Car mechanic expert reveals most reliable used car in UK… it's 20 years old and cost just £500

The Sun

28-06-2025

A LEADING car mechanic has revealed one of the UK's most reliable cars.
The 20-year-old vehicle has none of the usual, 'unnecessary bells and whistles' and costs just £500.
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Paul Lucas, a car expert, has said that the iconic MK1 Ford Focus is one of the best cars that money can buy.
According to him, it's both reliable and focuses on simplicity.
The star is an owner of an MK1 vehicle himself and bought it for just £500.
He's owned the car for over 15 years and has never looked back.
He said: 'For me a 20-year-old 1.6 litre Mk1 Ford Focus is top for reliability.
'It was designed before all the unnecessary bells and whistles came in and even lets you start the car with a real key rather than press a button.
'I bought mine 15 years ago for £500 and have no regrets.'
According to AutoExpress, the Focus has an "incredible agility" thanks to its innovative multi-link rear suspension.
Although the engine isn't the most fearsome on the road, it's 113bhp 1.8-litre four cylinder units remain fresh for years.
The car has a spacious interior, with 350 litres of boot space which is only 31 litres less than a brand-new Volkswagen Golf Mark 8.
Ford is forced to immediately shut down factories and halt car production as CEO admits 'day to day' struggle for brand
As the cost of a new vehicle soars, Brits are looking for alternative ways of getting on the roads for less.
According to Wheeler Dealer superstar Mike Brewer, there is an easy trick which can help you bag a used car for less.
The TV presenter says that motorists should look to part-exchange their vehicles to get some money off.
Mike said: 'A dealer would be happy to do a much better deal with you on your part exchange, therefore giving you a much better deal on the car you're buying in the hope he can put your car in stock and sell it again.'
Dealers will be eager to fill up their stocks and you'll get some money off of your purchase, making both parties happy.
However, the star did issue a warning to drivers looking to exchange their car.
He said: 'Make sure if you've got a good part exchange.
'If you've got a decent car, clean it, make sure it's really presentable and choose the right dealer to take it to and change up your car.
'That is very important.'
Car sales have remained stable over the year, with the Ford Puma topping the sales charts.
Over 21,900 models have been sold this year, with the Kia Sportage coming in second place with over 19,600 sales being made.
In a close third, the Nissan Qashqai has sold over 17,000 models.
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