With the start of a new year approaching, it appears many motorists are turning their attention to the car they want to be driving in 2013.
The end of December and beginning of January can be a great time for drivers to look for the best Ford deals, Mazda deals and Volkswagen deals, as those hoping for a fresh start can get things underway with a new set of wheels.
And it seems many people throughout the UK are planning on doing just that, with new research suggesting significant numbers are eager to buy both new and used motors over the coming 12 months.
Carried out by Motoring.co.uk for Automotive Management (AM), the study revealed 38 per cent of consumers will be looking to change their vehicle at some point in 2013.
Furthermore, it was shown that 16 per cent of those questioned would like to drive off in a different auto in 2014, 18 per cent are hopeful of doing likewise in 2015, nine per cent aim to make a new purchase in 2016 and six per cent are keen to buy in 2017.
It was revealed that the most popular carmakers among would-be buyers include Ford and Volkswagen, while people are keen to snap up a new motor for emotional reasons, as opposed to being in real need of a runaround.
According to the findings, customers appear willing to splash the cash in order to drive away in the car they desire, with most people claiming to have budgets that stretch to £10,000, while the majority expect payments on their buys are likely to set them back around £100 to £249 a month.
A total of 2,380 individuals were involved in the study, which will also form part of the AM 2013 UK Franchised Dealer Report.
Managing director at Motoring.co.uk Terry Hogan said: "Our first piece of research shows some encouraging signs for the motor industry, with a sizable number of consumers looking to change their car in 2013.
"Good news for franchised dealers is that consumer intentions are equally balanced between using them or an independent dealer for servicing and parts.
"Half of the consumers who would choose a franchised dealer would use the supplying dealer, half would use the closest franchised dealer."
The poll also showed that while most people tend to opt for used cars when making a purchase, the new motor deals available – coupled with a shortage of second-hand vehicle stock – has resulted in almost one-third of those quizzed claiming they could be tempted into buying either a new or used model.
While some respondents claimed they do not intend on hitting the road in a different vehicle within the next 12 months, nearly one-third said they are not opposed to the idea of getting hold of a motor – new or used – at some time in the future.
Among the factors these individuals are taking into consideration when planning a purchase are price, reliability, miles per gallon, tax and finance packages and insurance.