Miles per gallon is top draw for over 50s car buyers

People's fears about finances are causing a significant shift in preferences and patterns of behaviour when buying a new car, according to research from RIAS.

The poll revealed that 32% of over 50s in the UK would choose their next car based on how many miles per gallon it does, indicating that the days are gone when make, model or even colour were enough to swing a deal - buying a car is now more about economics than aesthetics, with substance winning over style.

For this age group, the next most important feature is low emissions (13%) which perhaps conveys both people's environmental concerns and a growing awareness that lower emissions mean lower car tax charges - again, a cost saving benefit. The results also show that safety features would be a significant draw (12%).

Other features, previously considered important, now languish at the bottom of the league table: just 6% care about the make or model, only 1% would choose their new car based on its colour, and 2% would be tempted by on-board technology and gadgets. Very low numbers of over 50s, 4% of respondents, say they would be influenced by the age of the vehicle, and a meagre 5% said they would consider engine size, namely potential speed, when deciding on which car to purchase.

The poll also revealed something that could send a shiver down the spines of car dealers all over the country: 50% of the over 50s, an age group considered more likely than most to treat themselves to a new car, will not be splashing out on a fresh set of wheels, and are even deciding against upgrading their cars at all at for the foreseeable future. In the present climate, half of over 50 year olds are simply ‘not interested' in buying or changing their car this Autumn, and 1 in 10 potential buyers put that decision directly down to fears about the current economic climate and the continued threat of a recession.

RIAS Managing Director Janet Connor said: "We understand that many people are beset with worries about the escalating cost of keeping a car on the road, and that a big part of this is about the cost of fuel. People are holding on to their old cars more, and using them less, and even driving more slowly to try and save on fuel costs. But however many miles to the gallon a car does, and whatever make, model or colour is chosen, making sure you're properly covered with appropriate car insurance is a non-negotiable part of driving a car. For the over 50s, particularly those who like to keep an eye on cost, it's worth bearing in mind that one of the key benefits of insuring your car with an over 50s specialist insurer like RIAS is that we offer discounts for older drivers - and older cars, no matter how many miles they do to the gallon!"