New research by Experian amongst British motorists has revealed that car owners in Wales change their vehicle more often than any other part of the United Kingdom.

The survey of more than 1000 UK drivers aimed to understand the reasons behind their decision to buy a car.

It reveals that while motorists in Wales were the most likely to change their car more regularly, it was Yorkshire that stood out as the region where car buyers were most likely to do so because they ‘fancied a change’, with 57% per cent stating this as their number one reason for swapping their current car.

Nationally, 45% of British motorists would change their car simply because they wanted to be able to drive something new or different.

However the survey also revealed that for 43% of motorists the main driver for buying a new car was a genuine need to replace a vehicle that was considered to be beyond economical repair.

Cutting the costs of running a car and saving money did, however, still play a primary role for  around one third (31 per cent) of car owners, according to the survey.

Andrew Ballard, principal consultant at Experian Automotive, said: “A reluctance to take on additional financial responsibilities has reflected the mood among car buyers for a long time, but we have seen both used and new cars sales grow significantly over the past year.

"While running costs still play a role, a desire for change came out as a bigger driver.

"For the motor industry, this research highlights the need to understand who is looking to change, and for what reasons, so that they can better meet the needs of those car buyers and create lasting relationships.

“Factors such as cutting current costs down or reluctance to take on additional financial responsibilities reflect the current mood among a growing number of car buyers.” 

Further results showed that the 37% of UK motorists replace their car every five years, followed by 19% who replace every two years, 15% every eight years and 10% over ten years. A further 20% stated there was no set pattern.

Younger drivers, aged between 18 and 24, change their vehicle more regularly with 47% doing so every two years. Approximately a quarter of the drivers in Wales (26%) and Scotland (23%) change cars more regularly than anyone else - every two years.