Business Daily Media

The Times


.

Motorist study: Singapore used car buyers are doing more research than ever before, but trust still falls short

  • Singapore car buyers still lack confidence due to unclear pricing and inconsistent information, even after weeks of research.
  • Consumers spend up to four weeks researching before visiting a dealership, yet gaps in consumer trust persist.
  • Buyers are up to 3 times more likely to return to the same dealership when pricing is clearly itemised.
  • Trust is becoming a stronger decision driver than price when comparing similar vehicles.

    • SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 28 April 2026 - More than half of Singapore used car buyers compare multiple options before making a purchase, yet many still experience uncertainty due to unclear pricing and inconsistent information across the market.

    Navigating the Market: The Motorist SmartBuy Guide 2026 provides Singaporean car buyers with data-driven insights and a clear path toward transparent vehicle purchases.
    Navigating the Market: The Motorist SmartBuy Guide 2026 provides Singaporean car buyers with data-driven insights and a clear path toward transparent vehicle purchases.

    This tension between effort and confidence is a key finding from the Motorist SmartBuy Guide 2026, based on insights from over 5,000 respondents, pointing to a growing gap between how informed buyers are and how much they trust the process.

    More effort, same uncertainty

    Consumers today are spending significantly more time researching before committing. On average, buyers take between two to four weeks to evaluate listings, compare options, and review information online before visiting a dealership.

    Yet, despite this increased effort, confidence remains uneven. Many respondents cited persistent concerns around hidden fees, unclear valuation methods, and inconsistent inspection standards and issues that continue to undermine trust at the point of decision.

    Transparency emerging as the deciding factor

    The study found that transparency - particularly in pricing, vehicle condition, and trade-in valuations - is now a key driver of consumer confidence.

    Buyers who received clear, itemised pricing breakdowns were up to three times more likely to return to the same dealer, underscoring how trust directly influences long-term customer relationships.

    While price remains important, factors such as warranty clarity, after-sales support, and dealer credibility are increasingly shaping final decisions, particularly when comparing similar vehicles.

    Persistent risks continue to shape buyer behaviour

    The findings reflect ongoing challenges in Singapore’s used car market, where buyers continue to encounter issues such as:
    - Hidden or unexpected charges
    - Disputes over warranty coverage
    - Lack of clarity in transaction processes

    These risks reinforce the importance of due diligence and consistent standards across the industry.

    Industry context: strengthening consumer protection

    The findings come amid broader efforts to improve transparency and accountability within the sector.

    The Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) has consistently encouraged buyers to transact with accredited dealers that adopt clear contractual practices and provide additional consumer safeguards.

    “Consumers are encouraged to look out for CaseTrust-accredited motoring businesses when making a purchase,” said Mr Melvin Yong, president of CASE. “These accredited dealers are required to adopt clear agreements and maintain safeguards that provide an added layer of protection for consumers.”

    A market at an inflection point

    The findings suggest that Singapore’s used car market is entering a more mature phase - where informed, cautious buyers expect greater transparency, consistency, and accountability.

    As expectations continue to rise, the ability to provide clear information and build trust will increasingly define both consumer confidence and long-term competitiveness in the market.

    For a deeper look into the factors and data which shapes today’s car-buying decisions, please access the full Motorist SmartBuy Guide 2026 for more information on the used car landscape.

    Download the Motorist SmartBuy Guide 2026: link
    Hashtag: #Motorist #Automotive








    The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

    Motorist

    Motorist is a Singapore-based automotive platform dedicated to help drivers manage vehicle ownership through services such as buying and selling cars, insurance comparison, and financing tools. The Motorist Super App provides a comprehensive range of services, catering to all aspects of vehicle ownership and management.

    News from Asia

    Huagui Group: A Global Player Across Two RMB100-Billion Aquatic Markets, as Honghu Lotus Root Ranks No. 1 in Antioxidant Content

    HONGHU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 September 2026 – Honghu lotus root ranks first in antioxidant content among major lotus-root-producing regions, according to industrial report by China...

    GrabSteel Enters into Committed Equity Facility of up to US$100 Million with White Lion Capital

    Johor steel distributor, built to US$28 million without outside equity, arranges its first committed source of outside capital, available following a U.S. listing, to develop Matcon, a construction...

    Angel Health Wan Chai Clinic Commences Operations, Providing General Practice, Health Check and Vaccination Services

    HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 September 2026 – Angel Health has commenced operations at the Wan Chai clinic, marking a further expansion of the medical service network...

    Correcting and Replacing: Global Schools Group Marks 25th Anniversary with S$100,000 Multi-Organisation Community Support

    The Group outlined ambitious global expansion with 20 new campuses by 2030 and next-generation student initiativesSINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 September 2026 – Global Schools Group (GS...

    From Holiday Getaways to Meaningful Journeys: How Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort Is Reshaping the Festive Season

    PHUKET, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 September 2026 – As travellers increasingly seek meaningful ways to celebrate the festive season, Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort is unvei...

    MIHAS Reaffirms Malaysia’s Pivotal Role in the Growing Global Halal Economy

    Flagship Halal Showcase Connects Exporters Across 58 Countries, Unifying Global Sourcing, Sector MoUs, and Industry Knowledge HubsKUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 September 20...

    Amari Koh Samui and OZO Chaweng Samui invite active travellers to fill their trip with more of the experiences they love

    BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 September 2026 – A race or sporting event may be the reason to pack a bag and set off, but the enjoyment of a trip need not end at the finish line...

    Green SM Begins Pilot Operations In The Netherlands, Further Expanding Its Presence In Europe

    AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 September 2026 – On September 25, Green SM held a technical opening event in the Netherlands, marking the beginning of its high-quality pure-...

    MIHAS Awards 2026 Celebrates Excellence and Sets New Benchmark for Innovation, Sustainability and Digitalisation Across the Global Halal Ecosystem

    KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 September 2026 - The MIHAS Awards 2026, one of the key highlights of the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) 2026, concluded today a...

    QUORRA X5 Makes Its Global Debut at REHACARE International 2026 in Germany

    DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 September 2026 – QUORRA X5, a micro-mobility robot, has made its global debut at REHACARE International 2026 – International Trade Fair for Rehab...

    Customer Service Is Becoming Part of the Small Business Sales and Marketing Engine

    For Customer Service Week, 5-9 October, Thryv is urging small businesses to look beyond generating  enquiries and examine what happens after a custome...

    Gift Cards as the gateway to agentic payments

    Prepaid and stored value gives consumers the trust and control to try AI shopping agents By Blackhawk Network VP Head of ANZ Kieran Nolan For deca...

    Why Data Accumulation Without Governance Undermines Sustainability Goals

    In July 2026, Group 2 entities, the second cohort of Australian businesses, began their first reporting period under the mandatory climate disclosur...

    Permanent $20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off Gives Small Businesses Greater Planning Certainty

    The Federal Government’s decision to permanently legislate the $20,000 instant asset write-off will give eligible small businesses greater certainty...

    Selling a Small Business in Australia: Understanding the Capital Gains Tax Concessions

    For many Australian business owners, selling a business represents the reward for years—sometimes decades—of hard work. Unlike employees who may bu...

    Australian businesses lean into global strategic partnerships (GCCs) for next wave of outsourcing

    The Australian corporate landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation in how it sources talent and innovation. While businesses have traditi...