The average age of cars on the road is rising, not just in Ireland, but right across Europe. It means garages are increasingly being called on to service cars from the 90’s or before and technical information specialist Autodata has produced some interesting lists of cars from days gone by that it is having the most searches for.

The European Automobile Manufacturer’s Association (ACEA) has reported that the average age of passenger cars in the EU is now 11.5 years. Several factors account for this age increase. Lack of new car sales during the pandemic has been an issue, as is increased reliability meaning higher mileages are now possible. A further factor to consider is the rise in popularity of modern classics, which means that models from the 1980s and 1990s are now much sought after.

Autodata says that as drivers hold onto their vehicles for longer, the onus on the aftermarket is likely to increase and technicians will be progressively called upon to service older vehicles with a wider range of issues.

Autodata recently studied its Enterprise Online Workshop Application to find out which pre-2000 classics, modern classics, and “old reliable” vehicles garages have serviced the most so far in 2021.

Topping the list from the 90s is Volkswagen Transporter T4, likely due to its cult following firmly rooted in both its versatility and its popularity as a campervan and its lengthy, 14-year production run. The T4 was the first Volkswagen to have a front-mounted, water-cooled engine. This was followed by the Opel Astra-G (1998-2000), Volvo 940 (1995-1998), Mercedes-Benz SLK (1996-2000) and the Toyota Corolla (1997-2000).

From the 80s, Autodata found the first-generation Mazda MX-5 to be the most serviced car. Production reached one million units in 2016, at which time the MX-5 held the Guinness World Record for the best-selling open-top two-seater sports car. The Volkswagen Transporter T3 (1982-1990) makes another appearance in second place, followed by the Volvo 240 (1989-1993), Volkswagen Transporter T3 (1984-1990) and Volvo 740 (1989-1990).

With regard to the 70s the Citroën 2CV-6 (1970-1990) topped the list followed by the Land Rover Series III (1971-1983), the earlier Volkswagen Transporter T2 (1971-1976), Alfa Romeo Alfetta (1978-1981) and again the Volkswagen Transporter T3 (1979-1983).

1960s favourites include the MG MGB (1967-1976), Fiat 500 (1965-1973), Volvo 142 (1968-1975), Volvo 121/Amazon (1968-1971) and the Morris Minor (1962-1974).  

Autodata Managing Director, Chris Wright commented, “We’re delighted to see so many classics and modern classics being serviced in workshops with our data. Service data for a vehicle doesn’t stay constant. At Autodata, we regularly update our information to reflect manufacturer updates for vehicles 30 years old and older. Old service manuals don’t cut it anymore if you want to keep that cherished motor running sweetly!”

Autodata’s online workshop application gives workshops instant access to over 34,000 models from 142 manufacturers. For more information about Autodata, visit www.autodata-group.com.