Drivers dream of owning an Aston Martin or Jaguar, but most drive a Ford or Vauxhall
Four fifths of drivers describe their car as important to their independence
Drivers in the Scotland are most likely to own a Ford (15%), but one in three UK motorists (32%) dream that their “other car” was an Aston Martin, Audi or Jaguar. A new survey from Age UK Enterprises, the commercial arm of the charity, reveals that drivers have high aspirations when it comes to cars they dream to drive.
Tastes however do change, with those aged 55 or older most likely to dream of owning a Jaguar, while those aged 16-24 channel their inner James Bond and wish they were driving an Aston Martin.
The reality for many drivers is somewhat different, with almost a fifth of all Scottish drivers (15%) actually owning a Ford and a further 13% driving a Vauxhall.
People’s dream cars also come with all the bells and whistles. Air conditioning would be the number one dream extra across all age groups (39%), while a quarter of 25-34 year olds would have a GPS to help them find their way. More than one in five (23%) of those aged 55 and over said that their dream car would come with heated seats, while two in five (43%) want air conditioning and one in five (22%) desire a high quality sound system.
Beyond the dream of owning a luxury car the research revealed the intrinsic value of a vehicle to people with the majority of those surveyed across all age groups relying on their car to bring them freedom and independence. Nearly four fifths of drivers (78%) described their car as being crucial or very important to their day to day lives. In addition, one in five (20%) drivers aged 55 and over stated that if they didn’t have their car they would be left isolated and unable to visit family and friends.
Logan Steele, General Manager of Age Scotland Enterprises, said: “Our research reveals how little difference there is between the older and younger generations when it comes to dream cars. It’s important that older drivers are not stereotyped and we recognise the value of driving to them. As the research shows, driving brings both freedom and independence to all ages, but it is particularly important to those in later life so it is crucial we help people go on driving as long as possible.”
Recent research from the charity Age UK revealed that two thirds of drivers (67%) aged 60 and over are driving more than five times a week. When asked why they wanted to continue to drive for as long as possible, people stated they like being in control of where and when they travel (58%) and that they simply enjoy driving (49%).
Logan Steele continued: “Given that those in later life use their cars so regularly it has never been more important for them to be able to access car insurance products that are specifically designed to best meet their individual needs and requirements.”
Age UK’s new In the driving seat guide includes information about renewing your licence, declaring health conditions, alternatives to driving and getting out and about, tips on continuing to drive safely and adaptations that can help with this. It also explains what to do if you have any concerns about your driving, and how to decide when it’s time to stop. For a free copy of Age UK’s In the driving seat guide call Age Scotland Advice on 0845 833 0200 or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland to download a copy.
