Ageing on the Road: The shift toward older cars in the UK

24th September 2024

We're living longer and so are our cars. The average age of the UK's 34 million cars is now 9.4 years, up from slightly under eight years-old in 2019. According to the SMMT, a fifth of cars are 7-9 years old but the largest proportion, nearly a third, are more than 12 years old. Below, we examine the consequences for car buyers.

Why are cars getting older?

In the past 15 years, new car prices have increased by around 120%, with 40% of that growth in the last 5-years alone. The result: buying a new car has become out of reach for many private buyers.

Following covid, car supply chains were hit hard. The subsequent shortage of new cars forced many people to buy used instead, in turn, driving up the price of newer used cars by around 30% in 2021.

The need to remain mobile meant that those who couldn't afford expensive used cars, bought older, cheaper ones instead. At the same time, the rising cost of living has meant those people who might have decided to change their cars for something younger have instead decided to hold onto them and save their money.

Other reasons?

Many of the new cars people might have wanted to buy are no longer available. There are 88% fewer diesel models to choose from today and 63% fewer petrol models.

Electric cars are the future, but the average price of an EV is much higher than a petrol or diesel car: £62,000 compared with £45,000 for a petrol and £58,000 for a diesel. There are large discounts on EVs at present but private buyers especially are avoiding them.

The gradual replacing of familiar petrol and diesel models with electric cars is creating confusion and uncertainty in the minds of many buyers who, rather than buy an EV, have decided to keep their old car, at least for now.

What are the consequences of cars getting older?

Garages are seeing more cars with high mileages in their workshops. Dealers, too, are reporting an increase in older part-exchanges, many in poor condition. Bringing them up to retail standard is now much more expensive owing to increases in the cost of labour and materials, so many older cars that are beyond economic refurbishment are finding their way back into the market where they may be bought by unsuspecting buyers.

What are the downsides of older cars?

Because they're cheaper, older cars are more likely to have fallen into the hands of owners who cannot afford to have them serviced properly or repaired when they're damaged.

Likewise, the rising cost of living is forcing many people to cut back on vehicle servicing. Vehicle breakdown organisations say they are attending more breakdowns because of this.

Although they must have a valid MOT, older cars are, fundamentally, not as safe as newer ones. Euro NCAP, a major car safety organisation, updates its protocols each year with the result that its safety standards are now much higher than they were just three years ago, never mind 15. Older cars may have airbags, anti-lock brakes and side-impact beams but newer cars have these and more plus autonomous technologies.

Older cars don't meet the current emissions standards required to enter clean air zones free of charge (for petrols, Euro 4 introduced in 2006 and for diesels, Euro 6 introduced in 2015).

What are the risks in buying an older car?

If you buy an older, its service history may be patchier and more difficult to determine than usual. Key ancillary components, for example the battery and alternator and, if fitted, its timing belt and water pump, might be overdue for replacement. Its suspension may be tired and be suffering from leaking dampers, broken springs and droplinks, and perished bushes. There may be warning lights on the dashboard either at start-up or that come on later. It may have been clocked.

How can I reduce the risks?

Just as you would with a younger car, check it over thoroughly and take it for an extended test drive. Using the government MOT check service, check that its recorded mileages at each MOT are consistent and then check its current mileage with a reputable vehicle data provider such as HPI.

If the car satisfies the age and mileage criteria, consider buying an Extended Car Warranty for added peace of mind. Before you buy one, read our guide to choosing the right warranty, or get a warranty quote from MotorEasy here.

Ensure it continues to run trouble-free by purchasing a MotorEasy Service that can save you up to 40% on a manufacturer interim or basic service with a free MOT. Save even more money with a MotorEasy Car Warranty bundle that includes a warranty, servicing and MOT cover with the option of a free MOT or £25 off a service. For additional peace of mind purchase MotorEasy breakdown cover with options for local or Europe-wide assistance.

Which older cars make the safest buys?

Based on its claims experience of cars covered by its warranties, MotorEasy's league table of most reliable cars aged between three and 12 years old should be a good indicator of a vehicle's reliability in later life, assuming it has been correctly maintained.

Our list of most reliable vehicles are continually updated, but at the time of press, the top 10 cars are: