A new study conducted by Ovoko, an online marketplace for used car parts, has revealed some surprising insights into the long-term costs of maintaining popular car models in the UK. The findings suggest that budget-friendly brands like MINI, Hyundai, and Volkswagen offer the most affordable and durable options for motorists looking to keep their vehicles on the road for the long haul.
The study examined data on typical maintenance expenses and write-off probability across 20 leading car manufacturers in the UK. The results paint a clear picture, with well-known premium brands such as BMW and Jaguar faring considerably worse than their more affordable counterparts.
MINI emerged as the clear winner, scoring a perfect 100 on the long-term maintenance scale. The British-built favourite boasts reasonable annual maintenance costs of £425 and the lowest write-off rate among all brands analysed at just 63.16%. Hyundai and Volkswagen followed closely, with scores of 95 and 92.6 respectively.
“A lot of buyers focus on the upfront cost or monthly payments, but the real financial impact comes from how easy and affordable it is to keep your car on the road for the next decade,” said Kazimiera Urbanas, supplier excellence manager at Ovoko. “Some brands are simply cheaper to maintain and less likely to end up written off after an accident, and that makes a huge difference to your wallet over time.”
The study’s findings reveal that the longevity of a car often comes down to three key factors: the availability and cost-effectiveness of spare parts, the financial logic of repairs, and the manufacturer’s design philosophy. Brands that prioritise durability and collision protection, such as Mercedes-Benz, can offset their higher maintenance costs with lower write-off rates.
For motorists looking to extend their car’s lifespan, the experts recommend selecting the appropriate brand from the outset, verifying parts availability before purchasing a used vehicle, and evaluating the total cost of ownership rather than just the initial price tag.
