Homeward bound: To cut costs in a down economy and to battle high gas prices, consumers choose to work on their own cars.

They say you can't go home again, but automotive do-it-yourselfers — spurred by soaring gas prices and a struggling economy — are going against the mantra, bringing vehicle maintenance back into their own garages.

Krista McNamara

Jan. 1, 2020

3 min read

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Our 34th Annual Do-It-Yourself Survey shows more work is being done at home, with an average 94 percent of respondents performing underhood and chassis activity, diagnostic, electrical and cosmetic maintenance, among other work categories, on their own vehicles this year, compared to only 78 percent in 2007.

The majority of respondents fall among the 36-55 age bracket and earn between $20,000 and $59,999 annually. Seventyseven percent report making unplanned automotive purchases only sometimes or rarely. But when they do buy, accessories are purchased more than half of the time, according to the study. National brand products are preferred 75 percent of the time, but when purchasing store brands, the impact of price has dropped more than 15 percent.

Women outnumber men as 2008 survey respondents — 56 percent to 44 percent, respectively — but both genders' experience levels remain the same as in 2007, with most falling in the beginner or experienced brackets.

And while vehicle systems continue to advance, time restrictions, ownership of newer vehicles and less need were named before technology hindrances as the main reasons 13 percent of respondents performed less DIY work than in the previous year. Almost 70 percent have continued at the same level as in 2007.

Monetary savings is again the primary reason for performing DIY work; but the aftermarket is still seeing a boost, as respondents spend an average $1,131 annually on their vehicles, up almost $150 from 2007.

But where are they buying? Auto parts stores remain the preferred shopping location, and price and convenience, as in years past, are the top decision influencers. But warranties and product reliability and quality have gained significant momentum in influencing buyers' decisions on where to shop, according to the study.

Methodology

Aftermarket Business conducted this study among automotive do-it-yourselfers. The reported results reflect all 2,129 respondents. Opened June 20, 2008, the survey was fielded to an online consumer panel run by Survey Sampling, Inc. Sixteen percent of the panel, or 16,200 members, who indicated automotive ownership or related product purchases when joining the panel, were deemed qualified to participate.

The survey closed June 25, 2008, with 2,129 questionnaires received. The maximum statistical error for all respondents at the 95-percent confidence level is ±2 percent. Totals for certain answers may not equal 100 percent because of rounding and multiple responses permitted.

About the Author

Krista McNamara

Krista McNamara is the former Editorial Director for the Vehicle Repair Group at Endeavor Business Media. She oversaw five brands — Motor Age, PTEN, Professional Distributor, ABRN and Aftermarket Business World. She worked in the automotive aftermarket industry for more than 15 years.