With the cost-of-living crisis continuing to put pressure on household budgets, British motorists are finding new ways to cut costs – and for many, that means rolling up their sleeves and attempting DIY car repairs. However, a new survey by Car.co.uk reveals that while some are saving money, others are facing unexpected costs, leading many to consider whether scrapping their car might be the more financially sound decision.
DIY Car repairs on the rise – but at what cost?
According to the survey, almost two-fifths (37%) of Brits have attempted DIY car repairs to reduce expenses. However, while some tasks – like changing windscreen wipers (48%) and replacing a battery (46%) – are relatively simple, more complex fixes have resulted in unexpected costs.
- Half of British (49%) male drivers have attempted DIY repairs, but 13% of them admit that it ended up costing more in the long run.
- Only one in four (25%) of women have attempted fixing their cars themselves.
- A fifth (20%) of millennials have tried DIY repairs, only to find themselves spending more to fix the damage caused.
- Southampton tops the list of cities where DIY car repairs have backfired, leading to higher costs.
- Over half (54%) of Manchester drivers have attempted DIY repairs in an effort to save money.
While many drivers are trying to save, these statistics highlight a common dilemma – when does DIY repair end up costing drivers more money in the end?
Rethinking repairs – is scrapping the smarter choice?
For many Brits, the rising cost of car repairs has sparked a bigger question: is it worth keeping their vehicle on the road at all? A fifth (20%) of Brits say they are considering scrapping their car due to high repair costs, with millennials leading the way in this shift in mindset.
- Over two-fifths (41%) of Brits have considered scrapping their car rather than continuing to pay for repairs.
- Over half (57%) of Belfast residents are thinking about scrapping their car, the highest percentage of any UK city.
- Half (50%) of male drivers say their main reason for scrapping a car is due to high repair costs, with 35% of women agreeing.
- Half (50%) of Gen Z drivers say they would consider scrapping their car due to expensive repairs.
With almost half (49%) of Brits spending £1,000 or more on car repairs each year – and millennials being the biggest spenders with 40% spending over £1000 a year– it’s no surprise that many are questioning whether it makes financial sense to keep an ageing or damaged car on the road.
William Fletcher MBE, Chief Executive at car.co.uk, explains:
“It’s understandable that people are looking for ways to save money, and DIY repairs can be a great option for smaller fixes. However, when repairs become costly and complicated, it’s worth weighing up whether keeping an older car on the road is the best financial decision. In many cases, scrapping a car can be a smarter and safer long-term solution.”
With the cost of living unlikely to ease anytime soon, many Brits will continue to look for ways to save money – but when it comes to car maintenance, it’s clear that DIY fixes and expensive repairs might not always be the best option. For some, it might just be time to say goodbye to their car for good.
If you’d like to find out more about DIY car repairs costing more money and if it’s time to scrap your car, please visit:
