The cost of fuel (net -46%) tops a list of factors motorists believe will get worse in the New Year, according to new research.
January’s Startline Used Car Tracker shows they also expect to experience more on-road insurance scams (-42%), worse behaviour from other motorists (-38%) and growing traffic congestion (-36%).
Other anticipated issues include higher car running costs (-32%), more difficult parking (-30%), and an increase in speeding and other fines (-22%).
In only one area – electric car charger availability (+56%) – are motorists expecting a net improvement.
Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “It looks as though most motorists are quite downbeat about almost everything connected to owning and driving a car as we head into 2026. They believe costs will rise, driving will become increasingly frustrating, and even that they are more likely to be targeted by criminals.
“Except for quite visible investments being made in electric car charging infrastructure across the country, they don’t see any bright spots at all.”
However, despite this widespread pessimism in the Startline Used Car Tracker, 94% said they still valued having a car.
Paul added: “This reveals a really interesting mindset. Motorists might expect almost everything related to owning a car to get worse, but they still very much want a vehicle and see it as an important part of their lives. Car ownership might be more of a grind, but it remains almost universally appreciated.”
The Startline Used Car Tracker is compiled monthly for Startline Motor Finance by APD Global Research, well-known in the motor industry for their business intelligence reporting and customer experience programs. This time, 303 consumers and 60 dealers were questioned.
