Millennials – those born between 1981 and 1996 – have been accused of everything from wasting money on avocados to killing off department stores and banks.
However, new research suggests the millennial generation should be celebrated for its willingness to undertake basic car repairs.
More than a quarter of millennials in an eBay user survey said they are prepared to work on a car themselves. This was the highest of any generational group.
The generation game
By comparison, only 18 percent of baby boomers (born from 1946 to 1964) are happy to get their hands dirty.
Instead, respondents in this age group were more likely to spend money on having someone else do the work for them.
Proving that younger generations have a ‘can do’ attitude, the eBay survey also highlighted the willingness of younger, Gen Z respondents. Among this age group, which covers those currently aged between 17 and 24, some 23 percent are prepared to tackle minor car maintenance themselves.
The eBay research also highlights the sheer scale of the self-repair industry in the UK. To house all the car parts and accessories listed on eBay during 2022 would require a warehouse the size of 11 Wembley Stadium roofs.
Maximising screen time
Windscreen wipers were the most likely items to be fitted by respondents in the survey. More than half of those asked are prepared to tackle this task themselves.
This was followed by replacement wing mirrors, with one-fifth (20 percent) of motorists happy to install one on their own car.
Car seats, floor mats and replacement batteries were also big sellers on eBay during 2022. The website sold enough new car batteries to power the Eiffel Tower for more than 20 years.
Dr Tony Tong, head of automotive at eBay UK, said: “As the cost of living continues to rise, motorists are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their running costs across the board. This trend towards DIY repairs, spurred on by interest from younger generations, is something we expect to keep rising – converting more and more motorists into enthusiast home mechanics.”
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