Skip advert
Advertisement

Men are shallow but women are shrewd when choosing a car

Vanity leads men's choices when it comes to choosing a new car - but women focus on economy

Beauty and performance top the list of qualities men look for in a new car, but women are all about the practicalities, from fuel economy to legroom and servicing costs.

The research conducted by Carbuyer, finally bust the old myths about women being less sophisticated than men in their view of cars, instead revealing them as increasingly assertive, practical and switched-on to all aspects of car ownership.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Men are almost 20% more likely than women to be swayed by colour and nearly 40% more likely to be influenced by a manufacturer's reputation when it comes to purchasing their next vehicle. That’s in contrast to women, who keep a firm eye on future and ongoing running costs.

Women are 25% more likely than men to be influenced by fuel economy and 20% more likely by servicing costs. They even take into greater consideration their insurance costs and the location of the dealership.

Women are not only prudent, but pragmatic. They prioritise a vehicle's space and practicality over aesthetics, with the research showing women place greater importance on legroom, boot space and how easy a car is to park.

While men are driven by the public perception of a new motor, falling for looks, power and prestige, 50% admitted that their partners had an influence when it comes to making a car purchase, compared to 39% of women.

Despite the research showing an evolution in female assertiveness in the car-buying transaction, men are still 20% more likely to negotiate a better deal on their next car.

Stuart Milne, Carbuyer editor, said: “Our research reveals that despite women having a generally positive experience, there’s still a way to go before they feel as comfortable as men going into a dealership on their own and getting the best possible deal.”

Carbuyer has published a wide range of tips and advice aimed at helping all new car buyers get the very best deal when buying a new car, whether it be the best way to haggle, choosing the right options, understanding PCP deals or what to do if it all goes wrong.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Car tax: VED rates and increases explained 2024/25
Car tax
Tips and advice
4 Nov 2024

Car tax: VED rates and increases explained 2024/25

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
1 Nov 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

Speed awareness course: cost, who’s eligible, and how long does it take?
Police car - open boot
Tips and advice
31 Oct 2024

Speed awareness course: cost, who’s eligible, and how long does it take?

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024