Car buyers cite one particular incentive motivating them amid coronavirus
One digit and two words: 0 percent interest.
Car buyers like the idea of 0% interest.
Those with the means to still purchase a new car amid the coronavirus pandemic may have already been checking out showrooms, or perhaps some of the very generous incentives kicked others into the market. While automakers are pushing numerous sorts of benefits, there's a single incentive motivating buyers: 0% interest.
According to a survey from Autolist, consumers by and large look at 0% interest financing as a major buying factor. In April, the company surveyed 1,436 car shoppers and found almost half, 48%, said 0% interest was the top reason they'd buy or lease a new or used vehicle during the pandemic. The second top response was flexible payment plans (32%), and deferred payments at the start of the loan or lease was third (27%).
The auto industry isn't shy to 0% financing offers, but we largely saw them phase out as the economy grew out of recession and hummed along. However, a loan without interest can provide a sense of stability as the pandemic flips typical life upside down and increases economic uncertainty among consumers.
Worth noting is a group that said no incentive would get them to purchase. A total of 13% wouldn't be swayed by any deal or incentive, thanks to the coronavirus.
Those who are in the market will find a lengthy list of brands running 0% interest deals to get buyers into dealerships and out the door with a new car. In many cases, automakers will even carry out home delivery of a new car.
