No one can deny that are differences between men and women, and several of those disparities become apparent when individuals set out to shop for cars. A recent study from Kelley Blue Book took a closer look at the trends associated with men and women who are on the hunt for new vehicles, and it revealed some interesting differences between the two.
For men
Several brands are more likely to be considered by men than women, as men place a larger emphasis on the legacy of an automaker as well as the exterior appearance of a car. They gravitate toward models with a bold style and long-standing history, passing up on vehicles with reputations for more manageable auto repair or vehicle maintenance. Automakers like Lincoln, Audi and Jaguar were more popular within this segment.
"Brands with a rich heritage, such as Lincoln, Buick, Cadillac and Mercedes-Benz tend to draw the attention of older men more than younger men or even women," said Arthur Henry, manager of market intelligence for Kelley Blue Book. "Brands that promote themselves as being 'rugged' tend to draw the interest of men of all ages ..."
In fact, about 28 percent of men are likely to look around for a vehicle that is classified as "rugged," compared to just 19 percent of women. Henry also claims that brands like GMC tend to attract those men who work in manual labor industries such as construction.
For women
While men tend to look for cars with a legacy, women are more likely to be attracted to certain features. Safety is of paramount importance, with 76 percent of women considering these provisions, compared to only 61 percent of men. These features are only the tip of the iceberg, however, as women also look for more financially reasonable options, such as models that have a lower sticker price, good fuel efficiency or affordable scheduled maintenance.
"Women car shoppers are much more financially conscious than men, as 72 percent of women are more likely to consider affordability in their next purchase compared to 50 percent of men," said Diana Duque-Miranda, a senior manager for Kelley Blue Book. "Women are more likely to consider a brand known for value compared to men new-car shoppers, which translates to more women shopping Honda, Kia and Mazda for more bang for their buck."
At the end of the day, brands like Volvo, Infiniti, FIAT and Acura were the most popular among women.