New research from eBay, the UK’s number one online marketplace for vehicle parts and accessories, reveals that four-in-five (81%) drivers are reluctant to buy a vehicle with high mileage.
Nearly three quarters (72%) of motorists said they would not buy a car with more than 100,000 miles, while over half (52%) would not consider a car with 50,000 miles or more, meaning Brits could be missing out on used car bargains.
According to the research, on average, Brits define a high-mileage car as one with over 96,000 miles on the clock, with the average mileage of their own cars being 58,134.
To showcase value offered by high-mileage models, eBay has purchased a 64-plate Toyota Prius with 293,000 miles on the clock, which it will maintain using new and Certified Recycled eBay parts. Work on eBay’s high mileage hero will be undertaken by Laura Kennedy, Founder of Spanners with Manners – a female-led garage in Finchley, North London.
Laura Kennedy, Founder of Spanners with Manners and Mechanic, said: “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, like eBay’s Toyota Prius, 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 – and it’s easy to find all the parts you’re ever likely to need on eBay.”
According to the findings of a Freedom of Information request (FOI) submitted by eBay, more than six million vehicles were MOT tested in the UK last year showing over 100,000 miles on their odometer, and nearly 407,000 had surpassed 200,000 miles.
The data, obtained from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), revealed around 43,000 vehicles had more than 300,000 miles at MOT, with close to 2,700 of these exceeding half-a-million miles, showing ultra-high mileage vehicles are far from unusual.
The data also found electric and hybrid vehicles have joined the high mileage ranks alongside their petrol and diesel counterparts. MOT centres tested more than 93,000 hybrid electric vehicles with over 100,000 miles – with nearly 32,000 exceeding 200,000 miles – demonstrating modern powertrain technologies are lasting longer than drivers may expect.
The vast majority of drivers (85%) would be open to keeping and driving their current car for longer than their previous one, according to eBay’s research, but attitudes differ across the generations.
Younger motorists aged 18–24 plan to keep their vehicles for the shortest period – on average just 4.5 years – which is shorter than the average ownership length of 6.1 years across all age groups. In contrast, drivers aged 65 and over are more likely to hold onto vehicles for longer – increasing to nearly seven years.
Abir Tewari, UK Director of Commercial Operations, Parts & Accessories at eBay, said: “High-mileage cars can offer outstanding value, especially when they’ve been well maintained. Even the latest hybrid models, with their low running costs, are engineered to deliver high mileages. With eBay’s extensive range of parts and accessories, plus the My Garage number plate recognition feature, it’s easier than ever for drivers to find the right components to help keep their vehicles running smoothly well past the 100,000-mile mark.”
Toyota is one of several vehicle manufacturers to have an official branded showroom on eBay – alongside the likes of Ford, MINI, BMW, Renault and Lexus – offering official OEM parts for current and older models directly.
