Customers are increasingly happy to buy used cars with higher mileages but want the reassurance of the right support products, says RAC Warranty.

Higher used prices mean that buyers are becoming more relaxed about the prospect of driving vehicles with 60,000 or more miles but need safety nets such as warranties and MOT insurance in place to feel confident about making a purchase.

Sales and marketing director at RAC Warranty Ian Simpson explained: “This trend is very much being driven by necessity.

“New and used car prices have continued to rise faster than most wages and a customer whose last purchase was a 30,000-40,000 mile used car may now find that their finances only stretch to one that has covered 50,000-60,000.

“However, as the motor trade well knows, the build quality of 21st century cars mean that this kind of stock can still be made very presentable and clearly has much life left in it.

“Customers recognise this fact but the feedback we are receiving suggests that they also want the reassurance of the right support products in order to buy.”

Simpson said that longer and more comprehensive warranties were becoming increasingly common on cars of this type, with dealers either providing them as standard or offering them to the customer as an upgrade.

Further add-ons to mitigate against the mileage of the vehicle such as MoT insurance were also gaining in popularity.

He added: “This is an extension of a trend that we are seeing across the market where dealers are tailoring the warranty to the particular vehicle.

“Someone spending £8,000 on a three year old mainstream ex-fleet car with 60,000 miles will feel that they are spending a substantial sum and will want to feel that the car will not bring them any unexpected bills.

“Dealers are increasingly recognising that the car is a package and having a solid warranty in place to underpin the purchase is an important factor in completing the deal.”
 

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