Aussie drivers could be saving big, according to findings from a survey conducted by YouGov and commissioned by eBay Australia.
The survey suggests Aussie drivers could potentially find average savings of $2,144 estimated over five years if they choose Recycled Original Equipment (ROE) parts over buying a new equivalent part.
That’s a collective estimate of $15.5 billion in potential savings nationwide, while also helping to tackle one of the country’s biggest waste streams.
The survey uncovered that eight in 10 (82 per cent) Australians were open to purchasing recycled auto parts.
Amidst cost-of-living pressures, 64 per cent of those specifically cited cost savings as a key reason for choosing recycled over new.
Supporting this, eBay, together with Auto PARTnered Solutions (APS), has revealed new research showing Aussies can potentially save up to 85 per cent when choosing recycled auto parts over new manufacturer equivalents, with the biggest wins coming from the purchasing of major mechanical components such as engines, transmissions, and differentials.
As revealed through the YouGov survey results, cost wasn’t the only reason for Aussies favouring recycled auto parts, as half (49 per cent) of surveyed Aussie drivers have experienced a situation where they needed a specific part for their vehicle, but found it was no longer manufactured or was difficult to find through traditional retail channels.
What’s more, when presented with two images of an auto part, one new and one recycled, 62 per cent of surveyed Aussie drivers could not correctly identify which of the two parts was the new part, showing that the cosmetic difference between them is often indistinguishable.
Gen Z is leading the charge when it comes to driving the shift towards recycled auto parts. From the survey, four in 10 Gen Z vehicle owners (38 per cent) purchased or considered rebuilt or recycled auto parts in the last two years, a significantly higher rate than Baby Boomers (25 per cent). Meanwhile, surveyed Millennials keep a foot in both camps with a slight preference for brand-new auto parts (87 per cent).
According to eBay Australia, it’s not just about cost savings and accessibility. With approximately 850,000 vehicles reaching the end of their life in Australia each year, the country generates around 1.36 million tonnes of automotive waste annually. Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of surveyed Aussie drivers agree with the sentiment that choosing recycled auto parts has a significant positive impact on the environment.
“With cost-of-living pressures at an all-time high, Australians are looking for smarter ways to drive without breaking the bank. At eBay, we are proud to be connecting Aussies with affordable parts and accessories online, helping them stretch their dollar at the touch of a button without compromising on quality,’’ category manager for car parts and accessories, eBay Australia, Gautam Taluja, said.
“Customers can shop with confidence thanks to eBay money back guarantee. If an eligible item doesn't arrive, is damaged, or significantly differs from its description, eBay will help facilitate a refund, giving buyers more peace of mind with their purchases.”
To further support Aussie drivers, eBay offers ‘eBay guaranteed fit’, ensuring the parts customers purchase will actually fit their car. EBay’s MyGarage powers this feature, which houses millions of Australian vehicles, making it easier than ever to find the right part the first time.