THE used car trade can get more money for ex-fleet cars if first impressions of the forecourt are good and if cars have had accredited quality checks.

According to research from GMAC Financial Services, the quality of the cars on the forecourt and the appearance of the showroom were deciding factors for 43% of motorists polled in the survey, which also found that 19% of buyers were impressed by awards and accreditation plaques on show.

Colin Tapsfield, GMAC's UK marketing manager, said: 'These results reaffirm that first impressions really do count and underlines the vital importance of maintaining smart, accessible and well-designed motor retail sites.'

Only 11% of respondents said that they would choose a dealer if it had multiple car marques on display, with those in Scotland more likely to be swayed by this than those in the south east,with figures of 14% and 5.5% respectively.

Tapsfield added: 'While new developments such as multi-marque dealerships have clearly sparked an interest among consumers and offer great potential for the future, it is vital that UK motor retailers keep their eye on the ball and continue to improve levels of service and the standard of their outlets.'