The automotive self-regulatory body The Motor Ombudsman has highlighted a large knowledge gap between generations of drivers.
With the DVLA set to introduce the new set of ’74-reg’ number plates, many motorists will be getting ready to buy a new car. However, a study of 1,000 drivers has found that older drivers are much more confident.
Bill Fennel, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director of The Motor Ombudsman suggested that younger motorists generally need more support when buying or running a vehicle.
He explained: “Our research and ‘Car Confidence Barometers’ have revealed an insightful generation gap, with younger drivers, on the whole, tending to feel less self-assured in their car buying and ownership decisions compared to their older and sometimes more experienced counterparts.”
“It is clear that, while living in a world where so much information is at your fingertips, the sheer volume of content can be overwhelming.”
According to The Motor Ombudsman, older drivers generally have a better idea of the type of vehicle they want to buy, with 84 percent of Boomers (aged between 59 and 77) knowing the fuel they want their next vehicle to run on.
In comparison, only 76 percent of Millennials drivers (aged from 27 to 42 years old) knew whether petrol or diesel was right for them, with the figure dropping to 73 percent for Gen Z motorists (between 18 and 26).
Nevertheless, younger drivers were much more confident in choosing an electric car, with 29 percent more Gen Z and Gen Y drivers respectively happy to choose one compared to Boomers.
The Motor Ombudsman also found that older motorists are more likely to get a better deal when buying their next vehicle.
39 percent of Boomers taking part in the study stated that they are confident in haggling the price with the salesperson – a figure that drops to just 16 percent for Gen Z drivers.
Similarly, younger drivers generally need more assistance when finding the right model for them, often enlisting the help of a loved one.
Bill encouraged older motorists to help educate younger drivers, highlighting that the Motor Ombudsman offers a service to advise all road users.
He added: “Helping to plug the generation gap with valuable motoring knowledge that will enable them to navigate their driving journey with independence and confidence is therefore crucial.
“On this note, anyone who feels that their ‘Car Confidence’ is in need of a boost, should actively seek out The Motor Ombudsman’s comprehensive and impartial library of information covering the car buying and ownership experience, and call on the expertise provided by reputable accredited businesses in our growing UK-wide network.”