Analogue Appreciation: Majority of U.K. Drivers Show Preference for Traditional Car Features that are Slowly Being Replaced by Modern Tech

• CarGurus study finds that spare wheels (33%), handbrake levers (31%), manual gearboxes (28%), and clutch pedals (28%) are among features U.K. drivers would miss most
• Over half (55%) think the end of manual controls like handbrake levers and clutch pedals will make hitting the road less enjoyable
• Eight in 10 18–24 year olds say modern technology is taking the fun out of driving compared to 50% of 65s and over
• Parking sensors (50%), reversing cameras (44%), and heated seats (36%) among the modern tech people appreciate the most
• CarGurus creates a guide to the retro car features that would be missed most and the top models that still include them

17 Dec., 2024: Nearly six in 10 U.K. motorists think modern tech is taking the fun out of driving – and will miss when features like spare wheels, handbrake levers, manual gearboxes, and clutch pedals aren’t the norm.

A poll of 2,000 drivers aged 18 and older found that spare wheels (33%), handbrake levers (31%), and manual gearboxes (28%) were some of the features they’d miss most as technological advances take their place. Others would rather not see clutch pedals (28%), typical car engine sounds (26%), and key-operated ignitions (24%) become a thing of the past.

The research conducted by CarGurus — a leading automotive marketplace in the U.K. to shop, buy, and sell used vehicles — also revealed the features drivers have a nostalgic affection for, including cassette tape decks (19%), door mirrors instead of cameras (17%), and dashboard buttons (14%). With touchscreens increasingly becoming the norm in modern cars, 49% prefer knobs and buttons, with 18 to 24-year-olds most likely to miss this feature (56%).

Comparing age groups, those over 65 are most likely to miss the spare wheel (49%) and manual gearboxes (35%). But drivers aged 18 to 24 will long for pop-up headlights (21%) and manual sunroofs (20%).

For drivers seeking a car with more analogue tech, CarGurus has created a guide on popular retro car features and which models still feature them.

Chris Knapman, CarGurus UK Editorial Director, said: “As new models continue to be released with the latest technology, there is clearly plenty of appetite from consumers to hold onto some traditional features.

“A mixture of nostalgia and user-friendliness has drivers wishing to have more analogue elements to their cars, while, at the same time, appreciating the added safety and convenience offered by today’s modern features.”

When considering modern technology, as many as 44% admitted they don’t tend to use new tech-driven features like lane assist because they find them distracting or don’t trust them. The research also revealed 59% struggle to get their head around all the features on modern cars.

A further 55% think new drivers will miss out on the joys of driving due to the phasing out of traditional features, with 52% agreeing that the end of manual controls like handbrake levers and clutch pedals will make hitting the road less enjoyable. Interestingly, it’s the 18 to 24-year-old group that especially thinks modern technology is taking the fun out of driving (82%), compared to 50% of 65s and over.

The study also found 45% believe the roads in general are becoming safer due to increased technology in cars. Similarly, 53% note that technology advancements are making vehicles easier to drive, although 55% think driving skills are on the decline due to modern features.

Among the modern features people appreciate the most are parking sensors (50%), reversing cameras (44%), and heated seats (36%). Respondents said that the most used tech features during a typical drive were rain-sensing windscreen wipers (63%) and reversing cameras (59%).

When buying their most recent vehicle, 57% of drivers said the tech was a moderate or high priority. But 49% of 18 to 24-year-olds have purchased a car specifically because it had more traditional features, compared to less than one in 10 aged 65 and over (8%).

Top futuristic elements motorists would like to see include wireless charging for EVs (33%), external airbags (25%), and digital windscreens (24%). In terms of self-driving cars, 29% are cautious about them, while 24% are worried. Overall, 49% are unlikely to consider purchasing one, compared with 33% who would.

Knapman added: “Some of the modern technology within new cars is desirable and valued, but there are various elements that drivers would prefer to avoid - and this balance is unique to each person.

“The good news for drivers looking to hold onto their favourite aspects of analogue driving is that the used-car market offers a selection of models with a great mix of both new and older features.”

TOP 20 CAR FEATURES DRIVERS WOULD MISS
1. Spare wheel
2. Handbrake lever
3. Mirrors instead of cameras
4. Manual gearbox
5. Clutch pedal
6. Typical car engine noise
7. Key-operated ignition
8. CD/cassette player
9. Centre dashboard buttons instead of a screen
10. Climate Control Knobs
11. Key operated doors/boot
12. Push-button AM/FM radio presets
13. Analogue dials and gauges
14. CD auto-changer
15. Manual window winders
16. Pop-up headlights
17. Roll-down quarter windows (vent windows)
18. Ashtrays and cigarette lighters
19. Manual sunroof (crank-operated)
20. Choke

About CarGurus, Inc.
CarGurus (Nasdaq: CARG) is a multinational online automotive platform for buying and selling vehicles. The CarGurus platform gives consumers the confidence to purchase and/or sell a vehicle, and it gives dealerships the power to accurately price, effectively market, and quickly sell vehicles, all with a nationwide reach. The company uses proprietary technology, search algorithms, and data analytics to bring trust, transparency, and competitive pricing to the automotive shopping experience.

CarGurus operates online marketplaces under the CarGurus brand in the U.K., Canada, and U.S., where it is the most visited automotive shopping site. * The CarGurus network of brands also includes PistonHeads, the largest online motoring community in the U.K. **; Autolist, a U.S.-based online marketplace; and CarOffer, a digital wholesale marketplace serving the U.S.

To learn more about CarGurus in the U.K., visit CarGurus.co.uk, and for more information about PistonHeads, visit PistonHeads.com.

CarGurus® is a registered trademark of CarGurus, Inc., and CarOffer® is a registered trademark of CarOffer, LLC. All other product names, trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

*Similarweb: Traffic Insights [Cars.com, Autotrader.com, TrueCar.com, CARFAX Listings (defined as CARFAX Total Visits minus Vehicle History Reports)], Q3 2024, U.S.
** Similarweb: Traffic Insights, Q3 2024, U.K.

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