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

Midas conducted the survey of 1,000 U.S. drivers "to better understand the economic pressures U.S. drivers are facing to better provide them with the best in auto care and customer service," say Midas officials. The company is promoting transparency about pricing, offering flexible financial options and serving customers through automotive service.

The research shows that "many drivers are putting off the maintenance their vehicles need and looking for repair providers they can trust."

Key findings from the Midas Consumer Pulse Survey include:

• 51% of drivers report moderate to extreme financial pressure from owning and maintaining a vehicle, and 28% call it "extreme pressure, a real hardship."
• Middle-income drivers are disproportionately impacted. Only about 1 in 5 drivers earning $50K–$75K could cover a surprise $500 repair without financial stress, no better than drivers overall (19%). And 31% of those earning $75K–$99K would put it on a credit card.
• Millennial drivers (ages 35–44) are the most stretched. 71% would struggle to pay an unexpected $500 repair, and they're the most likely age group to say a payment plan matters when choosing a shop (26%).
• Women are the most impacted. 26% say a $500 bill would be a serious problem vs. 14% of men.

A majority of drivers (53%) have delayed or skipped recommended maintenance in the past year, and half of those say it's because they can't afford it, according to Midas' findings.

Thirty-nine percent of people surveyed say rising costs have led them to skip or delay services they know they need. The services most often postponed when money is tight are oil changes (33%), tires (32%) and A/C repair (31%).

Additionally, 37% have attempted DIY repairs they'd normally take to a shop, rising to 46% among 25–34-year-olds. When a warning light comes on, the most common first response (33%) is to research a self-fix on Google, YouTube or AI, ahead of scheduling service right away (23%), say Midas officials.

When customers choose to go to an auto shop, trust and reputation (51%) is the top factor in choosing a shop, ahead of lowest price (47%) and transparency before work begins (45%). Many people (43%) trust a family or friend-recommended mechanic most, ahead of dealerships (26%) and national chains (20%).

According to Midas, a "clear upfront estimate, a trusted relationship with a mechanic and flexible payment options" would help drivers prioritize maintenance, even with a tight budget. 

"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," says 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."

More findings from the Midas Consumer Pulse Survey can be found here.