The majority of buyers (72%) said they would feel most comfortable viewing, test driving and buying from a dealership, according to Cazoo’s latest Consumer Insight Panel which polled the views of 2,025 car buyers.
Visits to dealers are the greatest source of assurance for 50% of buyers, followed by car search websites (44%). These were followed by dealership websites and apps (37.5%), car buying websites and apps (30%) and advice from family and friends (28%).
Lucy Tugby, chief marketing officer of Cazoo, said: “Confidence is central to making the right car buying decisions. Our latest Consumer Insight Panel once again shows how much buyers still value visiting dealerships, while highlighting the pivotal role of car search websites in prompting dealer visits.
“It is also significant that younger buyers are the most likely to use AI platforms when selecting their next car.
“This underscores the importance of dealers making their listings more attractive for AI-powered searches through detailed, descriptive content and video.”
At least one in ten (13%) said AI platforms would give them the confidence to make purchasing decisions, just behind social media (18%) but on par with YouTube.
The poll found AI platform usage is highest among buyers aged 25-34 (21%).
Levels among those viewing and test driving at a dealer but buying online remained unchanged year-on-year at 20%.
Those viewing and buying online dropped to 7%, down from 10.5% in 2025 and 11% in 2022.
