Yorkshire drivers prefer their first car to their first love

In a survey of 1,000 parents carried out by car website NFDA Trusted Dealers, almost three quarters of people in Yorkshire (71 per cent) revealed they looked back more fondly on their first car than their first kiss (53 per cent). First loves came even lower, with less than half of people in Yorkshire (43 per cent) surveyed saying they looked back fondly on their time with their first boyfriend or girlfriend.

When asked to describe their first car, 40 per cent all parents in Yorkshire said their car was an unreliable old banger which they loved, with only four per cent saying they regretted their rust buckets.

When asked to compare their affection for life ‘firsts’, cars were only just pipped to the post by wedding days, which received more than three quarters of people’s votes (79 per cent).

Londoners are the most generous parents in the country, with more than half (55 per cent) of parents saying they had financed a new or used car for their kids, while Yorkshire lived up to its thrifty reputation, with just 22 per cent contributing to their child’s motor.

Neil Addley, managing director of NFDA Trusted Dealers, said: “Cars play a big part in people’s lives and as we can see, we have a special place in our hearts for our first wheels, whether rusty or racy.

“The figures from the survey illustrate that people emotionally invest in their cars.”

“The rise of PCP deals has opened up far more opportunities for parents to opt for new cars, but our research has shown the vast majority still prefer to buy a used model for their kids. As such it’s vital to ensure the right financial and mechanical checks are undertaken.”