A new study has revealed that one in seven vehicles on Britain's roads now has over 100,000 miles on the clock, as drivers hold onto their cars for longer than ever before. According to figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), more than six million vehicles passed their MOT last year with odometer readings exceeding 100,000 miles.
Record Mileage Figures
Of the record 42.5 million vehicles currently in use across the UK, 400,000 have surpassed 200,000 miles, while 43,000 have exceeded the 300,000-mile mark. Notably, 2,700 vehicles have recorded distances between 500,000 and one million miles. The data, obtained by eBay via a Freedom of Information Act request, highlights a growing trend of vehicle longevity.
Ageing Fleet
Cars on the country's roads are older than ever, with motorists adopting a 'make do and mend' approach amid the high cost of living. New data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that almost half of cars—a record 45.7 per cent—are now more than a decade old. The average age of cars has risen from six years and one month in 2003 to nine years and eight months last year, the oldest since records began.
Durability of Modern Vehicles
The DVSA data also reveals that hybrid and electric vehicles are proving as durable as their traditional petrol and diesel counterparts. More than 160,000 hybrids and over 25,000 electric vehicles have cleared the 100,000-mile mark. Despite this, eBay's own research found that four in five motorists—81 per cent—are reluctant to buy a car with over 100,000 miles on the clock. The survey of 2,000 drivers found the average vehicle mileage to be 58,134, with owners typically keen to keep their motor for six years.
Challenging Misconceptions
To counter misconceptions about high-mileage cars, eBay purchased a 2014 Toyota Prius with 293,000 miles for £3,790. The company aims to keep the vehicle on the road for as long as possible by maintaining it with new and certified recycled parts. Laura Kennedy, founder of London's first all-female garage Spanners with Manners, commented: 'Rising costs of living are a major factor why many motorists are keeping their cars for longer. For a lot of people, buying or leasing a new vehicle just isn't a priority right now, so motorists are taking a more proactive approach to maintenance or opting for well-regarded, reliable used makes and models.'
Engineering Advances
Kennedy added: 'At the same time, cars themselves are lasting longer. Improvements in engineering mean modern vehicles are generally more reliable than they used to be, so hitting 100,000 miles is no longer the milestone it once was. Modern cars, like eBay's Toyota Prius, are built to last far beyond what many drivers assume. With access to genuine new, used and certified recycled parts, it's also become easier and more affordable to keep older cars on the road. If a vehicle is well looked after, there's no reason it can't keep going well beyond that mileage.'
Growing Vehicle Numbers
Explaining why drivers are stuck in more traffic jams than ever, the number of vehicles registered in Britain grew by 1.4 per cent to a record 42,549,649 last year, according to SMMT figures. Cars still dominate the roads, with the 36.7 million total making up more than eight in ten—82 per cent—of all vehicles. Five models—the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus, and Nissan Qashqai—make up one in seven—14 per cent—of all cars on the road.
Parts and Maintenance
Millions of vehicle parts and accessories are available on eBay, with a My Garage tool allowing drivers to input their registration number to find compatible parts. Manufacturers including Toyota, Ford, MINI, BMW, Renault, and Lexus have showrooms on eBay selling officially approved parts. Abir Tewari, UK director of commercial operations, parts and accessories at eBay, said: 'High-mileage cars can offer outstanding value, especially when they've been well maintained. Even the latest hybrid models, with their low running costs, are engineered to deliver high mileages. It's easier than ever for drivers to find the right components to help keep their vehicles running smoothly well past the 100,000-mile mark.'
