Drivers keeping hold of their older vehicles

Drivers keeping hold of their older vehicles

New research based on Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) statistics and British Car Auctions (BCA) sales information analysis shows that on average drivers in the UK are hanging on to their vehicles for longer than they did a quarter of a century ago.

The effects of the double-dip recession and austerity measures are greatly restricting motorists' options for upgrading their vehicles, and nowadays the average age of a car on Britain's roads is up to seven and a half years old, an increase of one year in age from 25 years ago.

Older cars, those aged anywhere between six and eight years old, are thought to now account for over 25 per cent of the automotive market, which is a growth of 7.4 per cent from 2011.

Head of PR at BCA Europe, Tim Naylor, stated "The squeeze on household spending means motorists are looking at different ways of managing their travel costs. Some are deciding to choose slightly older, cheaper cars when they change their vehicle."

"Others are looking for more economical cars that deliver a better miles-per-gallon as they try to combat rising fuel costs. We have also seen a decline in the number of multi-car households which suggests families are having to economise with their personal transport needs."

Whilst describing a car aged eight years as 'an old banger' may be an exaggeration, especially when my neighbour's Ford Escort is still chugging away every day, unless the economy starts to bounce back soon, I expect to see older vehicles becoming a familiar sight on our roads.

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