Tempcover, the temporary car insurance provider, has looked at 10 years of DVLA registration data to predict which car models are quietly disappearing, and when they might disappear completely.
The Tempcover team looked at how many of each model are still registered every quarter and used that to estimate when the numbers will reach zero. The first batch of predicted “extinctions” starts in 2027.
Mid-2027
Among the earliest models expected to disappear are the Citroën Xsara, famous for its rally wins, the Vauxhall Vectra, and the Peugeot 307.
Models predicted to disappear by mid-2027:
- Citroën Xsara – 21,298 still on the road (as of early 2025)
- Mitsubishi Space Star – 1,058
- Nissan Primera – 2,573
- Peugeot 307 – 23,212
- Rover 45 – 1,515
- Vauxhall Vectra – 24,017
These cars are disappearing mainly due to age. They’re harder (and more expensive) to maintain, tougher to get through MOTs, and less efficient than modern alternatives.
Claire Wills-McKissick, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover
“For many drivers, iconic models like the Citroën Saxo, Vauxhall Vectra, or Peugeot 307 are more than just vehicles, they’re part of our memories, from first drives to family holidays and countless everyday journeys. To think these models are gradually disappearing from our roads is a reminder of evolving times, but for anyone hoping to secure one of the last remaining examples, temporary car insurance is a way to easily test drive them first. However, it’s important to be aware that older cars naturally require more dedicated care; parts may be harder to source, and they often need greater attention during MOT inspections, for example. While owning one requires investment in time and resources, it also offers a unique opportunity to preserve a piece of motoring history for years to come.”
58 Models Could Be Gone by 2030
In total, 58 different models are expected to disappear from UK roads before the end of the decade. The Citroën Saxo, which was practically a rite of passage for first-time drivers, is on the list. So are several Rovers, the Ford StreetKa, and even the Isuzu Trooper.
2027:
Citroën Xsara, Mitsubishi Space Star, Nissan Primera, Peugeot 307, Rover 45, Vauxhall Vectra, Alfa Romeo 147, Chevrolet Kalos, Chevrolet Lacetti, Chrysler Voyager, Mazda 323, Peugeot 206, Peugeot 406, Peugeot 407, Rover 25, Alfa Romeo GT, Citroën C2, Fiat Bravo, Jeep Patriot
2028:
Chrysler PT Cruiser, Ford StreetKa, Hyundai Accent, Nissan Almera, Volkswagen Bora, Citroën Saxo, Jaguar X Type, Lexus IS 220, Mazda CX-7, Peugeot 1007, Peugeot 306, Renault Laguna, Alfa Romeo 159, Chrysler Grand Voyager, Kia Sedona, Lexus RX 300, Rover 75, Vauxhall Tigra, Chevrolet Captiva, Hyundai Coupe, Hyundai Matrix,
2029:
SEAT Arosa, Chevrolet Matiz, Isuzu Trooper, Jaguar S-Type, MCC Smart, MG ZR, Renault Grand Espace, Audi Allroad, Mazda 5, Peugeot 106, Rover 200 Series, Saab 9-5, Toyota Previa, Honda FR-V, MG ZT, Nissan Pathfinder, Peugeot 4007, Suzuki Wagon R+
Whether you’re a fan of these cars or not, it’s a reminder of how quickly the roads are changing. Some might get saved by collectors or classic car enthusiasts, but for most, it’s probably the end of the road.
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