The ‘90s car revival is creating new business for repair shops

Veteran shop owners remember when ‘80s and ‘90s Honda Accords, Toyota Corollas and Nissan Altimas were seen as cheap commuter transport. Drivers ran them to 200,000 kilometres and patched them up with whatever was on the shelf. The average person would drive them while they were on their last legs, when rust or a blown head gasket sent them to the scrap yard.

At the recent Oblivion Car and Culture Show in Milton, Ont., that era looked very different. For the day, Country Heritage Park transformed into a ‘90s style “Oblivion Park”, complete with the Jurassic Park theme as a nod to the event’s tradition of choosing an iconic movie theme from the era each year. Canada’s biggest celebration of ‘80s and ‘90s automobiles featured a drastic shift in how these former everyday vehicles are appreciated.

Gen Z, Millennials and the aftermarket

These once common commuter cars have become treasured classics, with owners willing to spend real money to repair and help preserve their prized possessions. According to Hagerty’s Future of Driving market survey, 60 per cent of Gen Z respondents expressed a strong desire to own a classic vehicle, which is nearly double the 31 per cent of Baby Boomers surveyed. Additionally, 30 per cent of both Gen Z and Millennials reported they already own a classic vehicle, with younger buyers showing the most interest in those built between 1985 and 2005.

While Millennials lead all demographics in performing DIY maintenance at 34 per cent, growing electronic and mechanical complexity keeps 55 per cent of vehicle owners reliant on professional dealerships and independent service centres. For shop owners, this turnover presents a long-term retention opportunity with a new wave of dedicated, long-term customers.

The broad market shift toward keeping older models on the road is demonstrated in the SEMA Market Report. According to the research, vehicles aged 11 years and older account for over 50 per cent of all automotive aftermarket specialty-equipment spending.

Cashing in on the Rad Era Repair Boom

Servicing late-20^th-Century vehicles take a specific kind of know-how. These vehicles sit between old-school mechanical systems and early digital technology. Shops that offer new old stock (NOS) or solid aftermarket parts and still provide popular upgrades can build up a large niche clientele.

Upgrades like engine control unit tunes, LED lighting and digital dashes are sought after by Gen Z and Millennial car owners. Yesterday’s commuter cars are no longer on their way to the scrap heap – they are treasured and permanent models bringing steady business to independent shops.