Park+ Survey Reveals That Nearly 8 in 10 First-Time Buyers Say ‘Nope’ to Second-Hand Hope – Citing Inflated Prices, RC Horror Stories, and Too Much App, Too Little Trust.
The great Indian used car boom may be driving into a pothole — especially with first-time buyers at the wheel. According to a new survey by Park+ Research Labs, 77% of new drivers opted for brand-new cars over pre-loved ones, effectively ghosting the used car marketplace despite flashy apps and digital bells and whistles.
Turns out, when it comes to buying their first set of wheels, most Indians don’t want a “gently used” mystery box with a free subscription to legal headaches. They want clean papers, peace of mind — and a local dealer who still knows how to say “sir, chai lenge?”
What Drove Them Away?
Let’s break down the bumpy ride:
- 81% believe used car prices are doing cosplay as new car prices. “Why pay ₹9.5 lakh for a 2019 sedan when a shiny new one is ₹10.2 lakh with warranty and zero ghosts in the RC?”, quipped one buyer from Lucknow.
- 65% dropped the idea altogether after hearing horror stories involving delayed transfers, shady histories, and customer service that ghosted harder than your last date.
- 73% said they’d rather buy from the local car guy in chappals than a fancy app with chatbots and surge pricing.
Too Much Tech, Too Little Touch
The study points out that organised used car startups are losing the plot on a key Indian ingredient — jugaad with a smile. First-time buyers were clear: “We don’t want to chat with an AI. We want eye contact, negotiation, and a cup of tea while we lowball the dealer.”
In fact, 53% cited the human connection as the biggest factor in trusting local dealers. And 31% admitted they just liked the thrill of bargaining — a ritual that’s practically sacred in India.
Legal Trouble: The Plot Twist Nobody Wants
When asked what truly scared them off, legal issues topped the chart. RC transfers taking longer than Aadhaar corrections, lack of clarity on ownership, and surprise pending challans made the used car experience feel more like a courtroom drama than a celebration.
New Cars: The Safer Swipe Right
With new financing schemes, better after-sales service, and increasing access to EMIs, first-time buyers are finding that new cars offer a drama-free entry into car ownership. “At least I know the engine hasn’t seen three states and five owners before me,” said a buyer from Pune.
The Used Car Boom May Need a Pit Stop
While the pre-owned market isn’t dead, it’s definitely being given the side-eye by those entering the auto world for the first time. The verdict is clear: flashy apps and “certified” badges aren’t enough. For India’s first-time car buyers, trust isn’t downloadable — it still needs a handshake and maybe a little free polish.
Moral of the story?
If your used car pitch doesn’t come with chai, trust, and a decent RC — it’s probably not getting parked at anyone’s house anytime soon.
