Since COVID and Lockdowns, our motoring habits have undergone significant transformation, the cars we drive, and our actual motoring is vastly different from a decade ago. This account is from our experience at Thame Cars.

Our cars are different. One noticeable shift is the change in our vehicle preferences. Go back to 2014, our roads in Thame were dominated for years by familiar faces like the Fiesta, Focus, Corsa, Astra, and Qashqai (Thame Cars top 5 best sellers back then).

Fast forward to today, and we find a diverse lineup, with models like the Kia Sportage, VW Golf, Ford Kuga, and BMW Mini at centre stage, the Vauxhall Corsa and Nissan Qashqai are still in the top 5. But everything else has changed. Brands like Hyundai, Kia, VW, BMW, and Mini have surged in popularity, ushering in a new era of motoring. These brands were always there but we weren’t buying them. But we are now. In our ‘most popular’ list today there are also Mokka’s, Hyundai Stonics, VW Polo’s and T-Rocs, BMW 3 Series and X1’s.

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is another game-changer. A staggering 12% of our customers in and around Thame are now opting for electric or hybrid vehicles, signalling a significant departure from traditional petrol and diesel engines. And with each passing year there is greater diversification in the types of cars available, ensuring there is a perfect match for every individual need.

We drive less. Our driving habits have seen a notable shift. The average annual mileage for years was accepted as 12,000 miles, it was 9,200 in 2019 before COVID and has dropped to 6,600 miles per year in 2023. Deliberate or not less miles means significantly reduce carbon emissions (no one seems to be mentioning that). Lockdown changed commuting habits, shopping habits and lots of families re-evaluated their car ownership, with many downsizing their fleet in response to changing lifestyles. Although COVID feels like more of a memory now, we have not reverted to our earlier driving habits.
In tandem with these changes, there has been a marked improvement in car maintenance. People are adhering more diligently to service schedules and investing in service plans to keep their vehicles in prime condition. We are noticing lots of our customers’ cars are actually cleaner, reflecting a growing appreciation for well-maintained vehicles and caring for their investment.

We are spending more. Of course, these improvements come at a price apart from all the other global challenges today. Car prices have soared in recent years, with the average spend now standing at £19,000 compared to £14,000 in 2018. However, this investment still works in the form of higher resale values, your old car is worth more, so the gap is bigger but good part exchange values help make it a bit more palatable.

Overall, while the motoring landscape has quietly undergone profound changes, one thing remains constant: our enduring passion for cars.

Our vehicles silently accompany us on our journeys, they serve as faithful companions, helping us navigate the roads ahead.

We like to think ‘They help us get where we want to, in life!

I am walking into work on the cut though footpath, Oxford Road to Rycote Lane, it’s narrow, bordered by mud, it has a great crack in it, 200 metres long, only a shoe deep and foot wide in places. It is potential hazard. I step off for a runner in a hoodie. I arrive at work and wipe my shoes off. It’s different going home, pitch black, no lights, and who knows who’s hiding in the trees.

Rush Hour

​Thame has now got 2 decent rush hours and later that day Nick shares his experience. The ‘school drop off’ time from his house to Lower School and back, 3.2 miles, 35 minutes, average speed 5.5 mph, in his car!

Most Thame 10K runners could put that to shame.

I am walking into work on the cut though footpath, Oxford Road to Rycote Lane, it’s narrow, bordered by mud, it has a great crack in it, 200 metres long, only a shoe deep and foot wide in places. It is potential hazard. I step off for a runner in a hoodie. I arrive at work and wipe my shoes off. It’s different going home, pitch black, no lights, and who knows who’s hiding in the trees.

Temporary traffic lights

The same day, heading to Chinnor on an errand, I opt for a shortcut through town, only to encounter 3 separate sets of (temporary?) traffic lights. They are everywhere in Thame, they snarl everything up for a few days, then they’re gone. Then you turn into North Street, or Wellington Street, or Cornmarket and they’re back! It’s like a Dr. Who - horror! I’ve counted 13 sets of lights in different locations in Thame over the last 3 months. The combined lost hours for everyone in the town, must run into thousands!

You are not alone. It wasn't too long ago when we were all advised to drive diesel cars because, they were quick, economical and often had the extended range of 600 miles on a full tank. But things have since changed, and now we're back to petrol cars due to the lethal particulates in diesel emissions. Cities have imposed restrictions, including charges and zones, and electric cars are now the future. Oxford doesn’t show much love for any cars or motorists, to be fair it never has, but that’s another story.

However, even the future of electric cars is not set in stone, as the UK government has repeatedly changed its target date for phasing out petrol and diesel cars. The current target is now set for 2035, with an interim goal of 22% of total car production being electric for 2024. Car manufacturers who fail to meet this target will be fined £15,000 for each petrol/diesel car they produce over the 78% threshold.

At Thame Cars, currently 12% of the cars we sell are EV’s, hybrids or plugin hybrids, which we think is amazing but there is a way to go. 

Currently this situation is good news for used car owners and drivers. With the need to produce more electric cars, manufacturers will have to make them more affordable, which could lead to a decrease in car prices in the coming months (there are already early signs). For those who are considering electric cars this year, the very best candidates are those who can install and have access to their own charging point at home and have more than one car in the family.

At Thame Cars, we understand the confusion and challenges surrounding electric cars, and we want to help. We're planning to hold a free, 60-minute session to help people learn more about living with electric cars. In this program, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and get a better understanding of what it's like to own an electric car. If you're interested, please register at isittimeforanEV@thamecars.co.uk.

In conclusion, while the changes in the motoring industry may be hugely disruptive and confusing, there is a silver lining. With the push towards electric cars, we can look forward to a cleaner, more eco-friendly future with bluer skies ahead.