New research from Toyota Ireland suggests Irish drivers are moving away from petrol and diesel. A survey carried out by iReach shows that 61 per cent of Irish drivers now plan to buy a used hybrid or electric car, with most saying that cost and peace of mind are the key reasons behind the shift.
Why are more people choosing dealerships over private sellers?
Four in five drivers say they would rather buy a used car from a dealership than from a private seller. The main reason is peace of mind. Most drivers believe dealers offer better protection, especially when it comes to mechanical issues or warranty cover.
One in seven drivers surveyed had a bad experience buying privately, and almost three quarters of those found a fault with the car shortly after the sale. Many also reported not getting enough time to inspect or test drive the vehicle.
What used car deals are Toyota offering right now?
Throughout September, Toyota Ireland is offering a 6.9 per cent APR rate on hire purchase for all eligible models in its Approved Used range, including the Yaris, Corolla, C-HR and RAV4.
Prices start at €11,750, and there are currently over 1,400 used hybrid and electric Toyota cars available across the country. Financing can be arranged in-house at Toyota dealerships.
How is Toyota making used cars more reliable?
Toyota's Approved Used cars go through a 100-point technical inspection and come with at least a 12-month warranty. All eligible hybrid models get a Hybrid Health Check, which includes an extra 12-month battery cover.
Toyota also offers its Relax programme, which is a service-activated warranty that applies to cars under ten years old with fewer than 185,000km on the clock. Each time the car is serviced at a Toyota dealer, the warranty is extended for another year.
What are buyers most concerned about when going electric?
Around 61 per cent of Irish drivers plan to buy an electrified car second hand. Among them, hybrids are the most popular choice, preferred by nearly half of respondents.
However, battery-electric cars remain a tougher sell in the used market. Over half of used-car buyers said they would be least likely to choose a fully electric vehicle, with concerns including battery life and running costs.
Battery longevity was a particular concern, mentioned by 71 per cent of buyers.
What's the number one issue for used car buyers?
Cost remains the number one issue for used car buyers. Almost 90 per cent of those surveyed said price was a top priority. Over 40 per cent said they could not afford a new car, and one third of those who bought privately felt they had overpaid. Financing from dealerships is seen as a more secure and flexible option, with more than three quarters of buyers arranging their finance directly through a dealer or loan provider.
What does Toyota say about the findings?
Zoë Bradley, Head of Marketing Communications and Corporate Affairs at Toyota Ireland, said: “Our research confirms that while the demand for used cars is high, so too are the concerns around reliability and value. Drivers want peace of mind, and that is precisely what our Approved Used program delivers. From our rigorous testing and comprehensive warranty to the Hybrid Health Check and the Toyota Relax programme, we are delighted to offer drivers the same safety and dependability as a brand-new model.”
More information and the full range of Toyota Approved Used cars are available at approvedused.toyota.ie.