Online car purchases 'give drivers great deals'

More motorists are turning to the internet when purchasing a new vehicle, Which? Car has revealed.

This is a win-win situation, as drivers are likely to get a better deal and have added legal protection, the consumer body explained.

In its search for 14 new cars, it found 12 of them cheaper online, with five more than £5,000 below the list price. A further six could be purchased online for £1,000 less than at the showroom.

"The internet is revolutionising the way people are shopping for cars and we're all for it," said Richard Headland, editor of Which? Car.

He continued: "The web has thrown down the gauntlet to traditional bricks-and-mortar car dealerships."

Buying a car online gives motorists the protection of the Distance Selling Regulations.

These rules state that customers have a seven-day cooling off period after delivery, during which time they can reject the car and get a complete refund.