A recent Autobytel Inc. survey measuring attitudes of Internet used car shoppers sheds light on just how far the used car market has come since the old days of kicking tires and slamming doors. According to the company, the survey paints a picture of an informed, prudent consumer who takes advantage of a range of relatively recent consumer safeguards and Internet information to take the guesswork out of what was once considered a high-risk purchase. A high degree of consumer confidence in the current used market is suggested, with the majority of respondents indicating that, if they had $25,000 dollars to spend, they would buy a "nicer used vehicle, with some miles but more options," instead of a new car.

According to the company, reflecting the recent rise in certified used car sales, nearly 80 percent of those surveyed expressed a preference for certified vehicles. Over 30 percent of respondents indicate that they would ONLY buy a certified used vehicle, with an additional 48 percent indicating that they might buy a certified vehicle. Forty-five percent of those polled indicated that they would not buy a used vehicle without first purchasing a vehicle history report, with an additional 31 percent reporting that they would probably purchase a report if the vehicle has high mileage. Over 80 percent stated that used vehicle warranties "make sense" to them, depending on the year and make of the vehicle, while 90 percent indicated that they always or usually ask for maintenance/service records when shopping for a used vehicle.

Autobytel further said that eighty-five percent cite a combination approach of shopping on the Internet and shopping through newspaper and periodical classifieds as the best strategy for finding a good deal on a used vehicle. (More respondents, however, selected a strategy of only shopping online, as opposed to only shopping through classifieds.) Nearly two out of three, meanwhile, indicated that it's "always better" to buy through a dealership, as opposed to a private party. When it comes to shopping for a used vehicle online, 90 percent prefer searching an inventory from dealers and private sellers ­ the model offered by sites such as Autobytel.com ­ while only 10 pecrent favor bidding in an online auction.

INTERNET USED CAR SHOPPER SURVEY

Conducted on Autobytel.com, Carsmart.com and Autoweb.com

If you had $25,000 to spend on a vehicle, would you buy:

A new vehicle 50%

A nicer used vehicle, with some miles but more options 51%

Does a used vehicle warranty make sense to you?

Yes, I feel more confident if the used vehicle I'm buying has a warranty 47%

Probably, but it depends on the year and make of the vehicle 33%

Not really, I don't think they cover much 15%

No, used warranties aren't worth anything 5%

Are you more or less likely to purchase a used vehicle if it's certified?

I am more likely to buy -- I would only buy a certified used vehicle 31%

I might buy -- it depends on what is certified on the vehicle 48%

I am not more or less likely to buy-- I think it's a marketing ploy 22%

When shopping for a used vehicle online, which method would you most likely use to purchase a used vehicle?

Search online classifieds, then bid on an auction 10%

Search inventory from dealers and private sellers, then submit a purchase request

(through webites such as Autobytel.com) 90%

When shopping for a used vehicle, what is your most important feature?

Quality 55%

Low Miles 29%

Appearance 4%

Price 13%

When shopping for a used vehicle, would you purchase a vehicle history report?

Yes, I would not buy without a report 45%

Probably, if the vehicle has high mileage 31%

No, I don't think I'd get any useful information from a history report 24%

When shopping for a used vehicle, do you ever ask for maintenance/service records?

Yes, always 50%

Probably, it depends on the vehicle 40%

No, it's not necessary 10%

When shopping for a used vehicle, it's always better to:

Buy through a dealership 62%

Buy through a private party 38%

About Autobytel Inc.

Autobytel Inc., an Internet automotive marketing services company, says it helps retailers sell cars and manufacturers build brands through marketing, advertising and CRM (customer relationship management) tools and programs. The company owns and operates the automotive websites Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com and automotive research center, AutoSite.com, as well as AIC (Automotive Information Center), a provider of automotive marketing data and technology. Autobytel Inc. is an Internet new-car buying service. Autobytel Inc. says it is also among the largest syndicated car-buying content networks, reaching millions of unique visitors as they are making their vehicle buying decisions.