If you’re considering buying a car or want to better manage your existing costs, here are the key areas to watch in 2025.

Fuel Costs

Fuel prices remain volatile. As of early 2025, average petrol and diesel prices are around 136.11p and 142.56p per litre respectively, but expect higher rates at motorway service stations. Rising oil demand, inflation, and global supply pressures continue to affect prices.

While hybrids and electric vehicles (EVs) offer relief, electricity prices have also surged. Public EV charging can be inconsistent and expensive without home charging access.

Check latest fuel prices – RAC Fuel Watch

Insurance Premiums

Car insurance costs have risen faster than inflation, driven by expensive repairs and claim settlements. The average comprehensive premium is £777/year, with new drivers facing even higher rates.

In 2025, more insurers offer usage-based telematics policies that reward safe drivers with lower premiums. However, aggressive driving or frequent night-time use can raise your rate.

Maintenance and Repairs

As cars become more complex with new technology like hybrid systems, sensors and in-car entertainment, maintenance and repair costs go up. Replacing things like broken touchscreens or sensors can run over £1,000 in some makes and models. Even routine maintenance on areas like brakes, tyres and batteries is becoming pricier.

MOT tests which check vehicles meet road safety and environmental standards are required every year once a car is over 3 years old. Vehicles with high mileage or in poor condition may not pass the MOT, requiring expensive repairs to fix issues like worn brakes, faulty lights, or corrosion damage. MOTs in Chatham cost around £45, but costs vary elsewhere.

Keeping up with regular maintenance and servicing can help avoid nasty surprise repair bills when the MOT comes around.

Tip: Emergency Roadside Breakdown cover is worth the investment if you take regular road trips, but can be covered by bank account benefits.

Congestion Charges

An increasing number of cities in the UK are introducing congestion charges to reduce traffic and pollution. London’s congestion charge is £15 per day and will likely rise. Other cities like Birmingham, Manchester and Bradford have followed suit with similar daily charges for Clean Air Zones (CAZs).

For commuters and drivers who frequently enter congestion charge zones, these costs can really add up over a year. Some relief may come from discounts for green vehicles and local residents, but frequent city driving adds hundreds to annual costs.

Check your vehicle’s CAZ status

Parking Costs

Parking costs in cities continue to increase year after year. Local councils outlook to parking as a source of revenue. Car parking can cost as much as £7 per hour in London and £3 per hour in other cities.

Residential parking permit costs can also add up. Parking fines for violations like expired meters, double parking and disabled space misuse can be costly too.

Some cities offer discounts for EVs or residents, but check your local council website for up-to-date rates

Road Tax

Vehicle Excise Duty, or road tax, on new cars is based on CO2 emissions. Car tax rates will continue to incentivise motorists to buy low emissions vehicles. However, new diesel and petrol cars face a road tax supplement. As more drivers switch to hybrid and electric cars, the government may also introduce additional taxes to recover lost fuel duty revenue.

Car owners need to keep a close eye on costs and consider whether it might be cheaper cycling or using public transport for commuting and other journeys.

As of 1 April 2025, the standard road tax rate is now £195 per year for all cars registered after 1 April 2017, this includes petrol, diesel, hybrid, and electric vehicles.

Previously, petrol and diesel cars were charged £190, hybrids received a £10 discount, and electric vehicles were exempt.

Additionally, the expensive car supplement (also known as the luxury car tax) has been extended to include electric vehicles registered on or after 1 April 2025. This means an extra £425 per year will be added to the standard road tax from the second to sixth year of ownership.

Monthly Car Payments & Depreciation

For many UK drivers, the biggest ongoing expense isn’t fuel or insurance, it’s the monthly payment on a financed or leased vehicle.

Average Monthly Payments (2025):

• New cars (HP or PCP deals): £260–£400/month
• Used cars (HP or personal loan): £160–£280/month
• Car leasing: £200–£500/month depending on the model and mileage cap.

Depreciation: The Hidden Cost

New cars lose value quickly, typically 15–35% in the first year, and up to 50% within three years. That means a car bought for £25,000 in 2025 might only be worth £12,500 by 2028.

What this means for you:

• You may owe more on your finance than the car is worth if depreciation outpaces your payments (a situation called negative equity).
• Buying nearly-new or ex-lease vehicles (1–2 years old) can offer substantial savings while avoiding the steepest early depreciation.

