CHICAGO, IL- February
7, 2013- Car advertising may focus on style, speed and brand, but it's the
initial price and costs of operating a vehicle that are the key interests for
people car shopping, according to the results of a recent poll taken by the
Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Chicago and Northern Illinois.
Price was
the leading factor, with 29 percent of survey respondents picking it as their primary
consideration. This was followed by gas mileage, stated by 17 percent, and costs
of service and warranty, cited by another 12 percent. These economic factors
totaled 58 percent of the concerns survey respondents had when looking for a
new vehicle.
"Buying
a vehicle is a major purchase an individual or family can make, so it is
reassuring that economic considerations are primary for buyers," said
Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the BBB. "Other factors, like looks
and performance may be influences, but our poll shows it is dollar concerns that
outweigh other factors."
While the
features of a new car were picked by 19 percent of the respondents as a
consideration, they were outweighed by the cost issues by a three-to-one
margin. Also taking a backseat in car
buying considerations were online ratings of dealers, selected by 9 percent as
important; previous dealer relationship, 8 percent; and picking the same brand
as a previous car, 6 percent.
Visit BBB’s website for more consumer tips at www.bbb.org
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As a private, non-profit organization, the purpose
of the Better Business Bureau is to promote an ethical marketplace. BBBs help
resolve buyer/seller complaints by means of conciliation, mediation and
arbitration. BBBs also review advertising claims, online business practices and
charitable organizations. BBBs develop and issue reviews on businesses and
nonprofit organizations and encourage people to check out a company or charity
before making a purchase or donation.
