Motorists will clock up the equivalent of 63 laps of the earth during their driving years, new research has revealed. A survey of 2,000 drivers discovered the typical motorist passes their test on the second attempt, gets through five vehicles over their lifetime, and fills up at the pump 1,360 times - while travelling more than one and a half million miles, equal to three return journeys to the moon.
Looking at broader habits, 15% bought their first car at 17 years old - for an average price of £2,999, and 25 is the average age drivers first hit the road abroad – but 44% admitted they are yet to give this a go.
Honda commissioned the research to unveil its redesigned Civic e:HEV, arranging a display of vehicles along London's Harley Street - renowned for aesthetic treatments - to showcase how the legendary Civic has transformed since launching in 1972.
Andrew Winfield for the brand said: "Cars are an important way of getting around, so it's crucial we take good care of them.
"However, cars have evolved and have become much more than just a method of getting from A-Z – so it's important we give them the care they need.
"We spend a lot of time in our cars, and clearly cover a lot of ground, so it's only right to make the time spent in at as enjoyable as possible."
The findings also showed drivers typically replace their vehicle every five years - though 21% have stuck with the same motor for at least a decade.
The primary motivation for switching vehicles for 46% of drivers was simply wanting something different, while 42% said they'd only change if their current vehicle became undriveable.
When hunting for a new car, 75% put price at the top of their list, 56% prioritise comfort, and 35% remain loyal to particular brands.
More than a third (37%) opt to purchase brand new vehicles when upgrading.
Looking ahead, 28% are considering making the switch to an electric vehicle within the next five years – though doubters cited cost (72%), insufficient charging infrastructure (54%) and range anxiety (53%) as obstacles to making the change.
The OnePoll.com survey revealed that 27% give their car a thorough clean inside and out once every few months, dedicating an average of 45 minutes to the task.
Gen Z motorists are the most meticulous about keeping their vehicles pristine, with 22% cleaning weekly – more than any other age group.
Andrew Winfield from Honda added: "Different people will prioritise different things when it comes to buying a new car, which is natural because there is so much to consider.
"It appears some still have reservations about whether to change to electrified vehicles, but with technology advancing it's a great time to make the switch."