Generation Z and Supercars: Why Young Buyers Think Differently

The next wave of supercar owners is already here, and they're reshaping the luxury car finance market

Born between 1997 and 2012, Generation Z buyers are entering the supercar market earlier, are digitally fluent, and financially strategic. UK automotive and finance data support this shift, and at Elev8 Finance, we’re seeing it first-hand.

In this article, we explore the reasons why young buyers think differently about supercar finance and what that means for the market. Read on to find out more about this definitive shift… 

 

Key Takeaways:

• Gen Z buyers are entering high-value car ownership younger than ever, supported by rising under-30 entrepreneurship in the UK.

• Over 90% of new UK cars are purchased using finance (data courtesy of Finance & Leasing Association).

• EVs now account for over 16% of new UK car registrations (SMMT data), aligning with Gen Z’s climate-conscious outlook.

• Younger adults are more engaged with digital investing and financial education than previous generations (according to FCA research).

• Gen Z buyers approach supercar finance more strategically, with much more research and product awareness.

Generation Z Buyers Are Rewriting the Rules of Wealth

The stereotype of the young supercar buyer used to revolve around inheritance or a windfall. Of course, that profile still exists, but it’s no longer dominant.

According to UK Companies House data, the number of company directors under 30 has risen steadily since 2020, particularly in digital, consultancy and tech-led industries. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has also recorded substantial growth in self-employment among younger age groups - particularly in the creative and digital sectors.

Gen Z Wealth is Increasingly Self-Generated

Remember, this is a generation that grew up online. So, monetising audiences, launching ecommerce brands, trading digital assets and building software products is normalised behaviour. For many, seven-figure revenues arrive well before the age of 30 (some even under the age of 25). They understand money, and they understand it well. 

Research from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) shows that younger UK adults are significantly more engaged with online financial education, investment platforms and digital wealth tools than previous generations at the same age. In finance speak, they understand APR, they understand residual values, and they understand how to make their money work.

By the time Gen Zers enquire about a supercar, they often already know which finance product they want, and what those terms should look like.

What Young Supercar Buyers Are Actually Buying

For older generations, supercars often symbolised arrival. For the Gen Z generation, performance car ownership is multi-faceted:

• It’s a performance machine

• A content asset for social media

• A sign of status

• A strategic financial decision

For example, take the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. To a Gen Z buyer, it isn’t just a badge. Instead, it’s track content, brand alignment, weekend experience, and residual strength combined.

Likewise, models such as the Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica or McLaren Artura resonate because they combine visual presence, performance credibility and cultural currency. Backed by thorough research, this is identity-led purchasing at its finest. 

Finance Is Quickly Becoming the Norm

One of the most outdated assumptions in luxury car buying is that “cash is king.” In reality, over 90% of new cars in the UK are acquired using finance products, according to the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA). Structured vehicle funding should not be considered a fallback, but a standardised option. Gen Z buyers are rewriting the rulebooks because they understand this instinctively.

They don’t see supercar finance as a compromise - and nor should they.

Gen Z is the Most Informed Generation of Buyers

If you expect to “educate” a Gen Z buyer in a car showroom, then prepare to be pleasantly surprised. By the time they’ve walked through the doors for a chat, they’ve typically already watched long-form reviews on YouTube, compared lender rates, analysed depreciation curves, and assessed the equity risk. They are smart, and they are savvy.

As we’ve experienced on many occasions, Generation Z supercar buyers ask sophisticated questions, such as:

1. “Is PCP a sensible option if residual values soften?”

2. “What are the refinance options mid-term?”

3. “How does Lease Purchase protect appreciation?”

These are commercially mature conversations that reflect a generation raised on accessible financial content. And we’re here for it. 

How Gen Z Approaches Supercar Finance Differently

Perhaps the biggest difference between Gen Zers and previous generations of supercar buyers is their relationship with the concept of finance itself. Because car finance is normalised, product selection becomes much more strategic.

Personal Contract Purchase (PCP)

Proves to be an attractive option to Gen Z supercar buyers for its lower monthly payments and flexibility to upgrade.

Hire Purchase (HP)

Appeals to Gen Z supercar buyers wanting ownership certainty without a balloon payment.

Lease Purchase (LP)

Often chosen by Gen Z buyers where the potential for appreciation exists.

At Elev8 Finance, we regularly work with young buyers who've already mapped out their preferred finance product before speaking to us. In this instance, they’re not asking whether financing a supercar is a sensible option. Instead, they’re asking us how to optimise their desired product.

