Dealers remain overall the most popular source for buyers of used cars, according to a survey of consumers carried out by vehicle information firm HPI. Men, though, are more inclined to scour the private advertisements for a used car.

HPI's survey contradicts popular opinion that women dislike showrooms, with 48% preferring to buy from a dealer, compared to private ads (24%) and from a friend (22%). Nearly 40% of men favour the private market, with 35% preferring to go to a dealer.

The internet, while used in the research stage, is shown to have had limited impact on the used car buying process, with 5% of men and 4% of women preferring to buy online.

Martin Brassell, HPI external affairs director, said: “From a legal perspective, there's no doubt about it – the consumer is best protected when buying from a recognised dealer.”