Alistair Jeff of Carsite.co.uk commented: 'Buyers looking for well-specified premium models typically have three main considerations – brand, equipment and price point. With the internet’s "compare and save" culture, online consumers tend to have a keener eye for a good deal. Many will seek better value by getting a premium vehicle discounted by a higher mileage. However, franchised dealerships tend to concentrate on lower mileage – and therefore higher priced – ex-manufacturer models.

'Since e-retail outfits such as Carsite have regular stock of higher-mileage premium models, the online demand tends to be much higher. Buyers in this sector are much more accepting of shopping online because it’s more about finding the right model at the right price than the actual purchasing process. Consumers looking for smaller, value cars – plentiful in dealer showrooms – tend to be less hasty with their buying decisions, on or offline.

'The digital landscape allows us much more insight into the buying behaviours of our customers than a traditional showroom would. It’s been interesting to see the patterns of online car buying and how they change with every technological advance and also the increasing awareness of both the value for money and safe buying process that can be achieved online.’