The war in the Middle East is having a direct impact on car purchasing decisions, with some buyers citing it as a reason to delay their next purchase, according to Cazoo & Motors research.
The latest Consumer Insight Panel survey was conducted in March, three weeks after hostilities started, and polled the views of 2,008 car buying decision makers. It found 38% are delaying their next purchase, with more than half (56%) attributing uncertainty over the war as one of their reasons.
The average claimed delay for all buyers is 8.5 months, although it drops to 7.5 months for those referencing the war.
Despite the impact the conflict is having on the global economy, more buyers (45%) are expecting to purchase within the next 12 months than they were the last time they were asked in May 2025 (39%).
Commenting on the findings, Lucy Tugby, Marketing Director of Cazoo & Motors, said: “Uncertainty over the impact the war in the Middle East will have on the UK is understandably prompting some buyers to put their next car on hold until there is more clarity.
“It is not unusual for big ticket purchases like cars to be delayed in times of uncertainty and this is being compounded by rising energy and fuel prices.
“However, it is encouraging to note an increase in the number of buyers planning to purchase a car in the next 12 months, compared to last year. This makes it even more important for dealers to factor in affordability and cost of ownership in their conversations with customers and highlight fuel efficiency whenever it is appropriate.”