As the chart below indicates, lower-income families those with a household income of $49,000 or lower spent less on vehicle maintenance and repair in 2009 than they did in 2008, as did middle-income families. The overall average amount spent fell between 2008 and 2009, as well.
However, higher-income families those earning household income of $100,000 and above spent slightly more on vehicle maintenance and repair in 2009 vs. 2008.
According to Bill Thompson, president of IMR, this difference in spending at the various income levels is likely due to the difference in the cost of vehicles (and subsequent repair costs for those vehicles) driven by families at the different income levels.
"In addition, during the time frame being measured, there was a lot of economic turbulence, which certainly contributed to the change in spending amongst the lower income brackets," Thompson said.
For more information on IMR and its research capabilities, visit www.AutomotiveResearch.com or call Bill Thompson at 800-654-1079.