Almost seven out of 10 motorists (69%) are worried about petrol and diesel costs rising, according to Startline’s January Used Car Tracker which surveyed 329 consumers and 58 dealers.
The research also shows that 60% are concerned about rising insurance premiums, 47% are worried about the cost of buying a car and 42% are worried about the cost of servicing.
Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “Most of the costs involved in running a car have increased quite dramatically in the last few years and motorists are probably feeling the impact of this.
“Obviously, fuel and insurance costs have risen especially and there’s a sense that people are expecting more of the same, even though there are quite strong signs that the prices of both have at least stabilised and fuel costs have even been falling lately.
“It’s interesting to see factors such as electric vehicle charging and the new tunnel charges mentioned in the research.
“Certainly, the price of electricity has affected the cost of car charging in the last couple of years and for people who regularly use them, the tunnel tolls will have a definite impact on their overall cost of motoring.”
Other costs expected to increase include repairs (41%), EV charging (32%), motor finance (30%) and tolls such as the Blackwall Tunnel and new Silvertown Tunnel (24%).
January 2024’s Startline Used Car Tracker showed concerns about car insurance (73%), petrol and diesel costs (67%), the cost of buying a new car (46%) and the cost of servicing (34%).
Burgess added: “The results for 2025 are quite similar to those for last year and the underlying message, we believe, is that motorists are most worried about unavoidable motoring costs such as fuel and insurance.
“Some people are choosing to save money by hanging onto their existing car for longer and in some cases deferring servicing or downsizing. Therefore, these costs represent less of a day-to-day worry.”