cartorque vol 4 - ‘Why don’t british cars catch on?’

Alright, let’s talk about British cars. Now, don’t get me wrong—there’s something undeniably cool about a classic Jaguar or an old-school Mini Cooper. They've got charm, they've got history, and yeah, they’ve got that posh Cotswolds feeling going on. But when it comes to catching on globally, especially in places like the U.S. or Asia, British cars just don’t quite make the cut.

Why? Well, let me try break it down for you.

First off, reliability’s a biggie. Ask anyone who’s owned an older Land Rover or a Jaguar, and they’ll probably give you a look with tears in their eyes having Vietnam flashbacks. British cars, historically, have had a bit of a rep for being... temperamental. Like they’ve got their own mood swings. One day they’re running fine, next day it’s like they’ve decided they’d rather not. People don’t want to gamble every time they turn the key—they want to get to work without praying first.

Then there’s the price. British cars, especially the fancy ones, aren’t exactly cheap. They come loaded with luxury features, sure, but you’re paying a premium. And when you can get a German or Japanese car that’s just as comfy, runs like clockwork, and costs less to maintain, well… that’s a tough sell.

Oh, and let’s not forget parts and service. Outside the UK, getting a British car fixed can feel like trying to order tea in a pub after midnight—good luck you weird little man. Mechanics might not be familiar with them, and parts can be pricey or hard to find. That’s a headache people just don’t want.

There’s also this weird middle ground British cars fall into. They’re not quite mass-market affordable like Toyotas, but they’re not always as refined or cutting-edge as a top-shelf BMW or Mercedes either. It’s like they’re trying to be the best of both worlds, but end up not quite fitting in either.

And finally, brand image plays a role too. British carmakers have been bought, sold, merged, and resurrected so many times, it’s hard to keep track of who even owns what anymore. That kind of inconsistency doesn’t help build long-term trust.

So yeah, while British cars have got style and heritage in spades, they’re kind of like that charming friend who’s always late, slightly chaotic, and a bit high-maintenance—you love ‘em, but god do they get on your nerves.

Still could’ve been a Kia so every cloud.

Adam Woodruff

Writer