BRITISH Car Auctions has given an insight into the Scottish used car market to coincide with the launch of its redeveloped auction centre in Glasgow following a multi-million pound refit.

The research, based on the 2002 Used Car Market Report that BCA produced in association with Fleet News' sister-company Sewells International, examined what were the key issues affecting car buyers, to help guide fleet disposal executives.

It asked used car buyers what might influence them to choose diesel over petrol. A total of 9% of buyers in Scotland had bought diesel cars in the past two years and nearly two-thirds (64%) had done so to get better fuel consumption.

The only other response to figure highly was for environmental considerations – at 22% this was the highest figure recorded for this factor in the UK, the report added. The hatchback remains the most popular type of car in Scotland favoured by 57% of motorists, the highest figure recorded for the UK in the report. Saloon cars were in second place and were the choice of 31% while estate cars were purchased by 3%, the lowest figure for the UK.

A total of 52% of Scottish motorists who have access to the internet said they would use it to help them find their next vehicle.

Respondents were also asked what reasons they might have for buying a used car rather than a new car. Pricing was the biggest factor, as it was for the rest of the UK, with 48% saying they could not afford new and 34% citing that used cars are better value for money.

To mark the opening of the new centre, performed by the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Alex Mosson, BCA Glasgow held a special celebration sale with the proceeds from the first car sold going to children's charities. The 97R Ford Fiesta Zetec raised £4,500 and was bought by Steve Ferry, sales director for Reg Vardy. BCA added a further £500 to the sum.