Aussies avoid auto alley and head online to buy cars


Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

Wednesday 21st, September, 2011, SYDNEY: Research from online comprehensive car insurance provider Bingle1 has found a whopping 76 per cent of Aussies believe they can get the best deal on a car online, and 64 per cent would rather go online than contend with car dealers.

Bingle spokesperson Melanie Vine said, “When it comes to online shopping people think of easily posted items like clothing, books or CDs, but there’s also real growth in sales of big ticket items like the family car. Growing comfort in making big purchases like these online, clearly shows people trust online shopping more than ever.

With the research indicating 74 per cent of people believe they’ve saved money buying their car online, the benefits are more than just avoiding a slick salesperson.“

Local online classifieds network Gumtree Australia can attest to this growing popularity of online car sales, having seen 140 percent year on year growth in the ads in their motor vehicle, motorbikes and parts category, and an increase of nearly 100 percent in site visits in the year to July 2011.

“People are clearly taking advantage of the great range and value online and sellers are appreciating the growing audience,” Nat Thomas, Gumtree Australia, spokesperson said.

Bingle’s research also found two in five Aussies are convinced both buying and selling a car online is an easy process – a claim supported by Gumtree Australia seeing 40,000 cars listed for sale a month, and almost half a million vehicles over the year.

“More and more Aussies are finding that buying and selling a car online is an easy process, and one that can save or make you considerable dollars,” Ms Vine continued.

“However, we’d remind people on both sides of the transaction, don’t rush into a sale or purchase. Accompany the potential buyer on their test drive, have a reputable mechanic look over your soon to be new car, and do all the checks and research you can upfront.”

Research Summary:

  • 64% felt it was easier to buy a car online than dealing with dealers
  • 76% shopped around online for the best deal on a car
  • 74% believed they had saved money buying the car online
  • 40% of respondents agreed it was easy to buy and sell a car online
  • 140% Year-on-Year growth in Total Ads in Cars / Vehicles / Motorbikes / Parts category (July 2011 vs July 2010) – source: Internal Gumtree data
  • 98% Year-on-Year growth in Visits to the Cars / Vehicles / Motorbikes / Parts category (July 2011 vs July 2010) - source: Internal Gumtree data
  1. Bingle’s research was conducted in April 2011 and is based on an independent internet survey of 602 Australians across all States and Territories. The research was conducted by Newspoll.

For further information or to organise an interview, please contact:

Melanie Vine
Bingle Car Insurance
(0459) 800 621