The car brands with the longest – and shortest – ownership times in the UK: Tesla, Kia, Rover and Vauxhall

Which brands do drivers ditch after just 29 months, and which do they hold on to for more than a decade? We reveal all…

Tesla models have the shortest ownership period of any car brand in the UK.

According to research from CarVertical reported in This is Money, drivers typically offload these vehicles after 29 months, or two years and five months.

This is less than half the national average of 62 months (or a little over five years).

As part of the analysis, the researchers delved into hundreds of thousands of vehicle checks from 2024.

Interestingly, this is the second consecutive year that Tesla has topped the tables for the shortest ownership period.

In contrast, Rover owners tend to hold onto their cars for a whopping 128.5 months, equating to almost 11 years.

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The rapid rise of electric vehicles

So, why are motorists flogging their Teslas so soon?

Advancements in electric vehicle tech are arguably playing a key role in this high turnover rate.

With frequent updates to these models and strong resale values, owners are often keen to upgrade to the latest version.

That said, the brand’s popularity has recently taken a hit with the political turmoil surrounding founder Elon Musk's involvement with the US Government cost-cutting drive.

Although sales have fallen by just 0.2% in the UK, demand has plunged significantly in Europe.

During the first three months of 2025, purchases of the company's EVs plummeted 62% in Germany, 41% in France and 25% in Norway.

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Other cars on the chopping block

Dacia comes second on CarVertical’s “ditch list”, with owners typically holding onto their motors for just under four years (46.3 months).

This is perhaps surprising, given the brand’s reputation for no-frills value.

Kia, Seat and Hyundai also appear in the top five.

The UK’s most-ditched cars

Source: CarVertical

The most-loved brands

Alternatively, some cars seem to hold a special place in our hearts.

Rover drivers hang onto their motors for an average of 128.5 months, or almost 11 years.

Meanwhile, Saab fans keep their cars for 93.5 months, or nearly eight years.

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Source: CarVertical

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What about classic cars?

Unsurprisingly, collectible vehicles tend to have a longer shelf life.

For example, the Mercedes-Benz S560 typically changes hands only every 16.2 years.

Likewise, the Jaguar XJS and Ford Capri have similar stats at 16 and 15.8 years respectively.

How to sell your car at the best price

However long you’ve had your car, getting the best deal is a must when it comes time to sell.

Here are our top tips:

1. Get a clear idea of how much your vehicle is worth

Whenever you’re selling a used car, the first step is to have a firm grasp of how much you can (reasonably) expect to get for your motor.

If you list your car at too high a price, you may not get a sale at all.

Try checking out similar models on sites such as Auto Trader, Parkers or We Buy Any Car to get an idea of average selling prices.

However, make sure you’re comparing like-for-like in terms of age, mileage and condition.

2. Paperwork is key

Unfortunately, selling your car often involves a fair bit of admin.

Before you list your motor, it’s worth digging out your V5C logbook, MOT certificates and service history.

Having a complete service record can be a major selling point for potential buyers, as it provides confidence in your vehicle’s reliability and your legitimacy as a seller.

3. Spruce up your motor

Giving your car a quick clean can go a long way, as many of us make quick judgements based on superficial factors.

Consider investing in a cheap valet before arranging viewings with potential buyers. Otherwise, a DIY wash could do the trick.

You may also want to give your car’s interior a going-over and remove any personal items.

4. Choose the best selling method

A private sale via a site such as Auto Trader usually nets you the best price. However, this usually requires greater effort as you may need to add photos and write a description of the vehicle.

Part-exchanging at a dealership tends to be quicker but less profitable. If your car is in a poor state of repair, you could consider scrapping the vehicle, although this usually means very little profit.

5. Be ready to negotiate

As with many financial transactions, haggling is often key to success. Be firm but polite. Decide your absolute lowest price and don’t budge below it.

Have your say

How often do you trade in your motor? Would you rather sell frequently or hold onto a reliable motor?

Perhaps you own one of the models mentioned in these lists.

We’d love to hear your thoughts.