Garage trust and clear pricing ‘valued most by motorists’

28 October 2025  

Most motorists value trust, clear pricing and positive online reviews when choosing a garage, according to a new report released today by car repairs platform FixMyCar.

Repair quote values rose 7% year-on-year and average job values increased by nearly £18, with clutch replacements up by £50 compared to 2024, directly impacting workshop profitability and parts suppliers, FixMyCar said. 

The ‘Making Tracks Report 2025’ reveals opportunities for garages through insights into pricing, consumer trust, and high-value repair trends.

The report, based on thousands of repair quotes and completed jobs processed through the platform’s nationwide network, provides what FixMyCar said is an unbiased snapshot of the auto repair market and the changing habits of UK drivers.

Economic pressures, shifting attitudes toward EVs and evolving consumer priorities are shaping garage operations, the report said.

Cheapest quote

Key findings include drivers are taking longer to approve repairs. The share of customers accepting quotes within 24 hours has dropped by 2.4%, reflecting greater price sensitivity among customers. Only 29% of drivers prioritise finding the cheapest quote.

Petrol and diesel interest is in sharp decline, with the number of drivers planning to buy a petrol or diesel vehicle falling by 40%, signalling stronger demand for hybrids and EVs, the report said.

Timing chain repairs deliver the highest returns, the report said, with more than 13,000 timing chain jobs completed through FixMyCar in the past year, with an average job value of £1,090 demonstrating opportunity for garages. 

Meanwhile, with fewer drivers prioritising low-cost repairs, reputation and digital visibility have become essential to winning work. FixMyCar’s data indicates that garages with transparent pricing and verified online reviews consistently outperform those without. 

FixMyCar CEO Amanda Webb said: “While the current climate is undoubtedly challenging, the data highlights a clear opportunity: drivers are prioritising trust over price. For garages that invest in building a strong reputation in their local area, this presents a significant competitive advantage.”