Used car buyers are being put off purchasing online by overly complicated websites, according to research by stock locator CarsAlive.

In a poll of more than 1,000 used car buyers and franchised dealers in September, 81% complained that sourcing a vehicle would be easier if internet marketing companies concentrated on providing stronger search facilities rather than offering diverse site content. Dealer also said that buyers were distracted by overly complex sites. 83% said that for an intermediary to be effective it main focus must be on directing buyers to dealers' websites or showrooms.

Toby Thompson, Cars Alive managing director, said: “Used car marketing requires a specialised approach and fee-paying dealers shouldn't have to compete with arguably superfluous content in an effort to get car buyers to hit the search button.”