Research has revealed more than half of motorists (54%) have cheaper fuel at the top of their wish list for this Christmas.
Startline’s December Used Car Tracker also showed 45% would like Santa to bring them lower running costs for their car and 34% would like a newer model.
Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “This Christmas, it is clear that the cost of living crisis will continue to have a very real impact on the UK’s motorists, and the gift they would most like to receive is for their car to simply cost less to run.
“While petrol and diesel costs are below the peaks seen a little over a year ago, they remain historically high and just filling up a car at the pumps is clearly a financial strain for many people.
“Also, servicing and maintenance costs have been increasing while the one in three people who would just like a newer car are probably among those who have been hanging onto their vehicle for longer because they can’t currently afford to swap.”
Startline’s research also showed 20% would like the festive season to deliver less traffic congestion while 8% want some kind of autopilot technology to save them from having to drive.
Paul concluded: “It seems that it’s not just the cost of running a car that is frustrating motorists but also using their vehicle. Congestion is an issue for a significant minority and some definitely want to see autonomous tech that means their car would take them from door to door.”
