New Car Buyers' Discontent
2026-02-12 03:52:37

Despite Overall Satisfaction, New Car Buyers Face Financial Discontent

Overview of New Car Buyer Satisfaction



According to a survey conducted by Kuruka, more than 90% of buyers who purchased a new vehicle within the last three years expressed satisfaction with their decision. The survey, which involved 1,076 respondents who participated in the decision-making process at the time of purchase, showcases insights on satisfaction levels and the underlying financial concerns associated with owning a new vehicle.

Satisfaction Levels Among Users



When broken down by the frequency of car usage, the satisfaction rates show a notable trend. Among those who use their vehicles almost daily, an impressive 41.3% reported being "very satisfied," significantly higher than the 25.4% satisfaction rate from users who utilize their cars three to four times a week. Overall, 90.1% of respondents indicated some level of satisfaction, emphasizing a connection between vehicle usage frequency and satisfaction levels.

For those who use their cars one to two days a week, the satisfaction levels were also relatively high, with 34.3% stating they were "very satisfied." However, the dissatisfaction among these lower usage groups appears more pronounced, with 11.6% of frequent users (three to four days) expressing discontent, compared to only 6.2% of those who use their vehicles daily.

Main Sources of Discontent



The survey identified financial factors as the primary source of dissatisfaction. For daily users, 37.9% cited "fuel and maintenance costs being higher than anticipated" as their main concern. In contrast, 44.4% of those using their vehicle three to four times a week highlighted "monthly payments being higher than expected" as their top issue. This division exemplifies how the frequency of use influences reported concerns, revealing a trend where daily users are more focused on the operational costs of their vehicles, while less frequent users are more concerned with financial obligations linked to monthly payments.

The data illustrates that cost continues to play a crucial role in the overall experience of car ownership. Among those who expressed dissatisfaction, frequent users reported being burdened by ongoing expenses more so than their less frequent counterparts. The budget constraints were particularly pronounced among those acquiring vehicles with monthly payments exceeding 60,000 yen; 57.1% of this demographic reported significant budget overruns.

Financial Stress and Budgeting



Survey respondents revealed that a notable portion of them set a total budget for their vehicle purchase. However, many found themselves surpassing that initial budget. For example, over 57% of frequent users spending above 60,000 yen per month acknowledged significantly exceeding their intended budget. This insight underscores the importance of financial planning prior to making a vehicle purchase.

Conclusion



The survey painted a complex picture of new car ownership satisfaction. While the majority of new car owners reported being satisfied with their purchase, financial considerations continue to overshadow their experience. This points to a growing need for potential buyers to align their financial capabilities with their actual usage needs.

As part of a series of studies, Kuruka plans to delve further into the budgeting practices of potential new car buyers in a forthcoming release. The focus will be on how individuals preparing to exchange their vehicles within three years are adjusting their financial strategies in response to these challenges.

For those looking into car leasing options, Kuruka offers a subscription service with benefits such as no down payment, no bonus payments, and inclusive of taxes and fees, making it an attractive option for buyers seeking financial flexibility in a rapidly changing automotive landscape.


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Topics Consumer Products & Retail)

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