Ninety percent of drivers surveyed in a recent poll commissioned by Meineke say it’s important to have a mechanic they trust. That’s not surprising when you look deeper at the data: 53% would keep their current car forever if given the option.
That’s largely an emotional attachment tied to memories created in or near the car. Some vehicle owners feel so close to their cars they give them nicknames and consider it to be “part of the family.”
The survey of 2,000 American car owners conducted by OnePoll found nearly six in 10 say they value the reliability their car has given them, while 45% claim it’s due to the good gas mileage they’re able to get.
Financial considerations also are a factor. The majority of drivers surveyed said they are likely to hold on to their car for as long as possible if they feel it will save them money in the long run. Meanwhile, others admit that their car needs an upgrade now, but they are unable to afford one due to financial constraints.
Changing automotive landscape
Despite their attachment to their current vehicle, only a third of drivers surveyed agree they’d purchase the same make and model for their next car, with 47% say they’ll be looking for something different. For some, electric vehicles are the top choice.
Forty-five percent of Americans surveyed believe electric vehicles are the future of car ownership, with younger generations increasingly likely to agree. Specifically, 69% of Gen Z and 59% of millennials in the survey see electric cars as the future, compared to 41% of Gen X and 32% of baby boomers.
Forty-one percent of all respondents are glad electric vehicles are an option for their future car. Younger generations were more likely to agree, with 59% of Gen Z and 56% of millennials are looking at an electric or hybrid future.
Meanwhile, 37% of Gen X and 27% of baby boomers surveyed say they’d consider it but prefer traditional gas-powered vehicles.
“We’re witnessing a shift in car ownership trends, propelled by interest in electric vehicles, especially with younger generations who see driving electric as the way of the future,” says Christopher Streahle, vice president of marketing for Meineke Car Care Centers. “Environmentally friendly transit options are on the rise, and drivers are also considering something new, making electric vehicles a compelling option.”
What would make respondents consider an electric vehicle as their next car? Not having to pay for gas easily ranked as the No. 1 reason.
Otherwise, respondents said electric vehicles are better for the environment and help reduce air pollution.
Rounding out the top five reasons: government incentives, tax credits and smooth, fast acceleration.
Electric hesitation
While electric vehicles are gaining in popularity, the research shows Americans still have concerns about electric vehicles. About 66% anticipate higher ownership costs, while 41% said they’ll need to spend more time at a mechanic with an electric car.
There are about 3.3 million electric vehicles are on American roadways based on data from Edmunds. While electric vehicles are fairly new compared to gas-powered cars, there are still a good number of cars on the roadways and a number of mechanics who know how to work on them.
“As the automotive landscape evolves to include more electric vehicles on the road, so do our services,” said Mike Baden, owner of Meineke of Indian Land, South Carolina. “Those who opt for electric cars can now take advantage of dependable auto maintenance and drive in confidence knowing their car care needs are met.”
But when it comes to electric cars, it’s important to remember these cars don’t require as much basic maintenance as a gas-powered vehicle. If maintained properly, electric vehicles cost $330 less than gas-powered cars, with owners usually spending about $949 per year, AAA reports.
The prospect of caring for and maintaining an electric vehicle shouldn’t be the reason people stray away from them. As time goes on, there will be more electric cars on the roads and a better understanding of how to take care of them.
This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.