AutoMD, the most comprehensive and independent free online auto repair resource, has released the results of a survey revealing that car owners are putting many more miles on their current vehicles, 50,000 or more, than on their previous vehicle — with the majority of respondents planning to keep their vehicle until it dies. The study also revealed that the economy is tempting many to do their own repairs and pay more attention to maintenance on their current car.

The AutoMD survey, carried out online among car owners in December 2009 and January 2010, offers a snapshot of car owners’ intentions about their current car with clear indications that consumers are firmly breaking out of the buy-every-few-years cycle, preferring to drive and repair instead.

Nearly 50% of survey respondents suggested that their current car had over 100,000 miles. A combined 69% reported that they planned to drive their current automobile for 150,000 or more miles (13%), or until their automobile dies (56%).

Near four in five (77%) project to drive their current automobile for 50,000 (or more) miles than they drove their last car. Less than 12% said they will keep their current car for less miles than their last car.

Fifty-four percent of respondents described spending $500 or more on yearly repairs to their vehicle, with 21% describing that they spend $1,000 or more. Forty-four percent report that tight budgets are driving them to either pay more attention to maintenance and repairs or do the repairs themselves. When asked for the number one reason for holding onto their car for 100,000 miles or more, one-quarter said that “in this economy, I simply can’t afford not to” and nearly thirty percent indicated that being vigilant with repairs and service should preserve it in good running condition.

AutoMD was launched in January 2010 as the most complete and impartial free online automotive repair resource fashioned to empower car owners with the best and most affordable way to repair their vehicles — whether they’re going to the shop or doing it themselves.

The AutoMD Mileage Survey was conducted December 2009 through January 2010. The survey represents a snapshot of car owner intentions about their current vehicle. Participants identified as either DIYers (Do It Yourself) or DFMers (Do It For Me), with minimal trend differences between groups.