Due to ongoing cost of living challenges, research from eBay Ads UK finds that UK drivers are opting to repair their own cars, and are avoiding expensive garage and mechanic fees.
According to the survey of UK consumers, 50% of respondents say they would change their car windscreen wipers themselves, while 37% would replace interior and exterior light bulbs, for example. Meanwhile, 36% would change a tyre, and 19% would install car mirrors — including wing mirrors, rearview mirrors and blindspot mirrors.
The survey found that the appetite for DIY car maintenance is supported by a growing number of eBay buyers investing in the necessary tools and equipment to fix their cars at home. For example, in November 2022, searches for ‘tyre puncture repair kit’ on ebay.co.uk were 40% higher than in November 2021, while searches for ‘bumper repair’ rose by a similar amount of 30% from October to November 2022.
The younger generation of drivers also has an interest in sustainable shopping by opting to search for and buy pre-owned vehicle parts on eBay UK.
The survey found that the younger generation has an interest in sustainable shopping, with 24% of 17 to 24-year-olds and 26% of 25 to 34-year-olds regularly buying pre-owned car parts and accessories to save on costs — compared to just 9% of shoppers aged 55 and over.
Upasana Gupta, GM, eBay Ads UK, said:
“As purse strings continue to tighten, consumers are understandably looking for ways to cut costs in all areas of life. Our latest research shows that this includes finding ways to reduce their motoring bills, with a growing number of Brits rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands dirty — purchasing pre-loved parts and carrying out DIY jobs to fix their cars themselves.”
Gupta added: “Brands and sellers must stay in-tune with how consumer behavior is shifting away from traditional patterns in light of the ongoing economic crunch. Having an ear to the ground about these trends will help them to prepare and cater to their customer’s evolving needs and preferences in the year ahead — driving sales forward.”
The survey commissioned by eBay Ads UK was conducted between the 9th and 11th of January 2023 from a sample of 1,535 UK respondents who one or drive a car (16 years of age or older). Supporting data points have been rounded up/down to the nearest full percentage.
Sources: www.ebayads.com www.eseller365.com
