71% are nostalgic for car experiences, from winding down the window, paper maps, to listening to cassettes and CDs

New research from Aviva reveals that driving habits have shifted over the years, with many UK residents feeling nostalgic for a time on the road that was filled with family sing-alongs, games, and even winding the car window down manually^[1].

The survey of 4,000 UK adults found there are several experiences that Brits are nostalgic for. From highest to lowest, the top 10 nostalgic car experiences include: 

1. Listening to music on cassettes or CD players (28%)
2. Times shared driving with family members or friends who have since passed away (18%)
3. Popularity of road trips (18%) 
4. Family sing-alongs or games during long trips (18%).
5. Road trips without GPS and relying on paper maps (16%)
6. Winding down the window (15%)
7. Getting lost trying to find a destination, before GPS (14%)
8. Writing down directions before a trip (13%)
9. Visiting roadside diners (12%)
10. Asking people for directions (11%)

While 71% are nostalgic for car-related experiences, there are some items that people are happy to keep in the past. When asked which items they’re happy never to see again in a car, nearly two-fifths of Brits (38%) said fluffy dice, 35% said fuzzy steering wheel covers, and more than a third (34%) said beaded seat covers. One in four (25%) were happy to see the end of toys stuck to rear view mirrors, while 30% are relieved that offensive car stickers are a thing of the past.

However, not everyone has said goodbye to these now unpopular car items. Despite being a trend that many of the older generation will remember, beaded seat covers are still a hit for young drivers, as one in eight car owners aged 34 or under (12%) still have these in their vehicle – the highest of all age groups. It’s also this generation that is fond of fluffy dice, with one in 10 (10%) still displaying these upon their windscreen. Although nostalgic, this could potentially pose a risk, as the Highway Code states drivers should have a clear view of the road with no obstructions, and that they should avoid any potential distractions^[2]. 

It seems many also miss a previous car they’ve owned. Just under one in five (19%) miss a car they’ve sold, 15% say they found it really hard to give up a previous car and just under one in ten (7%) still have a keepsake from a car they once owned, such as an old keyring or car accessory.

James Driscoll, Senior Motor Claims Manager at Aviva, said: “While some of us may fondly remember changing CDs or cassette tapes and having large, fluffy dice hanging from the rear view mirror, this could be seen to be a distraction under the Highway Code – not to mention the latter obstructing your view. Though most cars will now have a different means of playing music, such as through Bluetooth, the temptation to change songs and become distracted as a result, is still a possibility which is why it’s important to take five minutes to prepare your car for the journey ahead. 

“A few simple steps, such as by checking your view is clear and setting up your route and music in advance, can help reduce the chances of an incident or accident while on the road.  If you’re heading off on a long trip, you could consider tuning into a radio station that provides traffic updates to avoid any last-minute diversions or delays. It’s also worth checking that your car is trip-worthy by ensuring that tyres are pumped up and in good condition, your car is fully charged or has a full tank of fuel, and that your oil and coolant levels are where they should be.”

Read the full Miles of Memories research.

-Ends- 

References

^1. _{The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 4,000 nationally representative respondents. The data was collected between 07.02.2025 - 12.02.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.}

_{“71% are nostalgic for car experiences” statistic is the inverse of “There are no nostalgic car-related experiences I miss the most” answer option. [↑]}

^2. _{The Highway Code – rule 97, rule 148 and Annex 6. Vehicle maintenance, safety and security. [↑]}

Enquiries: