British motorists will travel a staggering distance equivalent to three return journeys to the moon over their driving lifetime, according to a major new study. The research, commissioned by Honda, paints a detailed picture of the nation's relationship with the car, covering everything from the first driving test to vehicle loyalty and future electric ambitions.
From First Car to Lifetime Mileage
The survey of 2,000 drivers, conducted by OnePoll, found that the typical motorist will cover more than one and a half million miles behind the wheel. This colossal distance is equal to 63 laps of the Earth.
On the road to that mileage, the average driver passes their practical test on the second attempt. Their motoring journey often begins at 17, with 15% purchasing their first car at that age for an average price of £2,999. Over a lifetime, drivers typically own five different vehicles, replacing them roughly every five years, and visit the petrol pump approximately 1,360 times.
However, a significant 21% buck the trend, demonstrating remarkable loyalty by sticking with the same car for at least a decade.
Buying Habits and Future Trends
When it comes time for a change, the reasons vary. For 46%, the primary motivation is simply wanting something different, while 42% stated they would only switch if their current vehicle became undriveable.
The hunt for a new car sees 75% of buyers prioritising price, 56% looking for comfort, and 35% remaining loyal to specific brands. More than a third (37%) opt to purchase brand new when they upgrade.
Looking ahead, the shift towards electrification is on the horizon, but with reservations. 28% are considering switching to an electric vehicle (EV) within the next five years. Those hesitant cited major barriers: cost (72%), insufficient charging infrastructure (54%), and range anxiety (53%).
Care, Cleaning, and the Civic's Evolution
The study also shed light on car care habits. On average, drivers dedicate 45 minutes to giving their car a thorough clean inside and out once every few months. Gen Z emerged as the most fastidious, with 22% cleaning their vehicles weekly—more than any other age group.
Honda commissioned the research to mark the launch of its redesigned Civic e:HEV. To showcase the model's evolution since 1972, the company transformed London's Harley Street—known for aesthetic clinics—into a timeline featuring five generations of the Civic.
Andrew Winfield, from Honda, commented on the findings: "Cars are an important way of getting around, so it's crucial we take good care of them. We spend a lot of time in our cars, and clearly cover a lot of ground, so it's only right to make the time spent in it as enjoyable as possible."
He added on the topic of electrification: "It appears some still have reservations about whether to change to electrified vehicles, but with technology advancing it's a great time to make the switch."
The research also highlighted that while the average age for first driving abroad is 25, a substantial 44% of British drivers have yet to take the wheel in a foreign country.
