Half Million Milers according to Select Car Leasing

New DVSA stats reveal just how many cars have registered an odometer reading of 500,000 miles or more during an MOT in the last 12 months.

In total, a whopping 1,611 cars and vans have recorded a mileage over 500,000 miles in the past 12 months, - as revealed by a freedom of information request to the DVSA from leading UK lease firm Select Car Leasing.

Topping the list of cars with the highest mileages is the Toyota Prius.

In the past 12 months, 69 of these models have recorded mileages over 500,000 miles. The average mileage of these 69 hybrid-electric vehicles is over 562,000 miles.

Elsewhere there are two Fords in the Top 10 list – the Focus and the Fiesta – while Vauxhall takes the crown for highest recorded average mileages, with faithful examples of the Zafira having reached an average of more than 900,000 miles.

The Prius was the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle and effectively created the mainstream market for hybrid vehicles when it was produced in the late 1990s.

Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, comments, “When it comes to high mileage motors in the UK, the Toyota Prius reigns supreme, according to our research.

“It’s not a particularly flashy car and it might not be a vehicle that petrolheads necessarily dream of owning. But as a hard-wearing mile-muncher with real staying power, it’s clearly something of an unsung hero, with almost twice as many examples having recently displayed a 500,000-mile odometer reading compared with the nearest rival.

“Many Priuses will be in service as taxis or used as part of a business fleet, which might help to explain the sheer number of miles being amassed.

“And as a poster child for efficient hybrid motoring, the Prius takes some beating.”

Toyota UK itself runs a High Mile Club for owners whose cars go the distance. Those with a vehicle displaying 500,000 miles or more are entitled to a free sticker ‘so owners can celebrate their car’s stunning mileage, and Toyota reliability’.

In joint second place, with 38 examples each, are the London Taxis International TX4 and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

The TX4 was produced between 2007-2017 and is the classic ‘black cab’ you’ll see in many UK towns and cities.

Mr Conway adds, “Like the TX4, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is also extremely popular among taxi operators.

“In fact, government data shows the E-Class is one of the most common Private Hire Vehicle models in England, alongside the Toyota Prius, Toyota Auris, and the Skoda Octavia.

“And when drivers rely on their vehicle for an income, they tend to be meticulous about servicing and fixing small faults before they turn into bigger problems.

“That’s why a hard-working car that’s religiously maintained can outlast a lightly used car that’s neglected.”

Rounding up the top five highest-mileage cars are the Vauxhall Astra (24) and Ford Fiesta (17), which have recorded mileages over 500,000 miles in the past 12 months.

Beyond the top five, the list also features the Audi A3 (15), Ford Focus (14) and Volkswagen Passat (11) – proof that mainstream, everyday models are more than capable of going the distance when they’re looked after.