Nearly three quarters of used car buyers would favour a vehicle with paint protection
74% would select a used vehicle with paint protection over an identical model without it – a sharp increase from the 51% who said the same in 2024
A majority (59%) would pay a premium for a used vehicle with paint protection applied; 33% would be willing to pay between 5% and 6% more
80% of car buyers believe that if a previous owner had paid for a protection treatment, it would be more likely they would have looked after their car
Findings suggest applying paint protection to used stock could help drive conversions
Nearly three quarters (74%) of used car buyers say they would be ‘likely’ or ‘very likely’ to pick a vehicle with paint protection applied over an identical model that didn’t have it, according to a new nationwide survey* commissioned by Autoglym LifeShine. A majority (59%) of those questioned would also be willing to pay a premium for a used vehicle with paint protection.
Those aged between 25 and 34 were found to be the most receptive (75%) to paying a premium, with those 65 and over the least likely (31%). Looking at regional differences, those based in London (82%) are most open to paying more.
Significantly, those willing to pay more for a vehicle with paint protection applied has gone up since 2024, when Autoglym found that 51% would be ‘likely’ or ‘very likely’ to pay a premium.
Regarding the size of the potential premium, the largest single group of respondents (33%) in 2026 would be willing to pay between 5% and 6% more for a used vehicle that had previously been treated with a dealer-applied paint and interior protection product. A 6% premium would be equivalent to an additional £1,032, if applied to the £17,197 average retail price of the typical used car sold in the UK (Auto Trader, February 2026).
A further 24% in the survey say they would pay a premium of between 3% and 4%; 17% would pay an extra 1% to 2%; while 13% would pay between 7% and 8% more. 6% would be willing to pay a premium of between 9% and 10%, while 3% would pay over 10%.
The findings point to the significant potential commercial benefit for dealers in highlighting if their used car stock has had paint protection applied.
There are other ways in which the application of a paint protection product has a positive impact on buyer intent. In the Autoglym survey, three-quarters (80%) of those polled ‘somewhat agree’ or ‘strongly agree’ with the statement: “If the previous owner had paid for a paint protection treatment, I would expect it to be more likely that they will have looked after the vehicle.” Just 2% disagreed with the statement.
Anna Houldsworth, Head of Paint Protection at Autoglym LifeShine said: “We always use data to measure what customers look for, and it's clear from our research that there is a huge opportunity for dealers to have a ceramic coating applied to a used car to make this more appealing to prospective customers. Our research also showcases that many customers are willing to pay a significant premium for this benefit and perceived enhancement to the car. It not only helps reduce initial point of sale issues but will also drive increased margin opportunity and perceived value to the consumer which will then enhance used car stock turn.”