Like it? Swipe right on your smartphone screen. Not interested? Swipe left.

Three young South Africans have developed a smartphone application (app) similar to dating app Tinder, but with one important difference – Carter aims to facilitate a long-term relationship between its users and the cars of their dreams.

The Carter app builds a shortlist of suitable cars for the user by working through a list of preferences. The system learns from the user’s actions, pulling them closer to the cars they should be considering.

Carter’s developers say the platform aims to alleviate the complexity of buying a new car by making it easier and more fun to shop for that dream vehicle. It removes the hassle of having to contact multiple dealerships for quotes and navigating a myriad of technical specifications to see which car suits the potential buyer’s needs and wallet best.

“We are looking to create something special with Carter,” says cofounder Vikash Govindjee.

“What we’re doing hasn’t been done anywhere else in the world. Our platform helps customers find their perfect new car and complete the deal through their mobile phone. It’s a new-car shopping mall in the palm of your hand.” Cofounder

Tom Gardner adds that their platform is vastly different to existing options.

“There isn’t an Edgars for new cars. There isn’t anywhere you can browse hatchbacks or compact sports utility vehicles (SUVs) side by side.

“The problem with this is that there may be the perfect compact SUV out there for you; you just don’t know about it. By creating a virtual showroom that allows people to browse by usage requirements, we have created a virtual Edgars for cars.”

Carter’s Amit Bholla believes “very few platforms” have pulled off the fun element for consumers.

“The majority of other platforms ask you which make and model car you want. They assume you know what you want or need. Carter’s mission is to empower the consumer. We have built a fun and friendly platform to help you find the right car and then conveniently source great deals from reputable dealers.

“Take the swipe left or right functionality; by backing it with a smart learning algorithm, we can learn what consumers like or dislike,” he adds.

Carter’s app is currently available on the Apple iStore, as well as the Android Play Store.