FEWER of us are prepared to buy or sell a car privately, according to the Used Car Market Report, BCA Europe.

The new figures show that private to private sales of used cars across the UK fell significantly last year to 2.6 million units, continuing a seven year trend of decline.

Private sales of used cars by motorists now represent more than 40 per cent of the marketplace.

In contrast, franchised and used car dealers achieved a record volume market share, with 3.6 million units representing 56.6 per cent of all used car transactions. It was the fifth year running that dealers have sold well over 50 per cent of all used cars.

Sales by dealers generated a turnover of £20.7 billion, equivalent to 81.5 per cent of the total market value - another record figure. Private to private sales generated £4.2 billion - a figure actually below that recorded in 1989 - and representing just 16.5 per cent of the market value.

BCA’s Tim Naylor said: “Motorists as a group are very astute, informed and careful buyers of used cars, who know what they want and how much they should pay.

"Many seem to be taking the view that buying from a dealer gives them the choice, satisfaction and after sales service they are looking for, rather than the potential risk of a private sale from someone they don't know.

“Used car buyers overall seem happiest to deal with a local high street retail outlet, where they get a professional, friendly and helpful service.

He added: “Selling a car privately can also be stressful inviting strangers to your home, and time-consuming letting them test drive the vehicle.

“Thirty-four per cent of used car owners in the south say they will sell privately the next time they change their car, with the majority preferring to part-exchange or sell their car to a dealer."