End of the Road? New Analysis Reveals the Cars Disappearing from UK Roads

As the UK moves toward a greener future, the roads are starting to look a little different.

With the government’s new £650 million Electric Car Grant making EVs more affordable - slashing up to £3,750 off the cost of a new electric vehicle, change is happening fast. But while some cars are charging into the future, others are quietly fading away.

Here at ALA Insurance, we analysed over 24,000 vehicle models using official DVLA registration data to find out which cars are on the brink of disappearing—and which ones are still giving drivers the most bang for their buck.

Goodbye to Old Favourites

Using a decade of government data, our research shows just how quickly some once-beloved petrol and diesel cars are vanishing from UK roads.

Leading the list is the Daewoo Matiz, a compact city car that many drivers will remember from the early 2000s. It’s expected to disappear completely by 2029.

Not far behind are the Fiat Stilo and Rover 25, projected to vanish by 2030. Classic 90s names like the Peugeot 306, Citroën Saxo, and the sporty MG ZR aren’t far behind either—they’re expected to exit UK roads by 2031.

Some specific trims are fading even faster. Models like the Ford Ka (Ka 2) and Fiat Punto 1.2 ELX 8V are among 16 trims expected to disappear by 2029.

“Models like the Daewoo Matiz and Citroën Saxo may not turn heads today, but they once defined everyday driving in the UK,” said Aimee Anderson of ALA Insurance. “The decline is mostly down to age and wear—when repair bills outweigh the car’s value, it’s often time to say goodbye.”

Auto YouTuber Jim Starling (DefinitelyNotAGuru) shared his take:

“It’s amazing how many cars we grew up with are nearly gone. Everyday models like the Ford Ka 2 are now rare sights. As a car enthusiast, it’s sad that changing tax rules are forcing some quirky, characterful cars—like the Chrysler Crossfire—off the road faster than necessary.”

Which Cars Offer the Most Miles for Your Money?

While we wave goodbye to some old friends, it's also worth celebrating the cars that continue to deliver incredible value.

We looked at the UK’s most popular models from 2014 to 2025 to see which ones give drivers the most mileage for their money. Here’s what we found:

Top of the list? The Ford Fiesta, delivering an estimated 13 miles per pound over its lifespan. It's a clear winner in terms of both affordability and endurance.

Hot on its heels are the Vauxhall Corsa and Astra, showing that you don’t have to break the bank to own a long-lasting car.

What’s Next for Britain’s Roads?

As we gear up for the 2030 petrol and diesel ban, the shift toward electric vehicles will only accelerate. But there’s still value to be found in traditional models—and some might just be worth holding onto for a little while longer.