Consider Alternatives

With rising costs, it’s worth comparing car ownership to other transport and travel options. In many UK cities, cycling, walking, or public transport can offer cheaper, greener alternatives.

• Use Trainline or TfL Journey Planner to map public transport routes.
• Explore local bike hire or car-sharing schemes like Co Wheels, Enterprise Car Club, or Santander Cycles.

Final Thoughts

Owning a car in the UK is more expensive than ever. By understanding all potential costs, from fuel to MOTs, you can plan smarter and make informed choices. Whether you’re commuting or road-tripping, staying on top of these expenses ensures better budgeting and peace of mind.

So before you set off on your adventure, it’s crucial to ensure your vehicle is in tip-top shape. A well-maintained car not only guarantees a safer journey but also enhances your overall travel experience.

UK law still applies to a UK-registered vehicle if you take it abroad for less than 12 months. That means you need to make sure:

• your vehicle is taxed in the UK while it’s abroad
• you have a current MOT
• you have UK insurance
• you have your vehicle log book with you

If your MOT certificate is due to expire while you are away, you will need to renew it before you leave the UK.

If you plan for staying more than 12 months, then you must tell the DVLA. You need to have the car registered there and pass the local MOT equivalent, i.e the ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) in Spain and Portugal.

This article will guide you through the essential MOT tips to get your car road-trip ready.

Understanding MOT and Its Importance

MOT stands for Ministry of Transport test, a comprehensive annual check that ensures your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. The test examines various aspects of your car, including its bodywork, fuel system, lights, brakes, tires, and emissions.

For drivers planning to take their vehicles abroad, having a valid MOT is not just a legal requirement in the UK, but it’s also essential for your safety and peace of mind while travelling on foreign roads. Many European countries require proof of roadworthiness, which your MOT certificate provides.

Pre-MOT Checklist

Before booking your MOT, run through this quick checklist:

1. Documentation: Ensure all your vehicle documents are up-to-date, including insurance, registration, and previous MOT certificates.
2. Visual Inspection: Perform a basic visual check of your vehicle. Look at the lights, tires, bodywork, and windows. Any obvious defects could lead to an MOT failure.
3. Fluid Levels: Check and top up all vital fluids. This includes oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windscreen washer fluid.

Key Areas to Focus on Before the MOT

Tires and Wheels

Your tires are crucial for a safe journey. Check the following:

• Tread depth: The legal minimum in the UK is 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
• Wear patterns: Uneven wear might indicate alignment issues.
• Tire pressure: Ensure all tires, including the spare, are inflated to the correct pressure.

Lights and Signalling

All lights must be functioning correctly. This includes:

• Headlights (both main and dipped beams)
• Brake lights
• Indicators
• Rear lights
• Fog lights

Brakes

Properly functioning brakes are vital for your safety. Check that:

• Brake pads have sufficient thickness
• Brake discs are not worn or scored
• The handbrake engages and releases smoothly

Advanced Preparations

Battery Check

A healthy battery is essential for a long trip. Check the battery’s life and consider replacing it if it’s more than five years old or showing signs of weakness.

Engine Performance

Ensure your engine is running smoothly. If you notice any unusual noises, vibrations, or a loss of power, consider having a full service before your MOT and trip.

Emission Check

Modern MOT tests place significant emphasis on emissions. Ensure your car meets environmental standards, particularly if you’re travelling to countries with strict emission regulations.

What to Do If Your MOT Uncovers Issues

If your MOT reveals any issues:

1. Don’t panic – it’s common for cars to fail their first MOT test.
2. Carefully review the failure points and decide which you can address yourself and which require professional help.
3. For complex issues, seek help from a qualified mechanic. Look for garages with good reviews and competitive pricing.

Final Preparations Before the Trip

Emergency Kit

Pack an emergency kit including:

• Warning triangle
• High-visibility jacket
• First aid kit
• Torch
• Blanket
• Basic tools

Legal and Safety Requirements Abroad

Research the driving laws of the countries you’ll be visiting. Some key points to consider:

• Specific equipment required by law (e.g., breathalysers in France)
• Speed limits and traffic rules
• Toll road systems

Conclusion

Preparing your car for a road trip abroad involves more than just packing your bags. A thorough MOT check ensures your vehicle is safe, legal, and ready for the journey ahead. By following these tips and addressing any issues before you leave, you’ll be setting yourself up for a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable road trip experience.

