Super-high mileage models still going strong

There are thousands of super high mileage vehicles on UK roads, according to data analysed by car leasing comparison website LeaseLoco.

Odometer data provided by the DVSA, shows there are currently 2,676 vehicles on UK roads with more than 500,000 miles on the odometer, and 5,897 motors with over 400,000 miles.

Even more remarkable; hundreds of cars are still going strong despite having clocked up over three-quarters of a million miles.

These astronomical mileage cars include; 35 Vauxhall Astras, 33 Rover 75s, 25 Ford Fiestas and 16 Land Rover Defenders – a true utility workhorse that is enjoying something of a renaissance.

To put into perspective just how many miles these Trojans of the road have clocked up – the moon is 238,855 miles away from Earth. These motors have covered more than three trips to the moon!

The following table shows the Top 10 road legal vehicles (makes and models) with more than 750,000 miles on the clock.

John Wilmot, CEO of the car leasing comparison website said, “The combination of used car prices rocketing, and microchips shortages affecting new car supply, has seen a large number of car owners choosing to hold onto their vehicles for longer, rather than upgrading.

“However, even taking into account the current issues with supply and soaring prices, there are also those car owners who believe: ‘if it ain’t broke, why upgrade!”

He added,, “The Government doesn’t want to see the roads clogged up with high mileage, high polluting cars, at a time when it’s trying to encourage people to early switch to greener motoring.

“But many drivers are reluctant to switch over to electric until they feel more confident in the charging infrastructure. And as we approach 2030, car owners may be less willing to buy new petrol or diesel cars, knowing their value could plummet.

“We could see a situation where more people stick with what they have, and the number of extremely high mileage cars on our roads escalates.”