Plenty of car dealers will be pleased to know that customers still want to visit a dealership before buying a car. The State of the Nation Industry Report 2021 by JudgeService contained the results of a survey with 2,150 participants, all of whom had purchased a car in the last few years. It showed that 73% of drivers would rather set foot in a dealership before putting cash on the table. And, we have to say, we’re not surprised.
There are plenty of benefits to customers visiting a car before buying it, as it gives drivers a chance to chat to an expert about their potential purchase. In a few cases, seeing the car beforehand can also persuade customers on the fence to go for it, as opposed to simply clicking ‘exit’ when buying online.
Despite the strong survey results, the idea of customers still being able to visit a dealership did seem to be up in the air for a while, as Covid pushed a lot of drivers into buying online without seeing a car in person beforehand. And, while the survey shows that almost 75% of UK drivers want to visit a dealership, it does have some strings attached. Social distancing is a must for a lot of customers, although this shouldn’t be too difficult for most small businesses. After all, the easing of lockdown has given many businesses a lot of practice when it comes to Covid measures.
The effect of small dealerships moving online
There are far more small dealerships with some sort of online presence today than ever before. After the continuous lockdowns across the UK, it became necessary for a lot of small businesses to move online in any way that they could, and this has meant that our process of buying online has never been so easy.
While many buyers will stick to an in-person visit, the survey showed that around 10% of car buyers will use ‘click-and-collect’ services or delivery to their door. According to JudgeService, this choice of purchase is most popular with customers between 36-45.
On top of this, the survey found that 81% of drivers are looking to buy a new car as soon as possible. For dealerships, this could be a great time to reconnect with any existing customers. Managing Director of JudgeService, Neil Addley, offered advice to used car dealerships, urging dealers to ‘use their databases to contact customers who have bought cars within the last 36 months to reap the benefits of these opportunities. Invite them down to the dealership, offer them a Covid-safe test drive and nurture that relationship between dealer and customer again and again.’
As dealerships look to engage with customers considering a new car purchase, it’s also an ideal time for car repair services to re-establish connections with vehicle owners. By reaching out to existing customers and offering value-added services, such as maintenance and repairs, businesses can build long-term relationships. A good way to connect with owners is by offering specialized care for specific vehicles, such as diesel-powered ones. For example, G&R Diesel offers a comprehensive range of diesel maintenance and repair services, helping customers keep their vehicles running smoothly.
Diesel engines, often found in work trucks and heavy-duty vehicles, require specific attention to maintain peak performance. From diagnostic services to turbo repairs and engine overhauls, G&R Diesel is a trusted resource for diesel-powered vehicles. Offering regular check-ups and preventive maintenance can help extend the life of a diesel engine, preventing costly repairs down the line.
Diagnosing issues in a diesel engine requires precision and expertise, as even minor problems can lead to significant performance setbacks. Whether it’s a heavy-duty truck or a diesel-powered car, these engines rely on complex systems like fuel injectors, turbochargers, and emission controls, all of which require regular monitoring. Offering top-tier diagnostic services, Rush Diesel helps both car and truck owners detect and resolve potential issues before they turn into major repairs. With skilled technicians and state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, they ensure that diesel engines stay efficient and reliable, no matter the vehicle type.
Timely diagnostics can make all the difference in preventing costly repairs. Warning signs such as rough idling, decreased fuel efficiency, or excessive exhaust smoke should never be ignored, as they often indicate underlying engine issues. Whether you drive a diesel-powered work truck or a daily commuter car, routine check-ups and advanced diagnostics can help maintain peak performance. Investing in expert diesel repair services ensures that your vehicle remains dependable, fuel-efficient, and ready for the road ahead.
As more drivers look to upgrade their vehicles, it’s not just dealerships that stand to benefit—repair and programming specialists have a crucial role to play in keeping cars running at peak performance. Modern vehicles are packed with sophisticated electronic control modules that manage everything from engine efficiency to safety features. When these systems fail, even a well-maintained car can experience major issues, affecting performance and reliability. This is why expert diagnostic and programming services are essential for both new and used car owners looking to protect their investment.
For drivers who want to maximize their car’s longevity and performance, ECU Maverick provides industry-leading solutions for electronic module repair and programming. By addressing complex issues like ECU failures, immobilizer problems, and transmission software glitches, they help car owners avoid unnecessary replacements and costly downtime. As dealerships and service providers work to strengthen customer relationships, offering advanced repair solutions can set them apart in a competitive market. Whether it’s fine-tuning a high-performance sports car or restoring essential functions in a family vehicle, ensuring that electronic components are in top condition is key to a smooth and worry-free driving experience.
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