Almost half of people aged between 16-35 (48%) would buy a used car entirely online, according to research by Bristol Street Motors.

The study of 1,161 people showed that nine out of 10 were aware that you can buy a used car online and more than a quarter of people aged 36-55 would consider buying a car.

Of the people surveyed, 28% said that a trusted provider was the most important factor to consider when buying a car and being able to return the car for a full refund was the second largest factor at 27%.

Other key issues that were important to customers included the right price and having a local dealership close by, for aftermarket services.

Vertu Motors, Bristol Street Motors’ parent company, launched its Buy Online service in December last year and it offers customers the ability to purchase from a group stock of 3,000 vehicles entirely online including part exchanges and finance options.

Customers can view a used car in a dealership and then purchase online, they can browse online and purchase and collect from the dealership, or they can browse and purchase online and have the vehicle delivered directly to their address.

Phillip Regan, Vertu head of digital product marketing and ecommerce, said: “The data suggests that younger motor retail customers would be prepared to use an entirely online service when buying a car.

“While convenience does play a large part in people’s purchasing decisions, buying a car is still a large financial commitment, so it is no surprise that our research has shown that buying from a trusted motor retailer was the most important factor for customers to consider.”