Millions of drivers could give up their vehicles in the next five years as motorists struggle to deal with rising costs.
Damning new data shows that almost a quarter of British drivers (23 per cent) are looking to ditch their cars within the next five years as they struggle to deal with the cost of motoring.
The most commonly cited issue with keeping their car on the road was fuel costs, which was identified by one-third of motorists, according to Turo's Annual Car Ownership Index 2026.
Recent conflict in the Middle East has exacerbated this problem, with oil costs soaring, further impacting prices at the pump for millions of drivers across the UK.
Fresh data from RAC Fuel Watch shows that drivers are paying just under £1.60 per litre for unleaded and a staggering 183.75p for diesel.
While diesel prices have fallen slightly since their post-Iran war peak in mid-April, petrol car owners saw costs at their highest at the end of the month.
A report from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) suggested that drivers using the Government's Fuel Finder tool could save around £9 per tank when filling up.
However, this may not be enough to convince drivers to keep their cars on the road, especially when other costs are also having an impact on motorists.
Millions of drivers could be preparing to ditch their vehicles over expensive running costs
|GETTY
Other concerns from surveyed drivers included car insurance and general ownership costs, with both of these being cited by 26 per cent of motorists.
Even potholes, which have historically been the biggest bugbear for motorists, have fallen in terms of which issues are most pertinent to drivers.
Rory Brimmer, managing director UK at car sharing marketplace Turo, said: "Britons love their cars, but the love of ownership is fading.
"What stands out in this year's Index is how many people are now seriously planning life without a car, not because they want to, but because the economics of ownership have become untenable for a growing number of households."
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Petrol and diesel prices spiked last month to their highest prices since the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022
| PAIn a desperate bid to save money, drivers are taking drastic actions, including avoiding paying for vehicle maintenance, potentially putting all road users at risk.
Almost half of all drivers (46 per cent) have delayed or avoided a necessary repair in the past year, a huge rise compared to 27 per cent in 2025.
Drivers risk further cost issues if they avoid making repairs to their vehicles, especially if they fail their MOT or invalidate their manufacturer's warranties.
Mr Brimmer highlighted the dangers associated with putting off delays, not only to themselves, but also to other road users.
Drivers have cited car-sharing platforms as giving them confidence to ditch their own vehicles
| TURO"A car that isn't properly maintained isn't just an inconvenience, it's a hazard, with warranties at risk and MOT failures becoming more likely," he said.
The report also found that 46 per cent of drivers are against the Government's ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, with motorists wanting to give up their cars on their own terms.
Between 2030 and 2035, hybrid cars will remain an option, before only zero emission vehicles will be on sale from 2035 onwards.
To deal with the major transition, nine per cent of people planning to give up their cars said the greater access to car-sharing platforms would help them adjust.