A survey of 18,000 drivers from the AA has revealed that 14% of second-hand buyers prioritise trust over price.

The AA-Populus poll canvassed 18,077 AA members on the most important considerations when buying a used car.

Safety was at the top of the list with 25% of motorists valuing that above all else. The condition of the car ranked second with 23% with an affordable price tag only being a concern for 12%.

Drivers over the age of 65 are more likely than any other age group to choose a vehicle based on their trust in the dealer (19%), which is less of a consideration for motorists between the ages of 18-34 (9%) – less than 1% considered the convenience of the dealership as a priority.

Director of motoring services at AA Cars Simon Benson (pictured) said: “The internet has fundamentally changed the way that people buy used cars, but not necessarily what they want from their next vehicle.

“Just how influential the impact of online car shopping has been is born out in how few people are bothered about the convenience of a dealership. The typical car buyer no longer just hopes to chance upon the right car locally – evidence shows that drivers will do extensive research online before heading to a dealership that they can trust.