Why So Many Singles Are In Need Of A Service

Past cars more reliable than past
partners say over half of UK singles

Despite the dating boom there are still 7 million single people in the UK. New research reveals singles would be far more likely to find lasting love if they applied the same criteria in their hunt for a partner as they could a used car.

Problems of increasingly high-maintenance, a less than honest record on previous partners, and concealment of their true age have all been cited as problems by UK’s singles, separated and divorced population according to a survey commissioned by the UK’s number one used-car dealer, Network Q.

Results from the survey reveal

• 53% of all singles polled (single, divorced or separated) claim their cars have proved to be more reliable than previous partners
• A quarter of all singles polled have dated someone who has tried to conceal their real age
• 55% of all singles polled have found that partners become increasingly high-maintenance the longer they are with them
• 59% of singles have had more partners than cars in their life so far

Regional differences - Maybe it’s because I’m
a Londoner that I’m often on my own

• Almost one-third (31%) of Londoners has dated someone who concealed their true age, compared to a national average of 21%. The most honest are those in the South West at 18%
• Two-thirds (65%) of Londoners have been deceived by a partner over past relationship history, followed by the Scots at 57%. East Anglians are the most reliable with only 37% not getting the full truth
• Three out of four (76%) Londoners have had more partners than cars compared to the UK average of 53%. But this is the case for less than half (45%) of those in East Anglia and the North West

According to Lifecoach and psychotherapist Christine Webber, ‘Choosing a partner clearly has similarities with choosing a used car. Unfortunately, when it comes to romance, there is no guarantee, no service history and no log-book to tell you exactly what you’re getting!

‘Nowadays, people have come to expect quality and security when they make big purchases, so they tend to expect the same things when they look for a mate. No wonder so many individuals feel that buying a car is much less fraught than finding Mr or Miss Right,’ she added.

Stuart Sims of Network Q added: ‘In our own way we work as a matchmaker, placing an emphasis on trust, quality and ensuring a customer gets a car that is right for them with nothing hidden. That’s why we always recommend you don’t just follow your first impulse and instead make sure you know the full history before making a big commitment.’