Toyota owners worst at taking care of their cars

Audi owners are the most dedicated of all car owners when it comes to the maintenance of their cars. Volvo and BMW owners also invest a lot of time and resources. However, Toyota owners seem to have other priorities in life.

A well-maintained car has the ability to last longer and generate a higher resale value. If the car is also sparkling clean, it can also attract envious glances. But how carefully do we really take care of our cars? We have investigated this with the help of Kantar Sifo.

Age is the difference

In the survey, about half (49%) of the participants stated that they take good care of their cars. This means that they gave themselves at least an eight on a ten-point scale in terms of regular washing, service and other maintenance. The results did not show any significant difference between the sexes, but age played a big role. 62 percent of those aged 56-79 said they take care of their cars this carefully, compared to just 39 percent of those aged 18-34.

Large variations were also seen between different car brands, with Audi owners clearly taking first place (67%) ahead of Volvo (57%) and BMW (56%). Owners of Hyundai (55%) and Volkswagen (53%) are also above average. At the bottom we find Toyota (35%), Renault (39%) and Mercedes (39%).

- I am not surprised that several premium brands are found at the top, if you have a slightly more expensive car, you also put a little extra love on it, says Daniel Odsberg, sales manager Kvdbil.

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The survey also reveals geographical differences. In Jämtland and Västernorrland, 58 percent gave themselves at least an eight in the grade, slightly more than in Stockholm and Malmö (55%). The counties of Jönköping, Kronoberg, Kalmar and Gotland (39%) are worst at taking care of the car.

- The survey shows that metropolitan residents generally show somewhat greater commitment when it comes to looking after their cars. However, it is in Jämtland and Västernorrland that we find the most well-kept and meticulously maintained cars in the country, says Odsberg.

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Percentage who have given themselves a rating of at least 8 when it comes to taking care of their cars through regular washing, servicing and other maintenance, where 1 means "not at all" and 10 corresponds to "very well".

About the survey
The survey was conducted in Kantar Sifo's web panel during the period 12–16 January 2023. A total of 1,447 people aged 18–79 who have access to a car were interviewed. The web panel is nationally representative recruited based on random selection. There is no self-recruitment in Kantar Sifo's web panel.