The average age of cars on UK roads has risen to 9.5 years, up from 6.7 years in 2005, a 42 per cent increase according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Autotrader forecasts suggest that by 2028, more than six million vehicles will be over 15 years old, almost double the number in 2019.
Simon England, co‑founder of GAP insurance provider ALA Insurance, says the trend is driven by a mix of policy, cost‑of‑living pressures and consumer caution. “Britain’s car fleet is ageing, and it isn’t happening by chance,” he explains. “Policy, the cost of living, and consumer caution have all shaped how long people keep their cars.”
England points to policies that have increased the cost of electric vehicle (EV) ownership, including the introduction of road tax for electric cars and the extension of the luxury car tax threshold in April 2025. Combined with historically higher EV depreciation and upfront costs, these changes have made many drivers reluctant to replace their vehicles.
ALA research into popular UK models registered between 2014 and 2015 suggests many could remain in regular use into the early 2030s. Cars such as the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Astra are projected to exceed 140,000 miles, meaning they could realistically stay on the road until 2032–2034 at typical annual mileages.
Wider economic pressures are also playing a role. “When there’s an economic squeeze, people cut back on luxuries, including new cars,” England says, adding that rising vehicle prices, higher tax bands and expensive insurance have reinforced the case for keeping older cars.
Natisha Chatten, automotive expert and creator of Auto Social UK, says the issue is less about declining build quality and more about changing ownership attitudes. While modern cars are well engineered, their growing technological complexity increases repair costs once warranties expire, particularly for EVs. “The real challenge comes once newer cars fall out of warranty, where repairs can be expensive and far less straightforward than on older, more mechanical vehicles. This is especially true for EVs.”
As a result, keeping cars for longer has changed how owners manage risk. Older vehicles can feel financially safer, England argues, especially as newer models are often more expensive to repair. Extended warranties offered by brands such as Kia, Hyundai, Peugeot and Genesis are also encouraging drivers to hold onto their cars for longer.
