The average car on UK roads is now almost 10 years old, according to new figures from the RAC Foundation. Analysis of licensing data shows that at the end of 2024 the typical car was nine years and 10 months old, the highest ever recorded.
A decade ago, the average was just seven years and five months. Petrol cars are now the oldest, averaging 10 years and four months, while diesels are close behind at 10 years and one month. In contrast, the average plug-in hybrid is three years and four months old, and the typical electric car is just two years and six months old.
The research also reveals that more than two in five cars on the road (40.7%) are at least 10 years old, compared with one in three (32.7%) back in 2015. At the end of 2024, there were almost 34 million licensed cars in the UK.
Why cars are lasting longer
The RAC Foundation points out that stronger build quality and modern design mean cars are running reliably for longer, making older models more appealing for value-focused buyers. Foundation director Steve Gooding said: ‘Even a 20-year-old car with a full service history can be a good bet for someone seeking a bargain buy that still looks up to date.’
However, there is a downside for the environment. A slower rate of replacement means the shift to very low or zero-emission vehicles is happening less quickly than policymakers had hoped. New car sales peaked in 2016 at 2.69 million, but recent years have been much lower, with 1.95 million registered in 2024.
The Foundation estimates that hitting the UK’s 2030 climate targets will require a tenfold increase in the number of battery-electric cars on the road – from 1.3 million in 2024 to more than 13 million. That will need a big push in sales, supported by a much stronger public charging network.
What this means for you
For car buyers, the figures underline the fact that today’s cars are more durable than ever. It is perfectly possible to run a 15-year-old vehicle without it feeling like a gamble, as long as it has been looked after properly.
However, if you are looking at an older model, be aware that running costs may be higher in areas such as fuel economy, emissions-related taxes and ULEZ charges. Modern cars are not only safer but often cheaper to run in terms of servicing and fuel.
If you are considering going electric, the age profile shows the market is still young. This means plenty of newer examples are entering the used market, offering buyers a chance to switch at a lower price point.
Editor’s view: great news for sustainability but not EV roll-out
This research tells us what many buyers already know – cars are built to last, and plenty of people are happy to keep theirs for longer. Much longer. I generally sit in that camp, and happily accept that an older car, properly maintained no longer has a big environmental impact. This story is also great news if you are on a budget, because it shows that older used cars represent some of the best value for money in the market.
There is a downside, of course. The challenge now is that this trend does slow down the shift to cleaner vehicles. I back electric cars when they are well priced and fit easily into people’s lives, but the industry still has a way to go in making them accessible. Public charging, pricing and trust in the technology are all vital if we’re to hit those 2030 targets.
What I really like is when competition drives down prices, and you can see that with the current price war surrounding the electric car grant. Buyers deserve affordable options whether they are sticking with petrol and diesel, or making the jump to electric. As ever, Parkers will be on your side, cutting through the noise and showing you where the smart money goes.
Keith Adams – Editor, Parkers
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