The reverse search engine found that 59 per cent of consumers who have used to internet to search for cars are unhappy with their experience.

Of the 350 people surveyed, two thirds of respondents had searched for cars to buy online and of these, 59 per cent failed to find vehicles matching their criteria.

A further 24 per cent said results merely directed them to dealers' websites rather than to the specific vehicles they searched for.

Classified auto search sites were a popular choice among buyers, with 55 per cent of respondents using these sites to assist their search.

Remote purchase was not a popular option, however, as 46 per cent of respondents said they would want to meet the person selling the car before making a purchase.