The latest DVSA data shows one in seven UK cars has now passed 100,000 miles, with the average vehicle age at a record high. Driven by the cost of living and improved reliability, high mileage used cars are becoming a smarter, more trusted choice for UK drivers.
Key Facts
- Over 6 million vehicles with more than 100,000 miles passed their MOT last year.
- The average UK car age is now 9 years and 8 months, the highest on record.
- 45.7% of cars on UK roads are over 10 years old (SMMT data).
- Over 185,000 electric and hybrid vehicles have exceeded 100,000 miles.
- 42.5 million vehicles are registered in the UK, up 1.4% year-on-year.
One in seven UK cars has passed 100,000 miles
There’s a quiet shift happening on UK roads, and it’s changing how we think about car ownership.
According to the latest DVSA figures, one in seven cars has now crossed the 100,000-mile mark. Not long ago, that number might have raised eyebrows. Today, it’s becoming the norm.
Why? Two big reasons. First, the cost of living continues to push drivers towards keeping their current cars longer. Second, modern vehicles are simply built better. Engines last longer, parts are more durable, and regular maintenance goes a long way.
Together, these factors are redefining what “high mileage” really means.
UK car fleet reaches record age
The UK’s car fleet is officially the oldest it’s ever been.
New data from the SMMT shows the average car age now sits at 9 years and 8 months, well above the six-year average seen back in the early 2000s. It’s a clear sign that drivers are holding onto their vehicles for longer.
Nearly half of all cars on UK roads (45.7%) are now over 10 years old. That’s not just a statistic; it reflects a wider shift in mindset. More drivers are choosing to maintain and repair rather than replace.
And some cars are going the distance. Around 400,000 vehicles have already passed 200,000 miles, with a smaller group pushing beyond 300,000, and even up to a million miles in rare cases.
That’s not luck. That’s modern engineering doing its job.
Is 100,000 miles still a big deal?
Short answer: not anymore.
While the average UK car mileage is around 58,000 miles, the number on the odometer doesn’t tell the full story. A well-maintained car with 100,000 miles can easily outperform a poorly looked-after car with half that.
It all comes down to how the car has been used and maintained. Long motorway journeys tend to cause less wear than short, stop-start city driving. Regular servicing, oil changes, and timely part replacements matter far more than mileage alone.
In many cases, 100,000 miles is no longer a warning sign; it’s just a milestone.
Why the 100k mileage myth is fading
Despite the data, some hesitation still lingers. Research suggests 81% of drivers would think twice before buying a car with over 100,000 miles.
But ask any experienced mechanic, and you’ll likely hear a different story.
Modern engines are designed to last. With proper care, they can comfortably exceed six figures and keep going strong for years. The old stigma around high-mileage cars is quickly becoming outdated.
This applies to electric vehicles too. DVSA data shows over 185,000 EVs and hybrids have already crossed the 100,000-mile mark. That’s a strong signal that battery durability and long-term reliability are better than many expected.
Buying a high-mileage used car: What to look for
If you’re shopping for a used car, a high-mileage example could be a smart move if you know what to check.
Focus on the car’s history, not just its mileage. A full service record, consistent maintenance, and evidence of key work (like timing belt changes) are far more important than the number on the dashboard.
Use Regit's MOT history checker to check for warning signs before you buy.
Also consider ownership type and usage. A motorway-driven fleet car with regular servicing can be a better buy than a low-mileage car used mainly for short urban trips.
Keeping costs down is easier than ever too. Many drivers now use certified recycled car parts in the UK for non-essential repairs, helping reduce maintenance bills without compromising reliability.
The bottom line for UK drivers
High-mileage cars aren’t what they used to be, and that’s good news.
With better engineering, improved servicing standards, and rising costs pushing drivers to think differently, buying a car with 100,000 miles is no longer a gamble. In many cases, it’s a smart, cost-effective decision.
If you prioritise condition, history, and maintenance over mileage alone, you could land yourself a reliable car for a fraction of the price.