Research shows Australians are more keen to keep their cars than their pets

New research from eBay Australia has found that Aussies rank their car as the second-hardest thing to live without after their partner – valued above pets, coffee and social media. And I’m pretty shocked about that. How can you pick your SUV or Gogo-mobile over your pet dog or cat? It’s criminal, really.

Nonetheless, the findings reveal that Australians are really pumped about their cars, with one in five (18%) admitting they even have a unique name for their car – the most-popular monniker being ‘Betty’ alongside ‘Bertha’ and ‘Baby’. It’s all starting to sound very 1950s, really…

The research confirmed that Australia is a car-obsessed nation, with 51% of people identifying as a “motoring enthusiast”. It also found that many take their auto-addiction to the next level, with over one in ten (12%) admitting to washing their car as frequently – and sometimes more! – than they wash their hair.

And as if one car isn’t enough in the average household, 71 per cent of car “collectors” say they own a car that is not even in use but that they would consider selling. This indicates that the potential estimated total value of unused cars Australians would be willing to sell is up to AUD$34.7 billion.

The research comes as eBay partners with Summernats to bring attendees the eBay Garage during the four day event from 4 – 7 January 2024. If you’re one of those “motoring enthusiasts”, jot that date down in your diary.

Antonino Tati