Insurance
2025 Car Buyer’s Report
What drivers want, the best time to buy, and top tips to buying a car
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 05/09/2025
Ryan Barham
Last updated: 05/09/2025
Buying a car is one of the biggest and most exciting purchases many of us make. But with new technology, green initiatives, cost of living considerations, and changing driver needs, it can become an overwhelming process.
To cut through the noise, we surveyed 2,000 UK drivers to understand how Brits are buying cars in 2025.
We've also gathered data on the cheapest times to buy, the most widely available second-hand cars, and included practical tips to help you navigate the buying process with confidence.
When it comes to buying a car, the options can feel overwhelming. Should you head to a main dealership, browse online marketplaces, or look for private sellers?
Despite the growing number of online platforms, our survey finds that traditional dealerships remain the most popular choice among UK drivers:
With 44% purchasing new, it's unsurprising that dealerships still play a big role in that process.
Most UK drivers prefer to buy cars locally, despite the availability of online marketplaces. In 2025, 47% of buyers travelled 25 miles or less to purchase their car, while only 11% travelled over 100 miles. The average travel distance was 45 miles.
According to our survey of 2,000 UK drivers, the average spend on a car in 2025 is £19,703. Just one in ten paid under £5,000, while one in five (20%) spent over £30,000.
Younger buyers are leading the way on spend. Drivers aged 18–24 spent an average of £23,704, while 25–34-year-olds spent slightly more at £24,492. In contrast, 55–64-year-olds spent the least, averaging £15,449, almost £10,000 less than their younger counterparts.
There were also some striking regional differences when it came to how much people are spending. Londoners topped the list, with an average spend of £28,340, followed closely by Northern Ireland at £24,475.
Meanwhile, drivers in regions like the East Midlands (£15,310), South West (£15,970) and Yorkshire and the Humber (£15,514) spent far less than the national average of £19,703.
What’s particularly surprising is how people are choosing to pay. Despite rising living costs, 59% of respondents said they paid in full using cash or a debit card.
The next most common option, personal contract purchase (PCP), was used by just 11%, followed by 8% who used a personal loan.
Considering how much you want to spend on a car and your overall budget will help you determine the best financing option
Price (52%), reliability (41%) and practicality (33%) topped buyers’ priorities, while factors like safety (15%), tech (10%) and eco-friendliness (7%) ranked much lower.
Despite growing public conversations around sustainability and innovation, it seems that when it comes to putting money down, most drivers are still focused on the basics: affordability and dependability.
The top priorities in 2025:
Priority | Percentage |
Price | 52% |
Reliability | 41% |
Size/Practicality | 33% |
Fuel efficiency/Running costs | 31% |
Mileage | 23% |
Style/Design | 21% |
Performance | 19% |
Brand reputation | 19% |
Safety features | 15% |
Maintenance/Repair costs | 12% |
Tech features (e.g. infotainment, cameras) | 10% |
Eco-friendliness/EV | 7% |
Resale value | 4% |
This practical mindset is reflected in the cars people choose, too. UK drivers in 2025 purchased second-hand cars averaging 4.5 years old with 31,000 miles on the clock.
Despite the 2035 ZEV target, only 18% plan to go electric for their next car. Petrol leads at 37%, with hybrids at 21%, showing drivers remain cautious about fully switching to EVs.
With so much to consider when buying a car, from budget to fuel type, timing can also play a big role in getting the best deal. Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) covering used car prices from 2015 to 2025 shows a clear pattern - used cars tend to be most expensive in March and cheapest in June.
This means if you’re planning to buy second-hand, waiting until early summer could save you some serious cash.
Our survey found that the average spend on a car was just under £20,000, with typical mileage slightly over 31,000 miles.
To help put this into perspective, we looked at the current market to see which used models are most available within this typical budget and mileage range.
