The UK company said the average age of a vehicle on British roads is now 8.7 years, more than a year older than it was a decade ago. In addition, while the average age of a car at scrappage is 13 years, the most recent industry data shows there are 8.4 million cars over 13 years old still running.

In 2026, the average lifespan of a car in the UK is approximately 14 to 15 years, though many vehicles remain on the road much longer. According to recent RAC and SMMT data, the average age of a car currently in use has climbed to nearly 10 years, the oldest it has ever been. This increase is driven by better build quality and the high cost of new electric vehicles (EVs), leading owners to hold onto their petrol and diesel cars for longer. Most modern cars are engineered to easily surpass 150,000 miles with proper maintenance. However, the "lifespan" is often dictated by the "MOT" (annual safety check); once the cost of repairs (such as gearbox or engine failure) exceeds the car's market value, it is typically scrapped. Interestingly, EVs are showing potential for even longer lifespans due to fewer moving parts, though battery degradation remains the long-term variable.