Google 2011 Automotive Shopping Behavior Study Today's vehicle shoppers research and decide faster than ever. They use a diverse set of online tools in their research process and have high expectations from brands throughout the path to purchase. Insights from this year's auto buyflow study include: 81% of auto shoppers decide within 3 months (vs. 67% in 2009). Safety, utility and fuel efficiency are among the attributes top of mind for shoppers. Searching inventory and obtaining trade-in information were among the top shopper behaviors that increased this year on 3rd party sites.