A number of cars which were once commonly spotted on our roads will be extinct within a few years, according to a new survey
A new survey suggests that a number of older cars, once a common sight on our roads, will be extinct within a few years. One model is predicted to disappear in just four years.
The Daewoo Matiz, introduced to the UK market in April 1998, could vanish by 2029 according to findings from ALA Insurance. It’s one of six cars expected to completely disappear in the coming years.
ALA Insurance analysed 24,000 declining car models in the country and estimated their typical lifespan to predict when they would likely disappear from our roads based on current ownership trends, reports Honest John. This news comes after the Mirror covered the ‘mindless yobs damage 41 cars in vandalism rampage through sleepy market town’.
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Using official DVLA registration data, they found the Daewoo Matiz, rebadged as a Chevrolet in 2005, might be the first to go. However, it will be closely followed in 2030 by the Fiat Stilo and the Rover 25.
Two other everyday vehicles – the popular Citroen Saxo and Peugeot 306 – are predicted to vanish by 2031, according to the survey. That same year could also witness the demise of the MG ZR, reports the Daily Record.
Aimee Anderson from ALA Insurance said: “The decline of these models is largely down to age and deterioration. She added: “As MOT failures continue to rise, most owners draw the line once repair costs outweigh the car’s value”.
Auto YouTuber Jim Starling, who posts videos on his ‘DefinitelyNotAGuru’ account, shared his thoughts on the findings. He said: “It’s amazing how many cars we grew up with are nearly gone. Everyday models like the Ford Ka 2 are now rare sights”.
The car insurance firm also scrutinised the UK’s most favoured models from 2014 to 2025, to determine which offer the best balance between lifespan and replacement cost. Their research revealed that the Ford Fiesta is predicted to have an average lifespan of 146,000 miles, while a Vauxhall Corsa is anticipated to last 142,000 miles.
As a result, they secured their spots at the top of ALA’s list of cars, which measures expected mileage against average 2025 prices, as providing the best value for money.
These vehicles lead the insurer’s list of cars offering the most ‘miles per pound’, which measures expected mileage against average 2025 prices. The study also discovered that there are two family hatchbacks that are expected to outlast others.
The Vauxhall Astra should endure for 174,000 miles, while the Ford Focus trails slightly behind at 173,000 miles. And the popular Volkswagen Polo is projected to last for 155,000 miles, placing it fifth in the ‘miles per pound’ ranking – cars that provide the most mileage for your money.