Kiwis Go without Car Rego to Save Money

Media Release
8 March 2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kiwis Go without Car Rego to Save Money

Kiwis are driving unregistered cars to save money, according to the findings of an independent survey.

The survey by Canstar Blue revealed 11% of kiwis surveyed admit that over the last 12 months, they’ve driven their car without a current registration to save money. Auckland residents (14%) were the most likely to break the law. The younger we are, the more likely we are to not pay up for our car registration, with 17% of Gen Y respondents saying they’ve driven without a valid registration.

Derek Bonnar CANSTAR – New Zealand National Manager said the survey also rated how satisfied consumers were with the car they had most recently purchased. Hyundai received five star ratings for: overall satisfaction, value for money, point of sale service, after sale service, fuel consumption and reliability. Rival, Kia was awarded five stars for value for money, fuel consumption and warranties. Toyota received a five star rating for fuel consumption.

“Our findings also showed that in the last 12 months, kiwis have often let their cars go past the ‘service-by’ date, to save money. Residents in Dunedin (34%) and Christchurch (27%) were the most likely to ignore servicing their cars at the recommended time.

“Given the economic pressures everyone is under, it’s not surprising that thirty nine percent of those surveyed said they shop around to find the lowest quote, before getting their car serviced. The younger we are, the more willing we are to ring around to get the best deal, with 57% of Gen Y comparing quotes.

“What’s also interesting is the number of kiwis who admit that when they’re buying a car, they place more importance on a great sound system than safety features. Twenty three percent of Dunedin residents confess they would rather invest in a sound system than safety features in their new car. Men (21%) are more likely than women (13%) to place high value on a sound system,” says Derek.

Amongst those surveyed the most common gripes about cars include:
• Poor fuel economy
• Repair costs
• Lack of power
• Size of vehicle.

Canstar Blue commissioned Colmar Brunton Australia to survey 7,500 New Zealand consumers over a number of months to measure their satisfaction across a range of products and services. The outcomes reported here are the combined results from three surveys of consumers who purchased a car within the last 12 months, within the survey group - in this case, 938 people. Car brands must receive at least 30 responses to be included.

Canstar Blue is a division of financial research and ratings company, CANSTAR which has been operating in New Zealand for nearly a decade.

Canstar Blue provides New Zealanders with the latest customer satisfaction ratings on products and services free of charge via the website www.canstarblue.co.nz.

“Consumers will undoubtedly feel more confident about a purchase if hundreds of other kiwis rate it highly,” said Derek.

To view the full results of the Canstar Blue survey go to: www.canstarblue.co.nz
ENDS

About Canstar Blue:
Canstar Blue New Zealand was launched by CANSTAR, New Zealand and Australia’s premier researcher of retail finance information for more than 350 institutions across the finance sector. Canstar Blue will release regular surveys to measure and track New Zealand customer satisfaction to help consumers make the best purchasing decisions for their needs. Canstar Blue also provide customer satisfaction ratings in Australia.

About CANSTAR:
Founded in 1992, CANSTAR Pty Limited is Australia and New Zealand's premier researcher of retail finance information for over 350 institutions such as banks, building societies, credit unions, finance companies, brokers, mortgage originators, life companies and finance related internet portals. CANSTAR customers use the extensive database for competitor analysis as well as a means of disseminating their product range. This information is also distributed to print and electronic media for publication and to agents, accountants, brokers and internet portals for use in advising their clients.

What are the Canstar Blue ratings?
Canstar Blue uses market research to determine customer satisfaction ratings across a range of products and services including banking, telecommunications and electronics in Australia and New Zealand. Results are freely available to consumers who are encouraged to use the ratings as a guide to product excellence. The results can be seen at www.canstarblue.co.nz . New ratings are added regularly.

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