Convenience, Price Beat Out Safety in Study of Vehicle Buyers

Convenience, Price Beat Out Safety in Study of Vehicle Buyers

How important is safety to vehicle buyers? Based on a study of the features and factors that consumers feel are important when buying a new vehicle, The Chicago Tribune reports that the size of the monthly payment (87.4 percent of consumers) was considered more important than overall safety (45.1 percent). Conveniently placed cup holders (64.2 percent), luggage capacity (56.5 percent), sound systems (55.1 percent), and interior appearance (48.3 percent) also ranked higher than safety. Safety is rated only slightly ahead of tilt steering wheel (40.8 percent) and interior comfort (41.2 percent). The Attributes Considered Important survey was conducted by CNW Marketing/Research in Bandon, OR, which compared items deemed important in the buying decision among consumers purchasing vehicles in 2001 vs. 2000.