6:52 am, February 6, 2012
A QUARTER of motorists are struggling with the expense of running and maintaining their car, according to new research.
New findings from the second ‘Driver Satisfaction Index’, commissioned by Motors.co.uk in partnership with YouGov, reveals that motorists are making severe cut backs to their spending, so they can fund the running and maintenance costs of their car.
More than a quarter of motorists (26 per cent) said they have reduced their weekly grocery shopping as a result of the rising costs of owning and maintaining a car.
Almost one in five motorists (19 per cent) are also cutting back on some of their leisure activity such as gym membership and sports classes and 19 per cent are turning to public transport and reducing their driving.
When asked what two issues concerned them most as a motorist at the moment, an overwhelming 82 per cent of motorists said that fuel prices were one of the greatest concerns for them, while over a third (38 per cent) were most concerned with the cost of car insurance premiums.
Phill Jones, commercial director of Motors.co.uk said: ‘It appears that recent efforts by the Government to improve its poor reputation with motorists have failed and motorists are being forced to make sacrifices in their life to simply afford to run their cars.
‘For most of us, the car is a necessity and the increasing costs facing motorists are alarming. The car is fundamental to the economy, getting us from A to B in all areas of life. For many motorists, changing their vehicle can reduce their outgoings, which is good news for dealers.
‘Many dealers are well placed to help motorists save money on their motoring – giving them information and data on running and maintenance costs will help enormously.’
