Twelve of the shortest lived cars sold in the UK

The average lifespan a new car model spends on the market is about seven to eight years – but some models get an unfortunate early axe.

This could be for several reasons – in some cases even because the car was ahead of its time.

In other circumstances, eccentric designs might have meant they never caught on. Or sometimes the automaker is just terribly wrong.

Here is a list of twelve shortest-lived cars sold in the UK, picked from Autocar’s full list of short-lived models, but have they made a lasting impression? Tell us your thoughts on this in the reader comments below.

Audi A2

First on the list of short-lived cars is the Audi A2, an example of which would cost around £1,800.

First introduced in 2000, this “rare off-target car from Audi” was only sold until 2005, according to Autocar.

With its functional low-drag styling, it was way ahead of its time.

High production costs coupled with slow sales led to its early demise and only 9,000 remain in the UK.

Peugeot RCZ

The following is the sad story of the Peugeot RCZ, one of which will set you back around £3,500.

What went wrong with this model? Was it that the so-called sports car shared its platform with a Partner van, as Autocar points out, or was it that buyers simply didn’t equate the Peugeot of the early 2000s with a dynamic, desirable two-seater coupe.

However, its striking looks and double spherical roof ensured it had its fans back then, and it still has now – with many suggesting that it is on the cusp of becoming a modern classic. Only 11,500 remain and sales in the UK lasted from 2010 to 2015.

Smart roadster

Thing the Peugeot RCZ is a quirky two-seater? “Hold my beer,” says the Smart Roadster. This small eccentric coupe with targa roof came on the market in 2003, but survived only four years until 2007.

With only about 3,000 left today, it remains a rare eye-catcher of a car. Autocar says a frustrating gearbox has hampered sales enormously, but potential classic status beckons.

A decent Smart roadster costs around £2,8000 these days.

The Honda CR-Z

Do you see a theme emerging here? Two off-the-wall coupes behind us, it’s now time to move on to the Honda CR-Z.

It disappeared from British showrooms in 2013, just three years after its introduction.

It was envisioned as a hybrid coupe update to the classic Honda CR-X of years past, but Autocar says it wasn’t fast enough to excite, while a regular diesel supermini matched its economy. That meant it didn’t quite live up to its promise of a low-guilt hybrid sports car.

There are around 3,800 left today and a Honda CR-Z would cost you £5,900.

Opel Ampera

The Vauxhall Ampera can certainly be placed ahead of its time.

The range extender electric car, in which a small petrol engine charged the battery, had a high price tag. This coupled with buyers’ indifference to green machines at the time caused it to drop from 2012 to 2015 after three short years.

There are around 1,200 Vauxhall Amperas on UK roads today and one of them costs £8,800. Ironically, there is quite a demand for second-hand buyers these days.

Range Rover Evoque Convertible

Is the Range Rover Evoque the most 2010 car ever? As the SUV market boomed, Land Rover came up with a cunning plan, chopping off the roof off an Evoque and selling it to those looking for a somewhat niche experience with wind in their hair.

With a starting price of £47,000, the Range Rover Evoque convertible proved too expensive to compete even among the British posing classes.

Hampered by its on-road dynamism, and possibly because the convertible SUV was a step too far, it struggled to sell and was only made between 2016 and 2019.

Today a Range Rover Evoque convertible will cost you around £30,000.

Ford Puma

Next up is the Ford Cougar, which tried to recapture the magic of the ’70s and ’80s Capri days.

But by the time this came out in 1999, the market had changed and it only lasted until 2002.

There are around 700 Cougars left today and one will cost you £1,500. Among those who like an inexpensive modern classic Ford, they are almost popular, but they are surpassed by the little brother the Ford Puma, which is considered a great ride.

Aston Martin Cygnet

First introduced in 2011, the Aston Martin Cygnet was only on the market for two years.

It was essentially an Aston Martin converted Toyota iQ city car, so considerably more luxurious inside and a lot more expensive.

Autocar says the Cygnet was allegedly conceived by two golf course executives, there are only 135 left today. The most likely place you’ll see one is on the posh streets of London. The owner probably still has a ‘real’ Aston Martin.

DeLorean

Despite its continued popularity, the DeLorean only remained on the market from 1981 to 1982. The story that the business side of the DeLorean operation was a mess is well known, but the problem with the car was that it was too heavy, not very fast and not very good. built.

However, by the standards of its time, it was certainly not a bad car, says Autocar.

With very few examples left on UK roads today, a DeLorean costs around £30,000. What would that value be if Back to the Future hadn’t had one? You need a time machine to figure that out.

Tesla roadster

Was this another failed roadster, a car destined only to burn bright and short, or ahead of its time? The Tesla Roadster lasted only one year on the market from 2010 to 2011.

Based on a Lotus Elise, Elon Musk’s company vision offered remarkable speed in an electric car, but range was limited.

An example might cost you what you’re willing to pay these days and it’s a clear collector’s car. Today it is estimated that there are only 41 left on UK roads.

There is only one Tesla Roadster for sale on AutoTrader todayit has covered 4,750 miles and has a price tag of £225,000.

Suzuki X-90

The strange appearance of the Suzuki X-90 really didn’t help this car’s chances in the market.

It only lasted two years from 1995 to 1997, because it couldn’t rival the convertible Jeep it targeted, Autocar says.

There are around 130 and one costs £1,500, but you’ll have to search high and low to find one. Even if you do, a Jimny might be the better choice.

Austin Allegro estate

The Austin Allegro was a much-sold car, but the station wagon is a rare beast.

Autocar says it doesn’t know how long it stayed on sale the Austin Allegro Estate was in production for only 100 days.

There are very, very few left in the UK.

Rarity has increased its value and you should expect to pay at least a few thousand pounds for an Austin Allegro Estate…if you can find one.

> Read more: Autocar’s full list of the shortest-lived cars for sale in the UK