Britain's oldest cars: Is your city driving a classic?
Written by
Thursday 3rd April 2025
Is your driveway looking more like a car museum? Well, you're not alone - across the UK, drivers seem more determined than ever to keep their cars until they officially qualify as antiques.
According to data from Car.co.uk and the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Norwich takes the slightly dubious honour of having the oldest average car fleet in the country, with vehicles there averaging an impressively vintage 11.96 years. That's older than the iPhone 6, and perhaps even the kids who treat you like a taxi!
But Norwich isn't alone, as plenty of us are proudly cruising around in something with 'a little more life in it yet'.
The top 10 UK cities rocking the oldest average cars:
- Norwich – 11.96 years
- Bournemouth – 11.7 years
- Southampton – 11.66 years
- Boston – 11.51 years
- Oxford – 11.43 years
- Southend-on-Sea – 11.4 years
- Bristol – 11.28 years
- Brighton – 11.22 years
- Reading – 11.21 years
- Gloucester – 11.18 years
Clearly, across the UK, there's a hesitation among drivers to upgrade or replace their older vehicles, despite easing supply-chain pressures after the pandemic. Factors such as the ongoing cost-of-living crisis have certainly contributed to many motorists delaying the purchase of their next vehicle. Additionally, Britain's implied scrappage rate for older cars has hit record lows, suggesting this trend may continue for some time yet.
It's a European trend too (not just us being awkward again)
This situation isn’t unique to the UK. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), the average age of cars across the EU is now 12.3 years, with some nations - such as Greece and Estonia - averaging vehicle ages of up to 17 years. This signals a broader challenge: replacing aging vehicles with newer, more efficient, and environmentally-friendly alternatives.
Ready to move on? Your old car will understand.
Let's face it: the older your car, the more you find yourself whispering encouraging words before it starts. Maybe you’ve named it. Maybe you’ve apologised to it. But as much as we love old faithful, there comes a time when costly repairs become more frequent, efficiency dips, and the dreams of that 2014 Fiesta ever becoming a "true classic" slowly fades. So is it finally time to upgrade?
With today's rapidly changing automotive landscape, now might be the ideal moment to consider upgrading. Electric vehicles (EVs) are obviously becoming increasingly popular, thanks to improved battery ranges - now comfortably achieving between 200-300 miles per charge - and charging stations popping up faster than potholes after a British winter. Petrol and diesel cars have also significantly evolved, offering greater efficiency, reduced emissions, and fewer embarrassing breakdowns.
Whether you prefer petrol, diesel, hybrid, or electric, Novuna Personal Finance has got your back (and your wallet). Here's how we can help you smoothly upgrade to something that won't embarrass you at the next MOT:
- Flexible terms – Finance options that actually match your lifestyle, unlike that radio's old tape deck!
- Quick and easy application – Applying online is easier and faster than ever before.
- We're a lender you can trust – Get award-winning service from a 'classic' lender. We've been around for over 40 years, and have been named the UK's Best Personal Loan Provider for the last 11 years of that (We might have been #1 longer than you've had your current car!).
Discover our car loan options
We know letting go is hard, but upgrading doesn't have to be. Whether your heart is set on the quiet purr of electric or the trusty rumble of diesel, there's a modern vehicle waiting to improve your daily commute - and make next door green with envy.
Take the first step towards your new vehicle today and see just how simple (and affordable) driving can be with a Novuna Personal Finance loan.
Written by
Anna Stacey is a skilled content writer based in Lincolnshire, specialising in the financial services industry. With over four years of experience in the digital landscape, she has an aptitude for crafting informative and engaging content that addresses a range of customer needs. Spanning diverse topics, from finance and lending to broader digital marketing trends, Anna is committed to delivering customer-centric content that not only educates but also empowers readers to make informed decisions.
