitable conclusion is that consumers are looking to reduce their expenditure, and expect that to be possible by going for used rather than new.”

Hill adds: “The factors behind these changes are well-rehearsed in national media – in particular uncertainty over the country’s financial prospects in a post-Brexit world. Dealers can’t control the macro-economic picture, but they can take steps to maximise every sales opportunity through accurate lead qualification and effective response processes.”