The majority of UK car buyers use three or more websites to find their next car, according to research from Motors.co.uk.

When asked how many car search websites they used to find their current car, 72% used three or more, 52% of respondents said between three and five and 20% said they had used more than six, while less than a third (28.4%) visited fewer than three websites before making their choice.

The survey revealed that 74% of respondents used multiple car search sites to ensure they had seen all the available cars matching their requirements in their local area.

Consumers are also using multiple sites to compare prices elsewhere in the country, with 47% of respondents admitting they use car search websites to find vehicles outside of their local area.

The survey, which examined consumer attitudes to online car shopping, also found that 70% of consumers would consider buying either new or used cars, further demonstrating the blurring of the lines between traditional new and used car buyers, a trend influenced by changing attitudes to car finance.

Dermot Kelleher (pictured), director of marketing and business intelligence at Motors.co.uk, said: “This data overwhelmingly shows the importance of dealers having a presence across multiple car search websites.

“Each engagement with a dealer’s brand or stock will compound to help their decision making.