Some People Consider Their Cars As ‘Part Of The Family’
Every day, our cars take many of us to work, keep us warm during a winter commute, and sometimes boost our adrenaline when we hit the gas pedal. In many ways, our cars can be a reflection of who we are. It’s no wonder some people give them nicknames, opt for custom license plates, and hang unique air fresheners. Some might treat them to premium gas and occasionally change the oil earlier than necessary. Interestingly, some people may find themselves indebted to a car that protected them during a collision.
Many car owners enjoy naming their cars, taking family photos with their cars, and even consider their cars “part of the family.” Many of us get why people say this about their furry companions but an inanimate object is an interesting one. A survey of 2,000 car owners conducted by One Poll on behalf of Meineke, a car care center, looked into people’s feelings toward their cars, as well as their preference for future ownership.
Car owners think of their cars as part of the family.
The survey revealed that 51% of car owners think of their car as part of the family. About 53% would keep their current car forever if given the option. According to the survey, this is due to an emotional attachment (22%), while others have fond memories with their current cars (24%).
Some people revealed more practical reasons for why they want to keep their current car. Almost six in ten
said it was because of the reliability (58%) their car has given them and 45% said it’s due to the good gas mileage they’re able to get.
From a financial perspective, the majority of drivers surveyed (80%) said they are likely to hold on to their car for as long as possible if they feel it will save them money in the long run. Others admit that their car needs an upgrade now, but they are unable to afford one due to financial constraints (46%).
Despite some people’s attachment to their current vehicle, only a third (34%) of drivers surveyed said they’d purchase the same make and model for their next car. On the other hand, 47% said they’d be looking for something different.
Now that we know some people consider their car family, what about the ones with full-blown relationships with their cars? In 2009, a documentary called My Car Is My Lover profiled two “mechanophiliacs,” people who are sexually obsessed with cars or machines. Maybe adding your car to a family photo or calling your car family may not be that extra anymore.
Take a look at more insights from the survey here.
