Do You Still Self-maintain Your Car?

[dirzsignature]

Hi all,

My name is Yudhi Hartono and I am a fourth year industrial design student from the University of New South Wales. I am currently planning to design a automotive tool cabinet for one of my uni-project. My market would be the young car owners (25-35 y.o) and this cabinet will be used to store automotive-related stuff such as; hand tools, engine oil, car wash detergent, tyres, etc..

However I need to ask a question to you guys in order to see if this product has a market for it. For those of you in the 25- 35 y.o age bracket, do yo still perform some small regular car maintenance by yourself? or do you simply use your car and only bring it to the a mechanic/dealership when the scheduled maintenance due?

And also, would you spend your money to buy a cabinet that is made out of plastic or you rather get the metal cabinet?

Any replies will be appreciated.

Regards,

Yudhi

[Rolla Boy]

Being a mechanic I self service my car yes...

I've got 2 metal tool boxes and Roll Cabs at work and at home...

They are for tools only though...

All my oils, lubes and other bottles are stored on shelves...

Tyres are stored in piles...

Having a cabinet that stored all of the above would be way too big in my opinion...

[T.J]

Being a mechanic I self service my car yes...

I've got 2 metal tool boxes and Roll Cabs at work and at home...

They are for tools only though...

All my oils, lubes and other bottles are stored on shelves...

Tyres are stored in piles...

Having a cabinet that stored all of the above would be way too big in my opinion...

ditto easier to keep everything separate rather than in one cabinet

[jps137]

I agree with TJ and Rolla Boy. Forget trying to store tyres and wheels they take up too much space and not everyone who services at home (no don't go there) has a second set of tyres/wheels (either different size alloys and tyre for track or rego or steel wheels for the snow and rego - I used to fall into the econd category). Furthermore how many home garages today can actually fit a car and a spare set of wheels (with a Corolla I can but if I had an Aurion it would be out of the question). Any cabinet would probably need to be metal to be taken seriously by under 35's.

I wish I could service my own car these days but unfortunately I spend so much time at work any time at home I want to spend with my kids and I also make enough money now (due to spending so much time at work) to afford for someone to service the car

Edited March 27, 2009 by jps137

[dirzsignature]

Hi all,

I do not think I'm still making the garage tool cabinet anymore.

The market I'm targeting is the young couples (25-35 y.o) who live in urban area, probably live in an apartment/ townhouse, and drive small cars (fiesta, polo, jazz, etc..).

After a second thought, I do not think they will do self-maintenance on their cars. Also the new cars are getting more reliable and they don't require as much maintenance. All you have to do just bring it in for regular service on time. I've asked around and people even rarely need to top-up oil anymore.

Those who do self-service at home are only the automotive enthusiasts,and I guess they will buy the metal cabinet. I do not think the plastic cabinet will be on their list.

Anyway, thanx a lot for your input. Appreciate all of your replies.

-Yudhi

[123R-Prozak]

u design it, ill buy it. $5. lol.. agreed. I got a Toolchest at work, tools only. Id hate for oil to be in there.. dripping around.. can's wobbling what not.. going through the draws to see what can i need, when if its on the shelf i can see the label clear and simple.

wish i had spare tyres :(