Remember, if your MOT is due soon or you’re unsure about your car’s condition, don’t delay – book an MOT test today. Safe travels!

Define your goals and budget

The first step in purchasing used trucks for sale in the UK involves clearly outlining your priorities and setting a realistic budget. With the expansive market offering numerous options, having a clear idea of what you need will streamline your search process. Consider factors such as the truck’s intended use, required specifications, and how much you are willing to spend.

An important aspect to consider is the gross vehicle weight (GVW), which represents the maximum operating weight or mass of a truck specified by the manufacturer. This includes the vehicle’s chassis, body, engine, fluids, fuel, accessories, driver, passengers, and cargo but excludes trailers. Knowing the GVW helps ensure that the truck meets your operational needs without overburdening it.

Check the truck’s history and proceed to tests

Once you identify a potential truck, the next step involves thoroughly investigating its history. Acquiring information about the truck’s past maintenance and service records is crucial in determining its quality and lifespan. Don’t hesitate to ask detailed questions regarding any accidents, repairs, and parts replacement that the truck may have undergone. The service history of a truck offers valuable insights into its previous performance and potential future issues. Regularly maintained vehicles tend to last longer and perform better. Ensure that all necessary upgrades have been done timely to avoid unexpected expenses post-purchase.

A test drive is also essential in evaluating how well the truck performs on the road. It allows you to experience first-hand the truck’s engine performance, handling, and overall driving comfort. Pay close attention to unusual noises or vibrations that could indicate underlying problems. In addition to engine performance, check whether the truck suits your specific requirements by trying out different types, like a rigid truck, which might offer the versatility you need. Besides engine performance, assess whether the truck suits your driving style and meets your needs functionally. Verify comfort levels and ease of handling, as these factors will greatly influence your long-term satisfaction with the purchase.

Secure your o-licence

If you’re buying a heavy goods vehicle for commercial purposes, it’s essential to obtain an operator’s licence (o-licence), a mandatory legal requirement that ensures you can run compliant business operations with heavy trucks. You’ll need to meet specific criteria and demonstrate your ability to maintain the vehicles safely, so make sure you’re well-acquainted with all the regulations surrounding this license to avoid potential legal complications.

Another critical aspect to consider is the condition of the truck’s tyres. You should meticulously inspect the age, tread depth, and overall wear of each tyre. Uniform tyre specifications across all wheels suggest the truck has been consistently cared for, while mismatched or excessively worn tyres may indicate neglect. Keep an eye out for visible signs of damage on the wheel rims and sidewalls, such as deep scratches, cracks, or bulges, which can compromise safety. Whenever possible, compare the tyre conditions with other similar models to determine if immediate replacements are necessary.

Buying a car means it’s yours to keep and you can do whatever you want with it such as drive it, sell it or part exchange it. Leasing on the other hand is where you pay a fixed amount each month to borrow the car for a contracted period.

It’s believed that enquiries for leasing rose 43% at the start of 2022 compared to the previous year and there are several options for these agreements. The first is Personal Contract Hire (PCH), which is where you just borrow the car and then give it back at the end of the contract. The second is Personal Contract Purchase(PCP), which gives you the option to purchase the vehicle at the end of your contract and Personal Lease Purchase where you become the owner once all lease payments have been made.

If you want to know the benefits of buying or leasing a car, so you can make a more informed decision when you get your new vehicle, our guide below can help. Read on to discover the pros and cons of buying and leasing a car.

Buying a car

Pros

• Low-interest rates when buying on finance
• Free warranties for a certain amount of time for your peace of mind
• No restrictions on mileage or wear and tear on the car
• You can modify the car however you like
• The purchase can be used as tax deductions if bought through a scheme at work

Cons

• New cars can lose as much as 40% of their purchase value within the first year
• Driving costs for new cars can be high due to fuel, insurance and maintenance costs
• You may be locked into long repayment terms
• Selling the car can take a while
• If you buy a new car then you may have a long wait time while it’s delivered from the factory

Leasing a car

Pros

• Paying the lease amount on time, every month can be a great way to improve your credit score.
• Lease payments are usually lower than loan payments when getting a new vehicle
• You can drive newer models for less money
• You may be able to get free maintenance with your lease
• No worries about depreciation

Cons

• You’ll never own the car outright
• You have no control over how it looks
• You may have a limit on mileage
• There can be termination fees if you want to get out of your contract early
• You may be charged for any damage to the vehicle

So, what can you do to help your second-hand car work more efficiently and last longer?

