Low Emission Cars Are Failing To Attract Drivers

Tony Blair and hard-hitting news headlines may be trying to battle global warming, but when it comes to choosing their next car, low C02 emissions are as low on motorists’ list of priorities as their chic new motor’s ability to tow a caravan.

Only 3% of motorists look for a car with ‘green credentials’ compared to 23% who want something reliable and 13% who are simply looking for a car that is cheap to buy according to research carried out by Alliance and Leicester. It seems drivers are not prepared to give up the wide choice they have of cheap and luxury diesel and petrol run cars for the very basic range of electric motors on offer when they go shopping.

Meanwhile savvy car dealers are already rubbing their hands with joy as they wait for the influx of punters queuing up to buy the latest motors just as soon as the new registration plates hit the showrooms.

But financial experts are warning drivers not to be too quick to sign a car finance deal, which could have an interest rate well into double figures, instead they are advising motorists to shop around to find a much cheaper way to pay.

Millions of drivers take out a car finance deal, but while half said they thought it was the quickest and easiest way to buy their new motor, one quarter believed they had scooped the best deal. Others admitted they had been talked into it by the salesman, but with some car finance almost as high as some credit cards, it could be difficult to believe it is the best deal available. Others thought they would get a discount on their car or even some freebies if they agreed to the deal.

Around 18% of customers are swayed by perks like air conditioning when it comes to signing on the dotted line but so many people are simply paying over the odds when they buy their new car.