An automotive sales slowdown (some speculate a near 10 percent sales dip) is positive news for the automotive service sector. With the average age of vehicles moving to 8.2 years, service and maintenance are keys to keeping consumer auto wheels rolling.

According to the annual U.S. Consumer Expenditure Survey, the average consumer spends $664 a year on vehicle maintenance and service, up slightly from the previous average of $638. Other vehicle expenditures include an average of $1,055 on gasoline and motor oil, $320 on vehicle finance charges, and $756 on vehicle insurance.

These figures change a bit when you look at consumer characteristics. The big spenders, according to age, are in the same age group as the average independent shop owner, 45 to 54, spending an average of $890 annually.

Married individuals spend $874 annually, quite a bit more than the national average. Married people with children top that, at $1,222 annually. Single parents tend to budget differently, spending an average of $422 annually on vehicle maintenance and repair.

As education levels increase, so does consumer spending. High school graduates spend $561 annually, while consumers with an associate degree spend $755 and college graduates spend $891 in vehicle maintenance and repair annually.

On average, a single male spends $462 annually. This increases as their income increases. Single males earning $40,000 or greater spend an average of $820. Single females spend a bit less annually, $332. Single female spending also increases as income increases. Single females earning $40,000 or greater spend an average of $634, nearing the $664 national average.

If you are interested in a greater consumer expenditure breakdown, please contact Denise Caspersen, ASA's research management specialist, at (800) 272-7467, ext. 236.

Stat Corner is written by Denise Caspersen, ASA's research management specialist. She can be reached at (800) 272-7467, ext. 236.

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