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. eBay, together with AutoPARTnered Solutions (APS), has revealed new research showing Aussies can potentially save up to 85% when choosing recycled auto parts over new manufacturer equivalents.
These savings are greatest for owners of vehicles 7 – 13 years old who opted for recycled original equipment (ROE) over new dealer equivalents, with the biggest wins coming from the purchasing of major mechanical components such as engines, transmissions, and differentials.
The survey uncovered that eight in ten (82%) of Australians were open to purchasing recycled auto parts and 64% specifically cited cost savings as a key reason for choosing recycled over new. Gen Z are leading the charge when it comes to driving the shift towards recycled auto parts. From the survey, four in ten Gen Z vehicle owners (38%) purchased or considered rebuilt or recycled auto parts in the last two years, a significantly higher rate than Baby Boomers (25%).
The other significant benefit of doing so is for the environment, by reusing more parts of a vehicle before they are recycled or disposed of to landfill, less waste is generated. Improving consumer access to ROE can help address a significant waste stream and drive greater opportunities for the industry. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of the surveyed Aussie drivers agreed with the sentiment that choosing recycled auto parts has a significant positive impact on the environment. Women are more likely to be influenced by the environmental benefits than men (38% compared to 31%), while men are more likely to be influenced by supporting local businesses (28% compared to 21% women).
“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,’’ said Gautam Taluja, Category Manager for Car Parts & Accessories, eBay Australia.
Customers can shop with confidence thanks to eBay’s 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 they purchase will actually fit their car. This feature is powered by eBay’s MyGarage, which houses millions of Australian vehicles, making it easier than ever to find the right part the first time.
The YouGov research shows that half (49%) of surveyed Aussie drivers have experienced a situation where they needed to find a specific vehicle part but found it was no longer manufactured or was hard to source through traditional retailers. As ROE items are genuine, they can also be better quality and owners have found that they can avoid claiming through insurance for a damaged vehicle by purchasing them, therefore are saving money on increased premiums as well.
Strong demand for recycled parts and accessible marketplace sellers presents a growing opportunity for sellers to position themselves as providers of hard-to-find components, expanding their market reach beyond just cost-conscious consumers. Some ROE sellers on eBay have seen a tenfold increase in sales over recent years highlighting the consumer demand for these products.
The research further indicated that purchase confidence was boosted by guaranteed fitment (50%), clear warranty information (50%) and easy or free returns (49%). These factors not only reassure buyers about quality and reliability, but also save them time and hassle in the purchasing process. Men and younger buyers respond strongest to fitment and women favour returns and warranties.
“As a marketplace, eBay has long supported and strived to help shape the circular economy, with this report acting as a key stepping stone in furthering our efforts in this space, with the intention of continuing to drive initiatives that support both people and the planet,” added Mr Taluja.
When combined with the cost savings and environmental benefits of choosing recycled auto parts, they create a compelling proposition by helping Australians save money, time and reduce their environmental impact while keeping their vehicles on the road for longer. The eBay network of Pro Recyclers has the added benefit of developing trust between buyers and sellers and when purchasing from eBay consumers should look for the Pro Recycler blue tick.
So why not start searching on eBay’s MyGarage to find the part for your vehicle that you have been looking for!
Photographs by Driven Women Magazine.