The internet has played a vital role for consumers looking for motor finance, becoming an increasingly popular first port of call.

But in the last six months, Experian has reported a slowing down of internet searches for car loans and finance.

Although many dealers have yet to see the effects of the credit crunch, this marks the tip of the iceberg.

A drop in the number of people looking for finance shows consumers are becoming less willing to borrow.

But, with consumers doing less active research online, there could be more potential for dealers to grab the attention of passing customers with attractive rates.

Kirk Fletcher, managing director of Experian’s Automotive division, says: “The consumer credit market is facing increasing uncertainties and the rising cost of credit is reducing consumers’ expectations of increasing wealth and affecting their willingness to borrow.”

“It will be interesting to see if the current climate drives customers back to the motor finance industry.”