Majority of U.S. Drivers Report They Can't Afford an Unexpected $500 Car Repair

New Midas Consumer Pulse Survey of 1,000 U.S. drivers finds financial pressure is reshaping how Americans care for their vehicles, and trust in repair shops matters most

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Two-thirds of U.S. drivers (66%) would not be able to afford an unexpected $500 car repair, according to the first-ever Midas Consumer Pulse Survey. Midas conducted the survey to better understand the economic pressures U.S. drivers are facing to better provide them with the best in auto care and customer service. Midas believes customer service today means being transparent about pricing, offering flexible financial options, and serving as a trusted mobility partner that gets customers where they need to go.

As everyday costs continue to squeeze household budgets, the findings show many drivers are putting off the maintenance their vehicles need and looking for repair providers they can trust. Yet skipping routine maintenance today can mean bigger, costlier repairs down the road.

Key findings from the Midas Consumer Pulse Survey include:

U.S. Drivers Are Facing Financial Pressures

• 66% of drivers would not be able to afford an unexpected $500 repair:
  • 21% say they honestly don't know how they'd handle it
  • 20% would put it on a credit card and pay it off over time
  • 14% would delay the repair as long as possible
  • 11% would borrow from family or friends
• 51% of drivers report moderate to extreme financial pressure from owning and maintaining a vehicle, and 28% call it "extreme pressure, a real hardship."
• Middle-income drivers are feeling it too: Only about 1 in 5 drivers earning $50K–$75K could cover a surprise $500 repair without financial stress, no better than drivers overall (19%). And 31% of those earning $75K–$99K would put it on a credit card.
• Millennial drivers (ages 35–44) are the most stretched: 71% would struggle to pay an unexpected $500 repair, and they're the most likely age group to say a payment plan matters when choosing a shop (26%).
• Women feel it more: 26% say a $500 bill would be a serious problem vs. 14% of men.

Drivers Are Delaying Maintenance and Taking Repairs into Their Own Hands

• 53% have delayed or skipped recommended maintenance in the past year, and half of those say it's because they can't afford it.
• 39% say rising costs have led them to skip or delay services they know they need.
• The services most often postponed when money is tight are oil changes (33%), tires (32%), and A/C repair (31%).
• 37% have attempted DIY repairs they'd normally take to a shop, rising to 46% among 25–34-year-olds.
• When a warning light comes on, the most common first response (33%) is to research a self-fix on Google, YouTube, or AI, ahead of scheduling service right away (23%).

Trust Remains Key for Vehicle Repairs

• Trust and reputation (51%) is the top factor in choosing a shop, ahead of lowest price (47%) and transparency before work begins (45%).
• 43% trust a family- or friend-recommended mechanic most, ahead of dealerships (26%) and national chains (20%).
• What would get drivers to prioritize maintenance even when money is tight: a clear upfront estimate (42%), a trusted relationship with a mechanic (40%), and flexible payment options (37%).
• In their own words, drivers describe trust as a mix of expertise ("can they fix it?") and fair treatment ("will they treat me fairly?").

"For most people, their car isn't a luxury. It's how they get to work, pick up their kids, and take care of the people who count on them," said Paul Elliott, VP of Marketing at Midas. "Mobility is at the center of everyday life, and what stood out to us in this survey is how many drivers are making tough tradeoffs just to keep moving. Our job is to help them stay on the road with honest advice, clear pricing, and options that fit their budget, so every driver who comes into a Midas leaves feeling confident about the money they spent."

Find more findings from the Midas Consumer Pulse Survey here and to learn more, visit Midas.com.

Methodology

The Midas Consumer Pulse Survey tracks how American drivers approach vehicle care, costs, and trust in repair providers. Conducted online in partnership with Moroch Partners from September 18–20, 2026, the survey polled 1,000 U.S. drivers ages 25–64 who regularly drive a personal vehicle and are the primary decisionmaker for its maintenance. Results are representative of the U.S. population within that age range.

About Midas

Midas is one of the world's largest providers of automotive services, offering brakes, maintenance, tires, exhaust, steering, and suspension at nearly 2,100 franchised and licensed locations in 20 countries, with about 1,200 in the United States and Canada. At Midas, we believe in "No B.S."—putting customer service and community first. To bring transparency and value to every customer, we proudly stand behind our Golden Guarantees, which include the Limited Lifetime Tire Guarantee™, Limited Lifetime Parts Guarantee™, and the Closer Look Vehicle Check™. Our commitment to the community is further demonstrated through initiatives like Project Spark. Whether it's a routine oil change, new tires, or a major repair, Midas is ready to serve. To find a location near you, visit Midas.com.

SOURCE Midas International