Here are the cars with the highest number of listings currently available that meet three key conditions:
Make | Model | Availability under 50,000 miles* | |
1 | Vauxhall | Corsa | 4,947 |
2 | Ford | Fiesta | 4,561 |
3 | Nissan | Qashqai | 4,219 |
4 | Volkswagen | Golf | 4,198 |
5 | Ford | Puma | 3,847 |
*Autotrader as of 23/07/25
Make | Model | Availability £15,000-£20,000* | |
1 | Ford | Puma | 2,424 |
2 | Volkswagen | Golf | 1,922 |
3 | Mercedes-Benz | A Class | 1,593 |
4 | Volkswagen | Polo | 1,472 |
5 | Audi | A1 | 1,306 |
*Autotrader as of 23/07/25
Make | Model | Availability under <£5000* | |
1 | Ford | Fiesta | 3,959 |
2 | Vauxhall | Corsa | 3,310 |
3 | Ford | Focus | 2,613 |
4 | Vauxhall | Astra | 1,948 |
5 | Fiat | 500 | 1,547 |
*Autotrader as of 23/07/25
Start by deciding what type of car fits your lifestyle — family size, commute, fuel type, manual or automatic. Research models thoroughly by checking reviews, reliability ratings, and running costs to find the best fit.
Set a realistic budget before you start shopping. Our survey shows 59% of buyers pay with cash or debit card, but financing is also an option.
With a clear idea of your needs and budget, the next step is to explore your options.
Decide whether you want a new car, which often comes with warranties and the latest features but at a higher price, or a used car, which can offer better value but may require more research and careful checks.
Once you’ve chosen new or used, consider where to buy:
For used cars, it’s especially important to ask the seller key questions before viewing:
Whether you're buying new or used, it's important to give the car a proper once-over before committing. For brand-new vehicles, this will mostly be about checking for any cosmetic issues or unexpected faults.
But if you're looking at a used car, a more thorough inspection is essential to spot signs of wear, damage, or hidden problems. Here's what to look for:
If you're considering a used car, check its tax and SORN status via the DVLA, and consider a paid vehicle history check (e.g. RAC or MotorCheck) to spot any mileage issues or outstanding finance.
Ask the seller for the service history, and if possible, bring someone knowledgeable, like a trusted mechanic, to help assess the car in person.
Before buying any car, you’re going to want to take it out for a test drive. This gives you the chance to get a feel for the vehicle on the road and also see if you find it comfortable.
This is also the perfect opportunity to ask questions about the vehicle’s performance and any other potential issues.
It’s a legal requirement for all drivers on UK roads to have relevant insurance. If you’re buying from a dealer, they are likely to have this in place. If buying privately, you or the buyer will have to arrange this.
Potential penalties for driving without insurance include:
If the case goes to court, you could get:
Temporary car insurance is a fast and flexible option here, as it’s available from one hour and is a separate, stand-alone policy that won’t impact any existing no claims discount.
While some dealers may have a set route for test drives, if you’re buying privately you may be able to go your own way.
You could bring someone with you to accompany the test driver. They’ll be able to fill you in from a passenger’s perspective and offer a second opinion, noting things you might miss and serving as a witness.
Did the test drive go OK? If you’re ready to commit to a purchase, think back over everything you’ve learned during the buying process and prepare any final questions.
Remember, nothing has been signed yet, so if you want to pull out, you can.
Once you’ve agreed to the sale, it’s time to gather the funds and decide on the most appropriate payment method.
Be wary of paying by cash in a private sale, and don’t hand over any money until you have signed the relevant documentation.
When buying the car, you should ensure you have all the relevant paperwork:
You’ll also need to arrange your insurance. Need some more time to arrange your annual cover?
Drive away insurance will get you home and give you time to find the right insurance. As it’s fully comprehensive, you’ll also be able to drive in the meantime with complete peace of mind.
By following the tips in this guide and trusting your instincts, you should be in a good place to buy a car with confidence.
Now the fun begins, and you can start planning your first independent drive.
Don’t rush, take your time and, most importantly, enjoy your new car.
Survey carried out: 15th to 21st July 2025
Number of respondents: 2,000
Demographics: UK drivers who own a car which they bought themselves
