Every car tells a story through its odometer, service book, and wear patterns. But zoom out to look at the entire UK vehicle fleet, and some genuinely surprising numbers emerge. From how far the average car travels in its lifetime to how many owners it'll have, here's the statistical journey of a typical British motor.

The average UK car is now 9.9 years old

According to DVLA data from December 2024, the average age of a licensed car in the UK has reached 9.9 years - a 16% increase compared to December 2019. We're keeping our cars longer than ever before. The pandemic played a role, with new car supply disruptions meaning fewer people traded up, but the trend was already underway. Cars are simply built better than they used to be, and the economics of replacement have shifted.

A quarter of UK cars are over 13 years old

In 2024, 24.2% of the UK car fleet was over 13 years old, up from just 13.3% in 2014. That's nearly a quarter of all cars on British roads that were registered before 2011. This ageing fleet has implications for everything from emissions targets to the scrap car industry. More older cars means more vehicles reaching end-of-life decisions each year.

The average car has 4 owners in its lifetime

Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders shows that the typical car passes through four sets of hands before reaching the scrapyard. First comes the new car buyer, then successive used car purchasers, each typically keeping the vehicle for around four to five years. By owner number four, the car is usually approaching the end of its economically viable life.

The average car travels 138,000 miles in its lifetime

Research using MOT data published by LSE estimates that the average car lasts 17.9 years and covers 138,000 miles before retirement. However, this varies significantly by fuel type. Diesel cars clock up around 160,000 miles on average, while petrol cars manage about 116,000 miles. The difference reflects how diesels are typically used - longer journeys where their fuel efficiency advantage pays off.

UK drivers average just 7,400 miles per year

According to the RAC Foundation, the average annual mileage for UK cars has dropped significantly - from 9,200 miles in 2002 to around 7,400 miles in recent years. The pandemic accelerated this decline, with working from home reducing commuting for many. Petrol cars average even less at around 6,300 miles annually, while diesels still clock up about 9,400 miles per year.

78% of UK households have at least one car

Department for Transport statistics show that over three-quarters of British households have access to a car, with 34% having two or more. Only 22% of households are entirely car-free. Car ownership remains deeply embedded in British life, despite improvements in public transport and the growth of alternatives like car-sharing schemes.

Cars account for 78% of all miles travelled

While cars only account for 58% of all trips made, they represent 78% of total miles travelled in the UK. This reflects how we use different transport modes - walking and cycling for short journeys, but cars for anything involving distance or cargo. In 2023, cars and taxis collectively covered about 251.3 billion vehicle miles on British roads.

The average scrapped car is now 16-20 years old

The age at which cars reach the scrapyard has been climbing steadily. In 2009, the average scrapped car was just 13 years old. Today, vehicles typically survive to between 16 and 20 years before being retired. Improved manufacturing quality, better rust protection, and the rising cost of new cars have all contributed to this extended lifespan.

Toyota and Honda top the longevity charts

When it comes to which cars last longest, Japanese manufacturers consistently lead the pack. Research analysing MOT data found that Toyota and Honda vehicles regularly exceed average lifespans by significant margins. For those buying with longevity in mind, these brands offer statistically better odds of reaching high mileages without major failures.

67% of commuters still drive to work

Despite decades of encouraging alternatives, two-thirds of British workers who commute still do so by car. The figure is even higher in Wales (79%) and Scotland (70%). Only London bucks the trend, where just 25% commute by car and the majority use public transport. For most of the country, the car remains the default choice for getting to work.

What the numbers tell us

These statistics paint a picture of a nation deeply reliant on cars that are lasting longer than ever. The average vehicle now serves nearly two decades and four different owners before retirement. When your car finally reaches the end of its journey, it's joining a cohort that's travelled further and lasted longer than any previous generation of British motors. Whether that journey ends at 100,000 miles or 200,000, every car eventually reaches its final destination.