Two-thirds of U.S. drivers (66%) could not afford an unexpected $500 car repair, according to the first Midas Consumer Pulse Survey from Midas.

The online survey, run with Moroch Partners from Sept. 18 to 20, 2026, polled 1,000 U.S. drivers aged 25 to 64 who regularly drive a personal vehicle and make the maintenance decisions for it.

Financial pressure

Asked how they would handle a surprise $500 repair, 21% of respondents said they did not know, 20% would put it on a credit card and pay it off over time, 14% would delay the repair as long as possible and 11% would borrow from family or friends. Overall, 51% reported moderate to extreme financial pressure from owning and maintaining a vehicle, including 28% who described it as extreme.

Among millennial drivers aged 35 to 44, 71% said they would struggle to pay an unexpected $500 repair. Women were more likely than men to say a $500 bill would be a serious problem, at 26% versus 14%.

Maintenance being put off

More than half of drivers (53%) said they had delayed or skipped recommended maintenance in the past year, and half of that group said cost was the reason. The services most often postponed when money is tight were oil changes (33%), tires (32%) and A/C repair (31%).

The survey also found that 37% had tried do-it-yourself repairs they would normally take to a shop, rising to 46% among drivers aged 25 to 34. When a warning light comes on, 33% said their first step is to look up a fix on Google, YouTube or an AI tool, while 23% would schedule service right away.

Trust ranks first

Trust and reputation (51%) was the top factor in choosing a shop, ahead of lowest price (47%) and transparency before work begins (45%). Respondents were most likely to trust a mechanic recommended by family or friends (43%), followed by dealerships (26%) and national chains (20%). Asked what would get them to keep up with maintenance when money is tight, drivers pointed to a clear upfront estimate (42%), a trusted relationship with a mechanic (40%) and flexible payment options (37%).

“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, vice president 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.”

Source: Midas press release