A significant disconnect has emerged in the UK automotive market: while millions of drivers are keeping their vehicles on the road longer than ever before, buyers remain deeply skeptical of high-mileage cars. Data reveals that over six million cars registered in the UK have surpassed the 100,000-mile mark, yet a vast majority of potential buyers refuse to consider them.
The Scale of High-Mileage Ownership
The prevalence of high-mileage vehicles is driven by two primary factors: increasing vehicle reliability and economic pressure. As modern cars become more durable and the cost of living rises, owners are incentivized to hold onto their aging vehicles for extended periods.
Recent data obtained via a Freedom of Information request by eBay highlights the sheer volume of these vehicles:
- 100,000 – 150,000 miles: Approximately 4.36 million cars fall into this category, representing more than one in ten vehicles on UK roads.
- Over 150,000 miles: There are roughly 1.7 million additional vehicles exceeding this threshold.
- Extreme Mileage: Approximately 2,700 cars have logged over 500,000 miles.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), with roughly 42.5 million cars registered in the UK, these figures indicate that high-mileage vehicles constitute a substantial portion of the national fleet. Furthermore, the average age of a UK car has risen to 10 years as of late 2025, up from nine years in 2020.
The Buyer’s Dilemma
Despite the growing number of high-mileage cars, consumer sentiment remains resistant. A survey of 2,000 people conducted by eBay found that 72% of respondents would not consider purchasing a car with more than 100,000 miles on the odometer.
This creates a challenging market dynamic. A significant proportion of the UK’s motor pool is becoming increasingly difficult to sell, as the supply of older, high-mileage vehicles outpaces the demand from cautious buyers.
Expert Perspective: Maintenance Over Mileage
Industry experts argue that the stigma surrounding high mileage is often misplaced. Laura Kennedy, founder of the all-female garage Spanners With Manners, suggests that buyers are overlooking viable opportunities.
“People often overlook high-mileage cars, but the truth is a well-maintained vehicle with more than 100,000 miles on the clock can be a bargain. Modern cars are built to last far beyond what many drivers assume. If a car has been serviced on schedule, looked after, and drives well, there’s no reason why it can’t keep going for years.”
Conclusion
The UK automotive landscape is defined by a tension between economic necessity and consumer caution. While drivers are keeping cars longer due to reliability and cost, buyers remain hesitant to embrace high-mileage vehicles. This gap suggests that the secondary car market will continue to struggle with liquidity for older models unless buyer perceptions shift toward valuing maintenance history over simple odometer readings.
