The internet remains the preferred research tool used by motorists when looking to buy a used car, with 84% of consumers visiting online classifieds, a survey suggests.

Interestingly though, the majority of used car buyers surveyed also said they believe they will find a better price online than when visiting dealer showrooms.

HPI is therefore urging dealers to maximise their online presence in order to attract buyers onto their virtual or physical forecourts.

Whilst online classifieds were most favoured by consumers when conducting their research, 54% said they also went to auction sites, such as eBay and 45% visited local dealer websites.

Once used car buyers knew what they wanted to buy and were ready to search for the best package for their money, nearly half believed that buying online offered the most affordable prices (46%), followed by attending auctions (30%) and flicking through the classifieds (14%). Only 10% thought that franchised and independent dealers, or car supermarkets, offered the best deals.