If you’ve been car shopping recently, you’ll know just how expensive brand-new models have become. It’s no surprise, then, that more of us are turning to used cars instead. In fact, according to latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), just over 4 million second-hand cars were sold in the UK in the first half of 2025, which is the strongest performance in five years and 2.2% higher than the same period in 2024.
But while used cars are often kinder on the wallet up front, there’s one thing every driver needs to think about: repairs and running costs.
There are a few big reasons why the second-hand car market is booming:
Price pressures: There's no getting around it, new cars are expensive, especially electric vehicles (EVs). Many buyers are opting for pre-owned cars to stretch their budgets further.
Reliability: Cars are lasting longer than ever, so buying second-hand feels less risky than it did a decade ago.
Choice: Petrol and diesel cars still make up 90% of used car sales, giving drivers the fuel options they know best.
And here’s the kicker: the average car on UK roads is now nearly 10 years old – the oldest on record. Great for affordability, but it also means more potential trips to the garage.
Second hand cars are a sensible choice for manyt, but it's clear that cars don’t get cheaper to run as they age. Even well-looked-after motors will need a little extra TLC over time.
Some of the most common repair needs for older vehicles include:
Brakes & tyres: everyday wear and tear that can’t be avoided.
Suspension & exhausts: issues often show up once a car passes the 7-year mark.
Bigger services: higher-mileage cars often need more expensive maintenance to keep them roadworthy.
MOT fails: older vehicles are far more likely to need repairs before they’ll pass.
That’s why saving money on car repairs and servicing is becoming just as important as finding a bargain on the car itself.
The good news? You don’t need to pay over the odds. Here are a few smart ways drivers are cutting costs:
Compare quotes online: never settle for the first price you’re given. Sites like Compair Repair give drivers a range of different price options, enabling motorists to get the best possible price for their repairs and maintenance.
Book MOT and servicing together: garages often give discounts when you combine jobs.
Use trusted local garages: It's great to support local businesses and from experience, local garages are often far cheaper than main dealers.
Stay on top of maintenance: fixing small problems early can often avoid more serious issues and bigger bills down the line.
This is exactly where Compare Repair comes in. Instead of spending hours ringing around garages, you can:
Get instant quotes from local, trusted mechanics.
Save up to 50% on car servicing and repairs.
Find specialists for everything from MOT tests to electric car maintenance.
Keep full control over your repair costs.
With used car sales at a five-year high and the average age of UK vehicles climbing, one thing is clear: more used cars really does mean more car repairs.
By shopping smart and comparing prices, you can keep your car running smoothly without blowing your budget.
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