Survey finds that one-third of Galway motorists change cars every three years

Nearly a quarter (23%) of Galway motorists change their car every three years; that’s according to the latest Motoring Report from car buying experts Carzone.

The bi-annual index which examines trends in the Irish motoring market, highlights the continued rise in used car sales in Ireland as people upgrade their car more regularly. When changing their car, 31% of Galway motorists tend to stick with the same marque indicating that brand loyalty remains high among Galway drivers.

Insurance was named as the main financial concern for Galway motorists with a resounding 83% of Galway drivers saying they noticed a rise in their insurance premium in the last year. Fuel was the second biggest concern followed by road tax and costs associated with servicing. On average, a quarter spend between €120 and €150 running their car each month while nearly one in five (19%) say it can cost anywhere from €201 to €250 per month.

The report finds that Galway dwellers are more likely to drive a diesel car than petrol (57%) and of those, 68% say they will purchase a diesel car in the future. In Galway, women (41%) are more likely to drive a petrol car than men (37%).

In line with changing trends in motoring, Carzone questioned respondents on their attitudes to car technology. Nearly half (48%) say that a car’s technology plays an important role in their purchasing decision.

Over three in every four men polled nationwide say that car tech is very important when buying a car compared to just under half of women (43%). Interestingly in Galway, it seems it has a bigger influence over women than men; 56% of women in Galway say that car tech is very important when buying a car compared to 40% of men. Its importance also carries more weight with the 25-34 age group with 22% citing it as a very important factor.

Almost half (42%) believe that in-car technology has made them a better driver and 36% say it makes driving more enjoyable. When it comes to must-have tech, 38% say they can’t live without their Bluetooth handsfree kit and nearly a fifth (19%) can’t do without their trusty GPS.

This corresponds with the most used tech item among Galway motorists, Bluetooh handsfree kit (54%) and 42% rely on their trusty GPS.

As technology now plays an important role when selecting a vehicle, Carzone also asked what technology consumers expect now as standard.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.