New car prices are at an all-time high in the UK, having risen by an average of 25% since 202 and we’re hanging onto our old cars.
More motorists are looking to squeeze every last mile out of their vehicles. While the average UK car lifespan is around 150,000 to 200,000 miles, there are some drivers who manage to go way beyond that.
The team at Scrap Car Comparison, the UK’s biggest scrap car service, spoke to everyday drivers who shared their high-mileage motoring stories, from ex-taxis racking up hundreds of thousands of miles to family cars that became indispensable lifelines.
The Everyday Drivers Behind The UK’s Long-Lasting Cars
Jon – Vauxhall Vectra: 472,902 miles
A daily commuter from Wisbech to London, Jon’s Vectra kept going thanks to strict servicing and his brother’s quirky advice to drive at “odd-number” speeds, meaning never driving at a round-number speed. Bought second-hand with around 122,000 miles on the clock, it only needed routine parts replacing to keep running smoothly. Jon never bothered with cleaning it much, a bucket of water and soap was occasionally enough. After years of service, his trusted mechanic finally told him that he had squeezed every last bit out of it and just 1.5 miles later the car broke down.
Carl – Peugeot Partner: 449,557 miles
Once a Leeds taxi, this car clocked nearly half a million miles with services every 3 to 4 months before retiring to family duties. At 240,000 miles it was fitted with a new engine with just 8,000 miles on the clock, giving it a new lease of life and making it last for another 200,000 miles. Once Carl got a new job, he decided to scrap it for something more reliable, as he had to do a lot of miles for his new commute.
William – Peugeot 306: 268,673 miles
Bought for £900, it reliably carried William’s disabled children to countless hospital appointments until a rare radiator hose spelled the end. Despite regular servicing, which kept it going far beyond expectations, the Peugeot was retired when the part could no longer be sourced due to it being an ageing model. William described it as a “shame” that such a small thing forced him to let it go, as the car had served his family so well.
James – Ford Mondeo: 425,500 miles
Picked up for £1,000 after serving as a local taxi, this Mondeo ran almost flawlessly until a DPF failure finally saw it scrapped. The previous owners serviced it every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, which James continued doing after purchasing the vehicle. Eventually, a lack of regular use caused DPF and electrical issues, so he decided to scrap it.
Martin – Audi 80: 324,000 miles (still running)
A 1992 company car turned family runabout, Martin’s Audi is still on the road after three decades, with insurance costing less than £100 a year. He has owned his Audi 80 since 1995 and originally acquired it through a company car scheme. For its first 12 years, the car was serviced exclusively at Audi garages, often twice a year, and Martin has always insisted on oil changes every 10,000 miles alongside the use of E5 petrol. Despite its age, the car remains roadworthy and only shows its age through non-working central locking and a faulty fuel gauge. Martin still uses it locally, and has no plans to part with it unless repair costs outweigh its value.
Regular servicing, loyal mechanics, smooth driving and, in some cases, the use of premium fuel seem to have kept these cars running flawlessly for decades. Fortunately, there are several measures drivers can take to help elongate the lifespan of their vehicle and keep it roadworthy for longer.
Five Tips to Make Your Car Last Longer
- Service your vehicle regularly: Routine checks and regular oil changes will help to keep engines running smoothly. This will also allow you to spot any damage or problems early on.
- Use quality fuel and fluids: Higher-grade petrol, diesel, and lubricants can help reduce wear and tear. It can also help to improve your vehicle’s efficiency.
- Drive gently and avoid harsh acceleration: Smooth acceleration and braking will put less strain on your engine, gearbox, and brakes and therefore extend your vehicle’s lifespan.
- Try to build a relationship with a trusted mechanic and stick with them: Ask your friends and family for recommendations and try to find a trusted garage. Having a consistent expert who knows your car’s history will make maintenance easier and often save you money.
- Tackle small issues and repairs early: Addressing minor faults straight away will hopefully avoid them from escalating into costly or terminal repairs.
Matt Clamp, Customer Service Manager at Scrap Car Comparison, said, “It was interesting to speak to drivers from all over the country to hear their stories of high-mileages vehicles.
“The different recounts prove that with the right care, cars can last well beyond the 200,000-mile average, potentially saving drivers thousands of pounds in the process. We hope that their tips will be helpful and can guide you on how to properly take care of your vehicle. “
