An easing economic outlook has had little impact on the amount of auto repairs DIYers undertake, according to the "2013 DIY Report" from AutoMD.com. Driven by cost-savings – but also enjoying the process – DIYers are continuing to do more of their own auto repairs, are attempting more difficult repairs, and say they are saving dollars while doing so. Significantly, of those reporting an improved financial situation, the vast majority still choose to do their own repairs to save both time and money, rather than going to a mechanic. And, reflective of macro trends, these DIYers own high mileage cars and are keeping them for extended periods of time.
"When we released our first auto repair DIY report in 2010, we found that the economy was driving more auto repair DIYing, with DIYers reporting considerable cost savings. In the ensuing years, we have seen this trend continue, bolstered by an increase in the accessibility of how-to info online," said Brian Hafer, vice president of media and marketing at AutoMD.com. "Our 2013 report indicates that this trend has evolved into a routine, with these habitual DIYers saying they plan to attempt even more challenging DIY repairs in the future -- and even those who don't normally DIY say they are willing to give it a try."
The AutoMD.com report is based on an online survey conducted among 5,351 car owners from December 11, 2012 – January 21, 2013, and offers a snapshot of auto repair behavior of car owners - both DIYers and DFMers (the do-it-for-me's).
Report Highlights:
DIYers Still Doing Own Repairs … Even with Improved Economics
Ninety-percent of DIYers report doing either the same amount, or more (42 percent), of their own auto repairs and maintenance this year versus one year ago. And, while 90 percent confirm that saving money and/or an aging vehicle is driving that increase, of those (37 percent) who reported that their financial situation has actually improved year over year, 79 percent still choose to do their own repairs.
Both DIYers and DFMers Report Aging Primary Vehicles
Not surprisingly, there has been no drop in the age of, or number of miles on, the primary vehicles of these DIYers versus a year ago, with 44 percent driving a vehicle that is over 10 years old. DFMers have aging vehicles as well with 36 percent reporting their primary ride is over 10 years of age. And these vehicles are holding a lot of miles with 64 percent of DIYers and 58 percent of DFMers reporting 100K miles or more, which is perhaps why over 90 percent of these DIYers report that they have performed repair work on their vehicle within the past six months.
Approximately how many miles does your primary vehicle have on it?
0-50K
DIYers 11.60 percent
DFMers 14.50 percent
50-100K
DIYers 24.10 percent
DFMers 27.50 percent
100-150k
DIYers 32.00 percent
DFMers 33.10 percent
150-200k
DIYers 19.90 percent
DFMers 16.40 percent
Over 200k
DIYers 12.30 percent
DFMers 8.50 percent
DIYers Saving Money – 60 percent report saving over $500
Saving money trumps all the other reasons that are driving respondents to do their own auto repairs. "Because I enjoy it" is also a top reason, coming in at number two. And, these efforts appear to be paying off in DIYers' wallets. The vast majority (96 percent) report saving over $100 annually, but nearly 60 percent say they save over $500, and 30 percent save a whopping $1,000 or more, a slight uptick from the previous year.
How much do you estimate you save yearly? (By purchasing parts and doing work yourself)
DIYers
Over $1000
30.40 percent
$500 - $1000
28.80 percent
$300 -$500
24.80 percent
$100-$300
11.60 percent
$0-$100
2.30 percent
I don't think I save any money
2.10 percent
Easy Jobs Top the List, but Many DIYers are Attempting More Difficult Tasks
Even though easy jobs top the list of the most-performed repairs, two-thirds of DIYers report that they are more likely to attempt a difficult repair today than they were a year ago, with reasons almost evenly divided between the economy (30 percent), more experience and greater confidence DIYing (29 percent), and increased availability of online repair info (29 percent) -- numbers that are almost identical to the previous year's report. Meanwhile, nearly three-fourths of those who have never done their own repairs indicate the economy might make them more likely to give a basic repair a try.
Although replacing a battery, wiper blades, headlamp bulbs, air filters and adding anti-freeze are the top five most performed jobs respectively by DIYers, significant numbers are also performing far more challenging jobs like changing the engine oil and filter, replacing spark plugs, and even replacing the brake pads.
Which of these jobs do you do yourself (check all that apply)
DIYers
Replace battery
95.10 percent
Replace windshield wiper blades
94.60 percent
Replace headlamp bulbs
94.50 percent
Replace air filters
93.80 percent
Add antifreeze
93.30 percent
Change oil
90.40 percent
Change oil filters
90.30 percent
Replace spark plugs
87.60 percent
Replace brake pads
86.70 percent
Replace fuel filters
79.00 percent
Flush radiator/cooling system
70.80 percent
Repair ignition wire set
63.5 percent
Replace transmission filters
50.50 percent
Recharge/repair AC
45.20 percent
Change muffler
41.90 percent
Learning Auto Repair the Old-fashioned Way
And how did these avid DIYers become DIYers? Nearly one in three learned the old-fashioned way, from their Dad/family, and over a third (39 percent) report that they are self-taught.
