Older Vehicles on the Rise as Drivers Face Financial Pressures

The COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to a significant increase in the average age of vehicles on UK roads, with more drivers holding on to older cars due to economic factors. According to the Startline Used Car Tracker, the average car age has risen to 9.5 years, up from 8.0 in 2020, with over 43% of vehicles being over 10 years old. This shift has been driven by a combination of new car production shortages and rising household expenses.

Key Takeaways:

• The average age of a car on UK roads is now 9.5 years, a 1.5-year increase from 2020.
• Over 43% of vehicles on UK roads are over 10 years old.
• Financial pressures are the primary reason for drivers holding on to older vehicles, with 24% citing inability to afford upgrades and 18% saying used cars have become too expensive.
• 9% of motorists are spending more to keep their current vehicle running, and the same proportion are experiencing more frequent breakdowns.
• Despite concerns about reliability, 21% of drivers describe their car as still reliable, and 12% attribute improved durability to modern vehicles.
• Consumer opinions have been compiled from 301 individuals and 66 dealers as part of the Startline Used Car Tracker.

Statistics:

• 52% of drivers are now behind the wheel of a car older than the one they owned five years ago.
• The proportion of drivers experiencing more breakdowns and spending more on repairs is 9%.
• Only 12% of drivers attribute improved durability in modern vehicles to their reduced need for repairs.
• The average age of a car on UK roads has increased by 1.5 years since 2020.
• Over 43% of vehicles on UK roads are over 10 years old.

Sources:

• Startline Used Car Tracker, compiled by APD Global Research

Note: The sources listed is the only source mentioned in the original text, which is the Startline Used Car Tracker compiled by APD Global Research.