eBay Ads UK Survey Finds More Brits Are Fixing Their Own Cars

Due to the cost of living crisis, new research from eBay Ads UK discovered that Brits are avoiding expensive garage and mechanic fees, instead opting to fix their cars themselves with new and even pre-owned auto parts.

According to the survey, more than half of the participants indicated they would switch out their car windshield wipers by themselves, whereas 37% said they would exchange interior and exterior bulbs.

While these are super easy repairs, Brits are not shying away from more complicated fixes either. Over a third (36%) said they would tackle changing a tire and a fifth (19%) would even install car mirrors — including wing mirrors, rearview mirrors and blindspot mirrors — themselves. 

eBay Ads UK’s 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 over a third (40%) higher than the same month last year, while searches for ‘bumper repair’ rose by a similar amount (30%) from October to November 2022.

Younger shoppers are also driving an interest in sustainable shopping by opting to browse for and buy pre-owned vehicle parts on eBay UK.

The survey found that 24% of 17 to 24 year olds and 26% of 25 to 34 year olds regularly buy pre-owned car parts and accessories to save on costs — compared to just 9% of shoppers aged 55 and over.

“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,” said Upasana Gupta, GM, eBay Ads UK

“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.”

For eBay sellers who are interested to find out more about the vehicle parts opportunity on eBay, check out the podcast between John Hayes from Frooitioin and myself discussing why it’s never too late to enter this vertical of automotive and motorcycle parts on eBay UK and eBay Motors in the U.S.

Selling vehicle parts on eBay is now easier than ever with a new and improved vehicle parts compatible tool enabling buyers to find the right part or accessory. The company has been focusing to reclaim lost ground in this important category, updating the seller and buyer experience, as part of its goal to attract more enthusiasts buyers.

Methodology: 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.

Richard Meldner

Richard is co-founder of eSeller365. He has over 17 years of experience on eBay which includes tens of thousands of sales to buyers in over 100 countries and even has experience with eBay’s VeRO program enforcing intellectual property rights for a former employer. And for about two years Richard sold products on Amazon using Amazon FBA in the US.

To “relax” from the daily business grind, for a few weekends a year, he also works for IMSA as a professional race official.