How Gen Z is Changing Vehicle Ownership and What It Means for Your Dealership

One of the most notable trends among Gen Z car owners is a longer vehicle ownership cycle. Economic factors, such as rising new vehicle prices and longer loan terms, are encouraging younger drivers to keep their vehicles longer. The average age of a vehicle on the road in the U.S. reached 12.1 years in 2021, and this number is expected to continue to rise. Gen Z, more than other generations, is driving this trend as they prioritize vehicle longevity and focus on keeping their cars in good condition for as long as possible.

For dealerships, this presents a unique opportunity: instead of waiting for customers to purchase new cars, there’s a growing market for parts and maintenance services. Gen Z car owners are more likely to invest in maintaining and upgrading their current vehicles. Dealerships can capture this opportunity by offering easy access to OEM parts and services that extend the lifespan of their vehicles, both through physical stores and online platforms.

Key Data Insight: Gen Z’s focus on vehicle longevity is reshaping the parts market, making it crucial for dealerships to offer products and services that support long-term vehicle care. According to IHS Markit, the average vehicle age is rising due to younger generations opting to keep their cars longer.

DIY maintenance is another significant trend among Gen Z car owners. This generation values self-sufficiency and enjoys taking on maintenance tasks themselves. Instead of relying on third-party services, many Gen Z consumers are turning to online resources, such as tutorials and product reviews, to learn how to repair or upgrade their vehicles.

As 35% of consumers aged 18-34 (mostly Gen Z and Millennials) prefer to perform DIY repairs and modifications, this presents a huge opportunity for dealerships to cater to this market by offering OEM parts online. By making it easy for Gen Z to find and purchase the parts they need to maintain and upgrade their cars, dealerships can establish themselves as trusted sources of high-quality parts and build lasting relationships with this self-reliant customer base.

Key Data Insight: According to AutoCare Association, 35% of Gen Z prefers to do car maintenance themselves, with a growing interest in online parts shopping and tutorials. This trend creates a massive opportunity for dealerships to provide easy access to OEM parts for DIY enthusiasts.

Vehicle personalization is another major trend among Gen Z. Whether it’s for aesthetics, performance, or utility, Gen Z car owners are eager to customize their vehicles. From cosmetic modifications like rims, lighting, and decals to functional upgrades such as performance parts and off-road accessories, Gen Z loves to make their cars unique.

In fact, 69% of Gen Z vehicle owners have customized or plan to customize their vehicles. This trend provides a lucrative opportunity for dealerships to offer a wide range of aftermarket accessories—both cosmetic and performance-oriented. By offering these parts through online channels, dealerships can tap into the growing demand for vehicle customization and cater to Gen Z’s desire for self-expression through their cars.

Key Data Insight: A recent J.D. Power study revealed that 69% of Gen Z vehicle owners have either customized or plan to customize their vehicles, making this an area of significant opportunity for dealerships to expand their parts and accessories offerings.