The cost of driving in the UK has been a major concern for Britons in recent years with many considering giving up their cars altogether due to the financial pressure
A car guru has advised Britons to steer clear of purchasing new cars for the remainder of the year due to the current economic climate.
In recent times, Britons have been battered by a series of economic headwinds that have led to a soaring cost of living that’s outpacing wage growth.
Consequently, people in need of a new car are finding their choices financially constrained due to the pinch on household budgets. Now, motoring journalist Mike Rutherford has suggested not buying a new car at all.
Penning his thoughts in AutoExpress, Mr Rutherford lamented that salaries hadn’t kept up with the rise in new car prices and offered a single word of advice for anyone venturing into the new car market, reports the Express.
Mr Rutherford stated: “My advice to anyone thinking of purchasing a brand-new car in an uncertain, inflation-ravaged Britain in the final months of 2025? Don’t. No Need.
“Fact is, for too many years, wages haven’t kept pace with new-car inflation. And that’s why so many customers are now forced to abandon the idea of buying and owning. Instead they’re leasing and becoming short, medium, or long-term rental customers.”
Mr Rutherford isn’t the first notable car expert to spotlight the escalating cost of even running a used car, with thousands of Brits contemplating giving up cars altogether due to their expense.
A survey conducted by bus operator Stagecoach in April revealed that 41% of the 2,000 respondents were concerned they might have to give up their cars, with this figure rising to 55% for those living in Plymouth.
Stagecoach’s Chief Commercial Officer, Debra Goodwin, stated: “In today’s non-stop world with costs rising, considering alternative ways to commute into work is important.
“In a time when mental wellness is paramount, trading costly and stressful car commutes for calmer, more productive journeys could be the change many need.”
These concerns about the cost of driving in the UK come ahead of Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ autumn budget on November 26, which could introduce significant changes and additional taxes for British motorists.
Potential cuts to the Motability scheme, which supports over 800,000 drivers, are being considered, along with a possible increase in fuel duty by one or two pence.
However, the most contentious proposal is the pay-per-mile car tax and a potential levy based on a car’s weight, which could disproportionately affect drivers of heavy electric cars or large SUVs.
The i reported that the proposed pay-per-mile tax could impact 1.3 million electric vehicle owners, partly to offset the loss from fewer people owning petrol and diesel cars and therefore fewer people paying fuel duty.
A senior government source told the publication: “This is ultimately a decision for the Treasury. But they have recognised that any new tax on EVs needs to have a phased implementation and be introduced alongside a generous package of support to ensure we continue to drive the transition and support manufacturers.”
While the concept of a pay-per-mile scheme is contentious, it doesn’t mean it couldn’t work, with CarWow’s head of editorial Iain Reid suggesting to the Express that it could be a fairer system, but only if implemented in a nuanced manner.
He stated: “Some believe a fairer, more transparent approach would be to move toward a pay-per-mile system. That way, everyone pays in proportion to their actual road use, rather than being taxed simply for owning or fuelling a car.
“However, switching to alternative methods such as pay-per-mile would involve many considerations – robust privacy protections, smooth administration, safeguards for rural drivers and essential workers.”
