#Japan #Tokyo #Kuruka #新車購入 #車の予算

Essential Insights for First-Time New Car Buyers

A recent study conducted by Kuruka surveyed 1,076 individuals who purchased new cars within the last three years. This survey revealed significant insights regarding the information desired and financial concerns of car buyers in Japan. Particularly notable were the trends observed in different income brackets, specifically those earning between 3-5 million yen, which comprised approximately 30% of respondents.

What Buyers Wish They Knew Before Purchasing

When asked about the information they wished they had prior to their new car purchase, a distinct pattern emerged based on income levels. Among those earning between 3-5 million yen, the most frequently cited need was for a budget guideline, with 28.7% indicating this. This demonstrates a strong desire for guidance on how much they can afford. In contrast, individuals earning over 10 million yen prioritized knowledge on negotiation strategies and maintenance costs, both clocking in at 27%. This indicates that higher earners focus more on ongoing costs and negotiation dynamics post-purchase, whereas lower earners concentrate on upfront affordability.

Respondents were also asked about their main concerns prior to purchase. For individuals in the 3-5 million yen range, 15.9% expressed worry over their ability to maintain monthly payments, higher than other income groups. This highlights the financial anxiety that is crucial to address in the new car buying process.

Prioritizing Budget Decisions

When it came to determining their budget, the top response from the 3-5 million yen cohort was ensuring they would not deplete their savings, with 35.1% highlighting this concern. This was significantly higher than the top priority for individuals earning over 10 million yen, who primarily focused on trade-in values (31.3%). Here, we see a clear contrast; those with lower incomes prioritize saving, while higher incomes are more focused on assets and trade-offs.

Survey Overview

The detailed analysis reveals that preferences and financial decisions are heavily influenced by the income bracket. Those earning below 3 million yen displayed distinct concerns regarding their monthly payment sustainability, with a significant 13.4% worrying about this aspect. This underscores the vital need for financial literacy as it relates to budgeting for a new vehicle.

Longitudinal Insights and Conclusion

The comprehensive study suggests that first-time buyers should gather ample information regarding budget assessments, total costs of payment options, and negotiation strategies tailored to their income categories before making a purchase. Doing so can alleviate anxiety and lead to a more fulfilling buying experience. The forthcoming installments of this study will continue to explore customer satisfaction related to ownership costs and service satisfaction, emphasizing the continued need for transparency and education in the auto market.

About Kuruka

Kuruka provides a subscription-based car lease service, allowing customers to ride in new cars without significant upfront costs. By offering plans that include all taxes and fees, Kuruka aims to remove the financial burdens often associated with new car ownership. Read more about their services here: Kuruka