eBay, one of the UK’s leading automotive marketplaces, has shed light on the car owners most dedicated to maintaining their vehicles themselves, and Jeep drivers have come out on top. According to recent research by the platform, Jeep owners are the most likely to take a hands-on approach to car care, far exceeding the average UK motorist when it comes to DIY maintenance.
The study found that Jeep owners are 81 times more likely to perform their own vehicle repairs compared to the average driver. Hot on their heels are Chevrolet and Peugeot owners, who are 62 and 47 times more likely, respectively, to get involved in maintaining their cars. Rounding out the top 10 brands with the highest DIY maintenance scores are MINI, Vauxhall, SEAT, Škoda, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, and Fiat.
Abir Tewari, UK Director of Commercial Operations for Parts & Accessories at eBay, emphasised the practicality of taking car maintenance into one’s own hands: “With average garage labour rates in the UK now exceeding £75 per hour, taking on your own car maintenance is a practical way to cut running costs. Our findings show that Jeep drivers are particularly hands-on – they’re nearly twice as likely to perform their own maintenance compared to the average car owner.”
From batteries to door edge protectors, the most commonly purchased Jeep parts on eBay reveal a strong inclination towards routine upkeep. The top-selling item for Jeep owners this year has been the Exide EA1000 017 car battery, followed by protective door strips and air temperature sensors for the Jeep Renegade. eBay’s platform offers a variety of car parts, including new, pre-owned, and Certified Recycled parts, which can be up to 70% cheaper than OEM equivalents. Certified Recycled parts also come vetted, warrantied, and sourced from authorised end-of-life vehicles, offering peace of mind to buyers.
One of eBay’s standout features for UK motorists is the “My Garage” search function. This tool allows users to effortlessly find parts specific to their vehicle by entering their registration number, making it easier for both novice and experienced DIY mechanics to ensure they are purchasing the correct components.
While Jeep, Chevrolet, and Peugeot drivers are leading the DIY charge, Tesla owners are notably absent from the action. According to eBay’s data, Tesla drivers are 79 times less likely to perform their own car maintenance compared to the average motorist. This disparity could be attributed to the advanced technology in Tesla vehicles, which often requires specialised tools and expertise for repairs.
The research, which was based on data from GlobalWebIndex (GWI), excluded new car owners, who are more likely to rely on professional maintenance services to retain their vehicle warranties. This stipulation usually mandates routine servicing by VAT-registered garages, limiting the scope for DIY involvement.
As the cost of living and automotive expenses continue to rise, eBay’s findings offer a window into how some UK motorists are managing their vehicle upkeep. With the accessibility of affordable parts and tools online, it’s no surprise that many are turning to DIY maintenance as a cost-saving measure.
