After three devastated years, mostly due to the Covid-19 crisis, the French car market restored the color last year. In 2023, the number of new cars finally reached a similar level to pre-crisis indicators. Sales to individuals are clearly increasing (+18% against 2022), even if we take into account the year 2022one of the worst years for the car market French knew. This year, according to the latest research conducted Nielsen media at the expense of from Autoheroit’s close 27% of the French who intend to buy a new car. Part of the remaining respondents (34%) are considering the possibility of purchase more precisely within two or three years. But the research also informs us about other interesting behavior of people in France before buying.

Do the French trust their lovers or salespeople?

According to research conducted on behalf of Autohero, the leader of online second-hand sales in Europe, many French people trust their loved ones! When it comes to buying a new vehicle, the first desire of the French is not to immediately go to the dealership. Actually buyers trust their family and friends the same way they trust salespeople at dealerships. Two options come equally in the survey about 39%. In other European countries, the answers are far from the same. And the French seem to trust their loved ones less than potential buyers from other countries. In Germany and Italy, the latter trust friends and family even more (48% and 45%, respectively). They also trust the websites of automakers more (36% of votes).

What are the differences in the buying habits of men and women?

The difference between men and women when it comes to the process of purchasing a new vehicle is significant. The study highlights, for example, significant differences in the sources of information preferred before purchase. A little less than half (43%) of the surveyed women prefer physical visits to dealerships AND get advice from sellers when looking for a new car compared to only 35% of men. For their part, men rely more on the advice of their friends and family (39%). They also visit dealerships (35%) and rank information found on Google third (27%).

Buyers rarely turn to specialized sites

It is not surprising that the French seem reluctant to use automotive media as a source of information. Statistics show that a small percentage of them turn to printed car magazines (14%), specialized online media (16%) or even TV shows dedicated to cars (11%) for information before buying. Another surprising fact is that social media videos are also not a popular way to get information about buying a car. Platforms like YouTube (13%), Instagram (9%), Tiktok (9%) and Pinterest (5%) do not seem to pay attention to getting serious information before buying.

What are the selection criteria before buying a car?

No wonder that price remains the main criterion to purchase a car. This is a matter for 77% of respondents. Then it is condition of the vehicle which ranks second (64%). Half of the French respondents are also interested warranty conditions are included in the purchase price (50%) and 40% by exchange of an old car. Nielsen Media research also highlights information concerning the second-hand market. According to the survey, almost one in three French people plan to choose a Used vehicle. And this is also a question of price! 63% of respondents say that there is an opportunity better value for money than new. 68% of the youngest (18-34 years old) think so, compared to 59% of those aged 35-64. Finally, this is the opinion of a third of all potential French used car buyerssecond hand is a way to get access to higher end brands or models compared to buying a new car.