According to the findings of Autotrader’s Car Buyer of the Future Study, only 17 car shoppers and buyers out of 4,002 — that’s less than 1% — chose the current process as their ideal experience. But there is good news for the automotive industry because the study identified key areas where consumer demand is influencing rapid change, as well as important insights about how improvements in the car-buying process can benefit the industry.

Current Car Buying Process - Autotrader Car Buyer of the Future

About the Study

Autotrader’s Car Buyer of the Future Study looked at the current shopping, buying and ownership process and asked more than 4,002 consumers about their ideal process. The study was a multi-stage approach with both qualitative and quantitative research that included:

  • 4 expert interviews
  • 8 lead user ethnographies
  • Focus groups with 40 new and used car buyers
  • Quantitative survey among 4,002 car shoppers and buyers
  • Study conducted June 2014 through October 2014