Staffordshire Car Buyers Lead the Way in Long Distance Travel for New Vehicles

Car buyers across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire are travelling further than most to secure their next vehicle, according to new data from Swansway Motor Group.

Insights from the dealer groups dealerships including BYD Stoke, Motor Match Stoke, Stoke Audi, Stafford Audi and Stafford Land Rover, show that the 50+ mile bracket is the most common distance travelled by customers in the region.

This makes Staffordshire the highest distance market across Swansway’s network, with buyers regularly exceeding the UK average of 48 miles. (Source: Motor Trade News)

The findings suggest that in less densely populated areas, customers are more willing to travel further to find the right car, whether that’s for better value, a specific model, or the right specification.

While over a third of customers across the group still buy within 10 miles, Staffordshire stands out for its higher proportion of long distance journeys.

Judge Service’s latest State of the Nation report also highlights the importance of trust in the buying journey, with customers recognising the value of purchasing from a main dealer, which may explain why many Staffordshire buyers are willing to travel further for the right vehicle.

“Across our Staffordshire dealerships, including sites in Stoke and Stafford, we’re seeing more customers travelling significant distances to secure the right vehicle. It shows that for many buyers, getting exactly what they want is worth the extra journey.” — A spokesperson from Swansway Motor Group

These findings are based on Swansway Motor Group’s 2025 retail sales and excludes fleet, trade and Motability vehicles.