Britain’s cars are now ten years old on average – we reveal the Top 10 most reliable.

(Approx: 5min read)

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For the first time, the average age of cars on UK roads has reached ten years. There are approximately 34 million licenced cars in the UK, with just over two-in-five (40.7%) now a decade old or more. [1] 

It’s a milestone that says a lot about how people are choosing to buy, run and maintain their vehicles… but why are cars sticking around longer than ever before? What does it mean for drivers, the car industry… and even the environment?  

But most importantly, which of these increasingly older cars on the used market are the most reliable if you’re one of the people looking to pick one up and take advantage of this trend?  

We’ll reveal the top 10 – which, due to tied scores, is in fact 12 models – using exclusive & detailed data from Warrantywise’s Reliability Index.  

But first… 

Why are cars staying on the road longer?

1. Rising costs of living and car ownership.

One of the most obvious factors of why UK drivers are keeping their cars longer is money. The ongoing cost-of-living crisis has forced many households to rethink big-ticket purchases like cars.  

At the same time, new car prices have been rising steadily [2], especially with the increasing use of more advanced safety technology and hybrid/electric drivetrains by manufacturers.  

Financing options can help, but the reality is simple: fewer people feel able to splash out on a brand-new car. 

Running costs continue to rise significantly. Insurance premiums are climbing, fuel prices remain volatile, and even routine repairs can be unexpectedly expensive.  

All of this can make keeping an existing car on the road far more attractive than upgrading.

2. Supply chain disruptions and the pandemic effect. 

The global pandemic created a ripple effect in the automotive world [2]. Microchip shortages and supply chain bottlenecks left manufacturers struggling to meet demand.  

Waiting lists for new cars grew to months, sometimes years. In that environment, many drivers decided it was easier to hang on to their existing vehicle rather than wait endlessly for a replacement. 

Even as supply chains recover into 2025, the knock-on effects linger. A shortage of new cars also pushed up the price of used ones, creating a market in which holding onto your old car simply made financial sense. 

3. Shifts in attitudes toward car ownership.

Not everyone feels the need to upgrade their car every three years anymore.  

With changing attitudes toward sustainability and consumption, many people are content to keep a vehicle until it genuinely needs replacing.  

Car-sharing schemes, better public transport in some areas, and flexible working arrangements reducing commuting needs also mean fewer miles are being driven, slowing down both mechanical malfunctions and wear and tear. 

So, which cars at this age are the most reliable? Here’s the list: 

With the average age of cars on UK roads now reaching this ten-year milestone, it’s inevitable buyers will encounter more and more vehicles around this age bracket on the used market.  

So, which are the most reliable car models on the road at around ten years old if you’re one of the people looking to buy?  

Using data from our Reliability Index from all of the vehicles we have on plan between 8-12 years old, we’ve compiled a list of the ‘top 10’ most reliable makes and models of car at this age range:

Warrantywise’s Reliability Index uses repair data from thousands upon thousands of vehicles on plan to allocate an ‘Overall Reliability Score (ORS)’ to every make and model, giving consumers the best insights into the reliability of cars available in the UK. 

For even more vehicle reliability information, check out our Reliability Index page.

What ageing cars mean for you as a driver: 

If you’re driving a car that’s 10 years old or older or possibly considering one of the models on the list, you’re far from alone. The good news is that modern vehicles are designed to last, and with regular servicing, your existing or new one could have plenty of life left in it yet. 

Keeping on top of maintenance is key — things like oil changes, brake checks, and tyre care make all the difference to both safety and reliability. 

At the same time, it’s worth keeping an eye on the bigger picture. If you live in a city with clean air zones, for example, driving an older diesel could actually work out more expensive. 

And if you’re considering making the switch to an EV, keep an eye on falling prices and improving ranges — it might become a realistic option sooner than you think. 

The benefits of an extended warranty: 

These vehicles are a clear example of where an extended warranty can make a real difference. As cars age, the chances of unexpected repair bills rise – from replacement gearboxes to electrical faults.  

The top 10 list above shows that even the most reliable older vehicles suffer unexpected problems. An extended warranty helps to protect against those sudden costs, offering peace of mind that you won’t be hit with a hefty bill just to keep your car on the road. 

For many drivers, especially those planning to keep their cars longer rather than upgrade, that protection can make ownership more predictable and affordable in the long run. 

Conclusion: 

The UK’s cars are getting older. While that tells a story of economic pressure, it also reflects improvements in car quality and a shift in how we think about ownership. For drivers, it can mean savings and reliability, particularly when paired with an extended warranty option.  

For the industry, it signals both challenges and opportunities. And for the environment, it’s a balancing act between sustainability and emissions. 

Ultimately, the trend of somewhat older cars being used for longer is here to stay.  

Whether the average age on the road keeps climbing or starts to fall will depend on a mix of economics, technology, and government policy. But one thing’s certain: Britain’s love affair with the motor car isn’t going anywhere — it’s just taking a slightly older, wiser turn. 

External sources of information in this article:

[1] UK cars now ten years old on average 

[2] Car prices have been rising steadily