A new scheme could see motorists paid £50 an hour to help young car buyers complete their transactions and get behind the wheel of a new vehicle.
New research has found that one in seven drivers bring their fathers with them to the car dealership for "support" when looking to buy a new vehicle.
This is particularly strong among Gen Z and young millennials, notably 31 per cent of those aged between 18 and 34, and a fifth of people between the ages of 35 and 44.
Dads are the most trusted family members to give advice on buying new cars, being an average of seven times more popular than a brother, sister, child, mother or grandparent.
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Potential candidates for the scheme are advised to have a strong knowledge of cars
| PEXELSGiven the support for fathers to help with car-related questions, especially at vehicle dealerships, a new offer has been launched to aid more motorists.
Carmoola is looking for a team of fathers who are particularly good at dealing with salespeople and giving good advice to people trying to buy what could be their first car.
This will allow people to hire a "surrogate" support parent for their next visit to the car dealership to pick up a new motor or a trip to the garage for an MOT.
Aidan Rushby, founder and CEO of Carmoola, said: "Buying a car should be exciting but it can also be stressful, from choosing the right model to negotiating the best price. Having someone on your side can make all the difference.
"We can assist with your financial needs, and run checks to make sure the car you’re interested in isn’t a dud, but we can’t physically be there with our customers as they choose their next vehicle. However, this is about to change."
The so-called "courtesy dads" will work on a freelance, flexible basis and need to be caring, give good advice and have a solid knowledge or passion for cars.
Courtesy dads could earn up to £50 an hour plus expenses, with rates depending on the type of support. A further £10 will be donated every time a courtesy dad is hired, with the money going to mental health charity Mind.
Rushby continued, saying: "We’re thrilled to launch our 'courtesy dad' service, providing drivers across the country with a parent figure who can guide them through the process, stepping in where their own Dad or Mum might not be able to.
"If you consider yourself a good advice giver and know a thing or two about cars, please sign up.
"Alternatively, if you think your parent could share their wisdom, please nominate them—I’m sure many people would love to benefit from their help."
The latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) found that the UK used car market grew 7.2 per cent in the second quarter of this year.
Used electric vehicles recorded their highest-ever market share of 2.4 per cent, with sales soaring by 52.6 per cent between April and July.
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The Ford Fiesta remains the most popular used car in the UK
| FORDThe most popular used cars fall in line with tradition, with the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and the Ford Focus claiming the top three spots and have been some of the best sellers for years.
It is hoped that the new "courtesy dads" scheme will help boost those figures further as nervous drivers could take advantage of the advice to buy a new car.