Electric Supercars and the Climate-Conscious Generation

YouGov UK consistently reports that 18 to 29-year-olds are the most climate-conscious demographic group across the generations. And that awareness is influencing purchasing patterns.

Electric vehicles accounted for over 16% of all new UK registrations in recent years, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The adoption of hybrid vehicles continues to grow alongside this, so performance brands are responding.

For example, the Porsche Taycan Turbo has challenged assumptions about EV performance. Hybrid platforms from Ferrari, McLaren and Lamborghini are reshaping the supercar landscape as we know it.

Structuring Supercar Finance for a Gen Z Buyer

While motivations differ, the financial fundamentals remain consistent for Gen Zers who are investing in supercars: 

Vehicle Usage

Gen Z buyers are much more likely to drive their cars rather than keep them in a garage. So, realistic mileage projections for finance are essential to avoid excess charges (especially for PCP products).

Finance Flexibility

Careers, tastes and income streams can and do evolve rapidly in early adulthood. So, finance options must be flexible to accommodate these trends in Gen Zers.

Total Cost Considerations

Gen Z buyers tend to budget for their purchases in a more practical sense, rather than being driven emotionally. This means that additional ownership costs such as insurance, tyres, servicing and storage must be transparent.

UK Generation Z and Supercars Data Snapshot:

 

• Over 90% of new UK cars are financed (FLA)

• Over 16% of UK car registrations are electric (SMMT)

• Under-30 entrepreneurship has been rising rapidly since 2020 (Companies House)

• Younger adults lead digital investment adoption (FCA)

• Climate-conscious purchases are highest among 18 to 29-year-olds (YouGov)

Are You Ready to Finance Your First (or Next) Supercar?

Here at Elev8 Finance, we have the expertise and lender relationships to structure a solid solution built around your specific situation. 

Get in touch to speak directly with one of our finance specialists. The conversation you’ll have with us is always without obligation - and could end up being the most important one in your ownership journey.

Frequently Asked Questions: Gen Z and Supercar Finance

Our answers to the questions we hear most often from younger buyers entering the luxury car market…  

Can I get supercar finance as a young buyer in the UK?

Yes. Age alone is not a barrier to supercar finance in the UK. Instead, lenders assess applications based on income, credit history, and affordability rather than age. Gen Z buyers (those born between 1997 and 2012) who can demonstrate stable income and a solid credit profile are regularly approved for luxury car finance.

Here at Elev8 Finance, we work with a panel of specialist lenders experienced in funding vehicles for younger, high-earning professionals. Get in touch to find out more. 

What is the best type of finance for a first-time supercar buyer?

There is no single best product. It all depends on how you plan to use the car, how long you want to keep it, and what your cash flow looks like. Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) tends to suit buyers who want lower monthly payments and the option to upgrade after two or three years, while Hire Purchase (HP) is better suited to those who want outright ownership and complete mileage freedom. 

By comparison, Lease Purchase (LP) offers a middle ground with a deferred balloon payment and greater flexibility at the end of the term. At Elev8 Finance, we always structure recommendations around your individual circumstances, not around the product that's easiest to sell.

Is it smarter to finance a supercar or buy it outright?

For most buyers (regardless of age), financing a supercar is often the more intelligent financial decision. Given that over 90% of vehicles in the UK are financed, structured funding is absolutely the way forward. 

This option allows your capital to continue working elsewhere and gives you the flexibility to respond to market opportunities if needed. Gen Z buyers in particular understand this well, approaching finance as an opportunity rather than as a last resort. 

Can I finance an electric or hybrid supercar?

Absolutely. At Elev8 Finance, we regularly fund electric and hybrid performance vehicles, including models from Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and others. Finance products (including PCP, HP, and Lease Purchase) are all available on EV and hybrid supercars, and our specialist lenders are experienced in assessing residual values on these newer model types. 

If you're considering an electric or hybrid supercar, we encourage you to get in touch with us to secure the most competitive terms at the right time. 

What deposit do I need for supercar finance?

Deposit requirements for a supercar can vary by lender, vehicle value, credit profile, and the type of finance product chosen. In general, a deposit of between 10% and 30% of the vehicle value is typical for supercar finance in the UK, though this can be lower or higher depending on individual circumstances. 

A higher deposit generally results in lower monthly payments and a more competitive rate. Here at Elev8 Finance, we work with multiple lenders to find the most suitable finance product and deposit structure for each client. Contact us for a no-obligation discussion about your options.