New figures reveal that right across Europe drivers are snapping up older cars so that they can avoid having to use public transport during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Reuters reports that research by IHS Markit and online car market AutoScout24 show there has been a sharp upward shift in both older car purchases and internet searches. The trend appears to be for people who might normally use public transport to buy a budget vehicle, usually for under €3000.

IHS data shows that in France used car registrations rose nearly 16% in the third quarter while new vehicle sales fell more than 5%. The figures for Spain show an even higher rise with older car registrations up 25% with cars as old as 15 and 20 years being in demand.  

It is thought that many potential buyers have managed to save money during the pandemic and have limited budgets to spend on something that may only need to be a relatively short term fix.