Jeep drivers, according to eBay motors, are the most likely motorists willing to roll up their sleaves and handle car maintenance by themselves. According to the research, Chevrolet and Peugeot drivers are close behind them but it’s owners of the famous American 4×4 brand that topped the list.
In the study, it found that Jeep drivers were 81% more likely to carry out their own maintenance compared to the average car owners. Peugeot drivers meanwhile were 47% more likely to try their luck at DIY car maintenance compared to the average owner. Other brands whose drivers were DIY maintenance inclined included drivers of MINI, Vauxhall, SEAT, Skoda, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, and Fiat.
Between January and June 2024, the most popular Jeep parts bought on eBay were battery replacement followed by a set of two door edge protector strips. Replacement part for the mirror in the compact Renegade came third.
“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,” Abir Tewari, UK Director Commercial Operations Parts & Accessories at eBay, said. “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.”
At the other end of the spectrum is another famous American brand. Tesla drivers were the least likely to try their own car maintenance, being 79% less likely compared to the average car owner in the UK. This is likely to do with the complex nature of electric cars compared with their petrol-powered counterparts.
The study used data from GlobalWebIndex (GWI) to evaluate car owners’ attitudes towards DIY car maintenance. New car owners were excluded from the research, as they are more likely to use professional services to maintain their vehicle warranties, which usually require routine maintenance to be performed by VAT-registered garages.
