Take a quick look around you next time you’re sitting in traffic. Chances are, the cars around you have changed slightly since the 2010s. In fact, while Ford and Vauxhall have dominated the UK roads for a long time, we are starting to see more and more makes now, including Nissan, Hyundai, Toyota, etc.
But there’s an increasingly eclectic mix of manufacturers. The British car-buying habits have changed dramatically over the last decades. While many factors are coming into play, cost isn’t always the main criterion for choosing a different vehicle.
Buyers are checking beyond local dealerships
In the past, buying a car usually meant heading to your nearest dealership, comparing a few options, and settling on something relatively convenient. However, UK buyers are now taking a broader view.
There’s no need to stick to your postcode when looking for the perfect motor. Platforms now make it easy to browse cars for sale nationwide and compare features, pricing, and condition in just a few clicks.
Even if the car you’ve got your eye on is in a different region entirely, the cost of shipping your car is often outweighed by the savings. Buyers are snapping up deals from all over the UK, and sometimes beyond, reshaping the way our roads look in the process.
Imports are changing the car landscape
UK drivers are increasingly looking to Europe, Japan, and the US for their next vehicle. Why? It often comes down to either price or exclusivity.
Some overseas markets offer vehicles with trims, features, or entire models that never made it to UK showrooms. Others simply provide better value, especially when the exchange rate plays in your favour.
Of course, importing a car isn’t without its hurdles. Taxes, registration fees, and modifications may be required to meet UK standards. But for many, the benefits are well worth it.
Car auctions
There’s been a real surge in people buying classic and vintage vehicles through auctions. The different auction platforms are goldmines for anyone looking to snap up a distinctive ride.
Sites like Car & Classic, The Market, and even eBay Motors are helping enthusiasts connect with long-forgotten gems. Buyers name different reasons, ranging from nostalgia to a side project.
Owning a classic car isn’t always practical if you don’t understand the mechanics behind it, but it is immensely satisfying. The upkeep might take more effort, but the pride of cruising in something rare makes it worthwhile.
Lesser-known makers
The interest is shifting away from Ford, Vauxhall, VW, Peugeot, and Renault towards lesser-known manufacturers. This phenomenon is partially driven by international communities in the UK, looking to purchase a brand from home. But it’s enough to attract the curiosity of other drivers, too.
Chinese brands like BYD and Chery are appearing in conversations, thanks to their electric vehicles and hybrids, which can rival big-name competitors. Korean makers, including those now discontinued in the UK like Daewoo or SsangYong, are also seeing renewed interest.
Some drivers want a car that feels like home. However, more and more car buyers are seeking models that outperform their weight in terms of fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, or technological features.
The car landscape is changing for a variety of reasons. Besides, with the growing interest in electric vehicles and Musk’s backlash, we can expect to see more variety on the road, from people seeking the best deal nationwide or internationally.