UK Car Ownership: One of the Most Expensive in Europe

It’s easy to understand why Young People Are Ditching Driving – but what does that mean for the long-term?

The costs of learning to drive, buying, owning and driving a car in the UK, puts it at one of the most expensive countries in Europe. We explore why young people are increasingly ditching driving, breaking down the high expenses from obtaining a driving license to maintaining a vehicle. Plus we compare the UK’s costs to other European countries – find out which is the best, and worst, country for car costs. From fuel prices to insurance and vehicle taxes, we uncover the factors making car ownership nearly impossible for many. Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know your experiences!

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Young people are increasingly being put off driving, and you can’t blame them. The costs associated with not only obtaining a driving license but also owning and running a car are astronomical, especially in cities like London. Let’s break down why the UK is one of the least affordable places in Europe for car ownership.

Sky-High Costs of Car Ownership

The Financial Burden

The average monthly salary in the UK is £2,140, but for young people starting out, it’s often much less. Compare this to the average new car price of over £30,000 and a used car price of about £17,000. These figures highlight the financial strain on young drivers.

A study by Vignet Switzerland revealed that the UK ranks as the seventh least affordable European country for car ownership, scoring just 3.1 out of 10. The study considered factors such as fuel prices, vehicle taxes, insurance costs, and average salaries.

Breaking Down the Costs

• Fuel Prices: The UK’s average fuel price was £1.26 per litre at the time of the study, compared to a European average of £1.18.
• Vehicle Taxes and Insurance: These costs further exacerbate the financial burden on car owners in the UK.

Comparing with Other European Countries

Switzerland, despite having a higher average car price and salary, tops the list as the most affordable European country for car ownership. It scored a perfect 10 out of 10 due to lower expenses associated with fuel, taxes, and insurance.

Here’s how other countries fared:

• Republic of Ireland: Scored 7.72
• Luxembourg: Scored 6.83
• France: Scored 5.43
• Spain: Scored 5.18

At the other end of the scale, Norway, Finland, and Turkey were among the least affordable, with Turkey scoring a shocking zero.

“The UK ranks as the seventh least affordable European country for car ownership, with young people bearing the brunt of skyrocketing costs.”

The Reality for Young Drivers

For young people, the situation is even tougher. With driving lessons costing over £40 an hour and the need for 50 to 60 lessons, the cost of learning to drive is prohibitively high. Additionally, the backlog of driving tests has created a black market for test allocations, making it even harder and more expensive to obtain a license.

A Different Era

Comparing today’s costs to when I started driving over 35 years ago is almost surreal. Back then, my driving lessons cost about £10 an hour, and my first car, a £400 Ford Cortina, was affordable even if it was a bit of a junker. Insurance was a couple of hundred pounds, and fuel was cheap. Times have certainly changed, and not for the better.

The Bigger Picture

It seems like all these rising costs are designed to discourage driving and car ownership. This trend is disheartening, especially for those of us who have always seen driving as a vital part of freedom and independence.

Conclusion

Owning a car in the UK has become an expensive endeavor, particularly for young people. With the costs of learning to drive, buying a car, and maintaining it all on the rise, it’s no wonder that fewer young people are getting behind the wheel. The car industry and culture are under threat, and it’s essential to address these challenges to make driving more accessible and affordable.

Share your thoughts in the comments below. I’m sure there will be plenty of opinions on this topic. Don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe for more insights on motoring issues. Catch you in the next video!

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