New research has shown that Infiniti has come out top in a survey assessing how far customers will travel to buy a car, while Jeep Ford and Fiat came lowest.

Drivers are willing to travel up to three times (43 miles) to purchase from high-end car brands than more affordable marques, according to JudgeService research.

Almost 40,000 respondents to The Judge Service survey of almost 40,000 found that Infiniti came out on top, with its customers travelling up to an average of 44 miles to purchase a vehicle.

Jeep, Ford and Fiat fostered the lowest customer loyalty, appearing at the bottom of the survey; with customers only willing to travel around 16 miles or less.

Other brands at the top of the scale include Jaguar, Land Rover, Volvo, Audi and BMW.

JudgeService’s founder Neil Addley said: “Our data proves there is still a strong customer loyalty within car brands; consumers recognise a good quality product when they see one and are willing to travel to secure it.

"With the higher-end brands having fewer dealerships, drivers are forced to travel further but also come to expect a high level of service from these companies.

“It’s encouraging to see this level of loyalty within the automotive industry, when industries such as the retail business are in turmoil with long-standing high street brands in financial trouble and closing their doors.”

Lexus customers travelled up to 36 miles to support their favourite brand, but customers of its sister brand, Toyota, would only travel 23 miles.

Nissan, Infiniti’s sister company and family favourite brand, came out low on the list, with its customers only travelling up to 21 miles to purchase a car.

The survey was carried out between January 1 and 30 September 30, 2018 and JudgeService is encouraging dealers to consider what they can do to make drivers willing to travel for their brand.

The company carries out regular surveys to help dealerships better understand their customers and how they can adapt business services to capitalise on customer buying trends. 

Addley said: “To maximise sales and foster customer loyalty, we’d recommend dealers look at their customer offering – everything from the quality of a waiting area to refreshments, finance options and how your sales team engages with customers – is essential in securing sales.”