British drivers cover the equivalent of three return journeys to the moon over the course of their motoring lives, according to a new survey. The study of 2,000 motorists found the typical driver clocks up more than 1.5 million miles – roughly 63 laps of the Earth – while passing through five vehicles and filling up at the pump 1,360 times.
The research, commissioned by Honda to mark the launch of its redesigned Civic e:HEV, also revealed that drivers typically pass their test on the second attempt and buy their first car at 17 for an average of £2,999. The average age for venturing abroad behind the wheel is 25, though 44% admitted they have yet to do so.
Car replacement habits vary widely, with motorists changing their vehicle every five years on average. However, 21% have kept the same car for at least a decade. When it comes to upgrading, 46% simply want something different, while 42% would only switch if their current vehicle became undriveable. Price is the top priority for 75% of buyers, followed by comfort (56%) and brand loyalty (35%).
Looking to the future, 28% are considering an electric vehicle within the next five years. Yet concerns remain, with 72% citing cost, 54% pointing to insufficient charging infrastructure, and 53% worried about range anxiety. The survey also found that 27% of drivers give their car a thorough clean every few months, taking 45 minutes on average, while Gen Z motorists are the most diligent – 22% clean theirs weekly.
Andrew Winfield of Honda commented: "Cars are an important way of getting around, so it's crucial we take good care of them. Different people will prioritise different things when it comes to buying a new car, which is natural because there is so much to consider." He added that while some still have reservations about electrified vehicles, advancing technology makes it a great time to make the switch.