Be aware of the mileage

Mileage is an important factor when purchasing a used car, particularly since those with high mileage have a higher risk of being riddled with issues and faults. It’s worth considering whether your annual mileage is higher than the average, as it would make more sense to go for one with fewer miles in this instance. If you tend to drive for shorter distances only, a higher mileage vehicle could be a suitable option and one that is likely going to be a lot cheaper.

Always select a second-hand car from a reputable dealer; that way you are made aware of the vehicle’s mileage and any other potential issues from the outset. They can also help you choose a vehicle to suit your driving needs and offer a range of financial options and warranty policies.

If your vehicle already has a good number of miles on it, and you plan to drive long distances, it may be worth considering public transport on occasion or opting for another vehicle with lower mileage.

Get it serviced regularly

Not only does getting your car serviced regularly give you peace of mind, but it ensures that any issues are nipped in the bud before they escalate into something much worse – which can lead to high repair costs. An annual service in the UK typically costs around £125 and should be undertaken by a reputable professional.

Check your tyres frequently

Tyres are constantly subjected to heavy wear and tear, particularly for cars that are fairly old and have spent a long time on the road. Ensure that these are within the legal limits and that you check the air pressure, especially before heading out on a long journey. You may also decide to rotate your tyres to spread out the wear and tear and prolong the life of your tyres.

Underinflated tyres can also increase fuel consumption, which will end up costing you more in the long run.

Keep your fluids topped up

Maintaining the fluid levels in your car is essential for its functioning – failing to do so can have dire consequences. Check the oil level every fortnight, wiping it with a cloth and giving it a dip. The oil level should be between the minimum and maximum markers and should appear as a light yellow-brown colour for a petrol engine. If the colour is quite dark, this should be replaced.

The coolant reservoir should also be replaced if low, which should be a half-and-half mix of water and antifreeze.

Drive smoothly

Driving smoothly is something we should all be practising at all times but isn’t always properly understood. Simple things such as gentle steering and use of the gearbox are key, as well as the use of the brake pedals in good time to avoid harsh braking.

Learning how to drive more efficiently will also reduce the amount of fuel that your vehicle expends, helping you to save money on petrol.

Like all other vehicles, electric cars need to pass their MOT test in order to be considered safe for the road. Here we provide our comprehensive guide to ensure your electric vehicle is ready for its MOT.

When will I need to get an MOT?

If you’re lucky enough to have purchased a new electric vehicle, such as the Mokka e, the first MOT will be due three years after its initial registration date. Following this, an MOT test must take place each year before that date. Once passed, you will receive an MOT test certificate with the date it took place so that you know when the next one should occur.

If you aren’t sure when the last MOT took place, you can check online by entering the vehicle make and registration number, and a spare certificate can be sent to you free of charge. Note that the MOT test can take place up to a month before the expiry date.

How does an MOT test for electrics car differ from non-electric vehicles?

With regards to the overall MOT process, there isn’t much difference between electric and non-electric vehicles. As electric vehicles are powered by rechargeable batteries instead of combustible engines, the emissions test is removed but all other checks will still need to be conducted.

The vehicle will still be checked to make sure that the lights all work efficiently, the steering and tyres respond appropriately, the brakes are in good condition and there are no chips and cracks on the windows.

What can you do pre-MOT to ensure it goes smoothly?

There are a few steps you can take to give your vehicle the best chance at passing its MOT and reducing the risk of any repairs being made. Firstly, try to keep your car clean both inside and out – an excessively dirty and cluttered vehicle may well lead to the examiner refusing to proceed with the MOT. The number plates should also be visible and readable.

Next check that the windscreen has no apparent damage and the wipers are in good condition, including that the screenwash has also been topped up properly. The brake fluid and oil should be topped up as well.

Inspecting the outside of the vehicle is highly important and where most issues go unnoticed. Make sure all of your lights work properly, including headlights and brake lights – ask someone else to have a look around your vehicle for you if you are unable to do this yourself. Also, examine the tyres to confirm they are the correct tread depth and pressure; the 20p test is a quick and easy way to do this.

Finally, make sure that the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) that is in your vehicle’s V5C logbook is the same as the one marked on the bodywork of the car. If you do need any repairs to be made, try and get a mechanic to carry out any work before your MOT.