Gamers turn to online peers for vehicle buying advice

Along with researching automobile purchases online, many online gamers approach their online peers and acquaintances to garner advice on various makes and models.

by Helen Leggatt

Delving into the automobile buying trends of online gamers, a joint study by Ziff Davis and ConStat revealed that this demographic depends on online research and advice from their peers when it comes to buying a new vehicle.

Based on responses from 53 percent of the 18-34 age bracket, the most prevalent age group of gamers, 25 percent from 35-44, and 22 percent from those aged 45 and above, the study found that a third of all gamers gave advice on purchasing a vehicle. Nearly two-thirds, 63 percent, had given advice about purchasing a particular make or model.

Other findings include:

- Nearly three-quarters of gamers own 2 or more vehicles
- Gamers want technologically advanced vehicles and would consider paying extra for MP3 plug-in (72 percent), GPS (61 percent) and surround sound (59 percent).
- The majority of gamers own American-made cars, however, nearly 80 percent plan on buying an import for their next car.
- Environmentally-friendly vehicles are on the list of must-haves with 36 percent intending to make their next purchase a hybrid.