Many participants in a recent consumer sentiment study show a keen interest in car shopping, and they enjoy the process.

But when price negotiations begin, their feelings turn decidedly negative.

“What should be a fun and exciting experience for consumers, continues to be a source of angst and stress,” automotive research and vehicle listings marketplace company CarEdge wrote in a news release.

CarEdge released the study, saying the study's main message is the following: Consumers love vehicle “shopping” but hate vehicle “buying.”

Those consumers wished to avoid interactions and negotiations with the salesperson and finance manager. More than half of the respondents would prefer that someone would negotiate for them, or actually choose the vehicle for them.

Study participants were 321 CarEdge site visitors during February and March who had visited the site’s research pages. Seventy-seven percent of the participants consider themselves interested in cars or car enthusiasts, and 76% are actively shopping for a vehicle. Of those shopping, 41% intend to purchase within two to three weeks, and 31% within the next two to three months.

Sixty-seven percent conduct a great deal of research before making a vehicle purchase.

Additional respondents’ comments showed that they wanted more pricing transparency, less post-purchase up-sells and fulfillment of advertised prices.

“With almost half of respondents wishing to avoid dealerships completely, it is evident that there is an ongoing opportunity to find a vehicle purchasing process that results in a better customer experience,” CarEdge said.

But the study revealed some good news: Seventy percent of participants actually enjoy shopping for a vehicle, and 47% feel they purchased their vehicle at a fair price.

But on the negative side, 29% felt taken advantage of or had negative feelings toward the dealership. Forty-four percent would like to avoid dealerships completely. Thirty-eight percent have to search for a dealer they like, and only 18% are loyal to a specific dealer. More than one in four felt that they received a bad deal and were unhappy with the final sales price.

Survey participants also showed little loyalty for a particular dealer. Fewer than one out of five said they considered a specific dealer as their preferred resource for vehicle purchases.

Additional survey insights:

— 60% said negotiating with the salesperson and the post-purchase paperwork were their least-favorite parts of the vehicle purchase process

— 52% would like to outsource the price negotiation process or vehicle selection process to someone else

— 88% would find vehicle recommendations from an independent third party to be helpful or they would consider it.

CarEdge said that with almost half of respondents wishing to avoid dealerships completely, an ongoing opportunity exists to find a vehicle purchasing process that provides a better customer experience.

“As traditional dealers turn to online and home-delivery purchasing options, it will be essential for them to review their customer buying process to ensure that they are delivering pleasant experiences that result in repeat customers,” CarEdge said. “While several new business models are attempting to correct this problem, it is apparent that more work needs to be done within the industry.”