Repair costs are increasing rapidly from year to year. Only 35 percent drivers paid less than PLN 1,000 for the last repair, while in the 2023 study this was declared by as many as 54 percent. respondents2. 27% were in the range of PLN 1,000–2,000. respondents, and every third driver (33%) spent more than PLN 2,000 – almost twice as much as in 2023 – according to the OLX study.
Car breakdowns are a real test of nerves for many Poles. According to the OLX study conducted by SW Research, they are most often accompanied by stress (36%), anxiety (27%) and irritation (27%)1. Anger is declared by 26 percent. respondents, and peace of mind – only every tenth driver.
Emotions vary between age groups. Younger drivers (18-24 years old) are more likely than others to react with irritation (39%), and seniors (55-64 years old) with helplessness (22%). The highest level of stress is recorded in the 25-44 age group, i.e. the most professionally active and intensively using cars.
And what does it look like depending on the value of your vehicle? The greatest stress occurs both among owners of the cheapest cars (up to PLN 15,000 – 39%) and the most expensive ones (over PLN 80,000 – 37%).
“Owners of lower value cars, often older models, are afraid that high repair costs may even exceed the value of the vehicle. In turn, more expensive cars usually also have more expensive parts, which increases the total repair costs. In both cases, used parts can be a solution – in the case of expensive cars, they allow you to reduce service costs, and in the case of cheaper cars, maintain mobility with a lower budget,” says Kamil Szabłowski, PR Lead OLX.
Boom in buying parts
Original used parts have become a real alternative to new ones, according to the analysis. Already 49 percent drivers in Poland declare that they have used them – this has more than doubled in two years. In the 2023 study, only 21 percent gave this answer. respondents.
The trend covers all social and age groups. Among people earning over PLN 9,000 PLN net per month, the percentage of users of used parts reaches 42%. , which shows that this solution is chosen not only because of savings, but also because of the belief in its quality and rationality. The youngest drivers are the most open to used accessories – as much as 70%. respondents aged 18-24 used them.
75 percent drivers believe that they can be an alternative to new ones, and 37 percent — that they are equally reliable. For 69 percent Poles also care about their ecological dimension: reusing elements helps reduce the amount of waste and environmental impact. Interestingly, men pay more attention to the ecological aspect (71%).
“As many as 44 percent of drivers believe that used parts are more easily available than new ones, and among people under 44 years of age this percentage is even higher. These are generations that move freely in the world of online shopping and increasingly find solutions on websites such as OLX, where access to thousands of offers is fast, convenient and direct,” says Kamil Szabłowski, PR Lead OLX.
Who decides on repairs?
Repair decisions are increasingly made in the workshop. 40 percent drivers repair their car at a mechanic they know, 29 percent in private workshops, and only 16 percent uses an authorized service.
As much as 71 percent respondents indicated that the mechanic's opinion is crucial when deciding on the repair method. He is the one who most often recommends used parts – 68%. drivers. Moreover, almost 90 percent respondents believe that mechanics should recommend used parts in specific situations.
See also: The Nobel Prize in Economics awarded. We met this year's winners
