A recent survey found that consumers will travel almost 500 miles for a car.
Buyers in Alaska are prepared to travel nearly 725 miles.
New and used car buyers have been somewhat desperate for the last year and a half or so. Part supply issues have crushed new vehicle outputs, reducing inventories and forcing many to shop for pre-owned cars. This has created its own shortage where used-car buyers are having to travel hundreds of miles to find the right one.
Occasionally unpleasant dealership experiences aside, some US buyers have covered more than 1,000 miles to pick up their winner. This distance is excessive but even so, a survey commissioned last March by a Subaru dealership found that the average person was willing to travel up to 469 miles for their car. Alaskans were ready to go the distance, up to 722 miles.
According to Automotive News, big city centers are where inventories are. Large metro areas offer the most options if you live in a smaller town or rural area.
Jennifer Newman, editor-in-chief of Cars.com, said: “In our findings last year, we were seeing the most inventory in New York, L.A., Chicago, Philly, and Dallas-Fort Worth. That’s great guidance even today. If you are out in a smaller city, look to that bigger city that’s close to you. You’re going to have more dealerships and possibly more supply.”
