Latest news with #PaulLucas
Scottish Sun
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Car mechanic expert reveals most reliable used car in UK… it's 20 years old and cost just £500
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The MK1 Ford Focus is one of the most reliable cars on the roads Credit: BNPS 3 Some versions of the car cost just £500 Credit: BNPS 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.
The Sun
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Car mechanic expert reveals most reliable used car in UK… it's 20 years old and cost just £500
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. 3 3 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. 3
The Irish Sun
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Car mechanic expert reveals most reliable used car in UK… it's 20 years old and cost just £500
A LEADING car mechanic has revealed one of the UK's most reliable cars. The 20-year-old Advertisement 3 The MK1 Ford Focus is one of the most reliable cars on the roads Credit: BNPS 3 Some versions of the car cost just £500 Credit: BNPS Paul Lucas, a car expert, has said that the iconic MK1 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. Advertisement Read more about used cars here He said: 'For me a 20-year-old 1.6 litre Mk1 '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. Advertisement Most read in Motors 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 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 Advertisement The Dealers will be eager to fill up their stocks and you'll get some money off of your purchase, making both parties happy. However, Advertisement 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 Advertisement 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. 3 The humble vehicle is known for its simplicity Credit: BNPS
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Mechanic reveals that this 20-year-old car is the most reliable in the world
Mechanic reveals that this 20-year-old car is the most reliable in the world Paul Lucas, a mechanic, said that the Mk1 Ford Focus is the most reliable car in the world due to its simplicity and reliability - and it's also a cheap used car to buy (Image: Iancu Cojocar / 500px via Getty Images ) Buying a new car during the cost of living crisis, has become an increasingly difficult task as shoppers consider longevity as well as price. However, an experienced mechanic has shared that a 20-year-old used car is actually one of the most reliable vehicles to purchase. Paul Lucas, a well-known mechanic, praised the Mk1 Ford Focus as a solid used car choice due to its simplicity and reliability. As an owner of a Mk1, Paul revealed that he had purchased one of these vehicles for £500 15 years ago and it hadn't missed a beat thanks to his meticulous maintenance. Speaking to the Daily Mail, 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.", reports the Express. Paul recommended the Ford Focus for it's reliability (Image: Getty ) Paul isn't alone in his views on used vehicles, with other mechanics and car experts also sharing their thoughts in recent months. Article continues below In today's current climate, more people are turning to the used car market for their latest vehicle purchase instead of buying new. Some individuals have even opted to buy a second-hand electric car, although many remain hesitant. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here Jeff Wong, a used car controller at Porsche Centre Bristol, told the Express that customers were still cautious due to concerns over battery health. Paul Lucas, praised the Mk1 Ford Focus , which was also a successful rally car (Image: Getty ) He explained: "People are now starting to ask the question. But now we have devices in all our Porsche centres where we can actually test the battery life of an electric vehicle. Our cars are around the five-year mark, 2020 is when they were first launched, so they are about five years old. "We are getting more and more people asking the questions, and we can quite simply plug in the batteries and tell the customers exactly what kind of life is left on these cars. Hopefully, with that we can give them good news and give them more confidence buying these cars." Meanwhile, specialists have been available to advise on the optimal times for selling and purchasing a second-hand vehicle. A representative from the pre-owned car purchasing service informed the Express that the prime time for selling a used car might already be behind us. They shared with the news outlet that April was the peak month due to dealerships' need to restock their showrooms in springtime. Their comment was: "April is the sweet spot for selling a used car. Dealers need stock to replenish their forecourts after the surge in new car sales in March, and many buyers are looking for a more affordable alternative to a brand-new model." Article continues below
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Loch Lomond Shores to host thrilling Summerfest with live music and family fun
The free family festival at Loch Lomond Shores is back and will be a weekend packed full of activities and fun for all ages. The popular Summerfest on the banks of Loch Lomond will return next weekend as revellers get set to soak up live music and entertainment. The free family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on July 5 and 6, with lots of things to see and do. With live music and entertainment, a whole host of street food and stalls, children's rides and much more, it promises to be a family day out for everyone. Lomond Radio will be taking control of the stage this year, hosting and organising the musical line-up over the weekend, featuring talented local musicians. In addition, Lomond Radio will also be front and centre for the Summerfest event and Loch Lomond Shores' Christmas Festival as part of a new partnership. Paul Lucas, from Lomond Radio, said: 'We're delighted to further develop our long-standing relationship with Loch Lomond Shores and be part of these two great family festivals. 'It not only allows us to raise awareness of all the great things we're doing at Lomond Radio but also helps in our dedication to promoting talented local musicians.' With a big line up of local stage acts, festival-goers will be entertained from 10am to 5pm. And with children's entertainers on hand throughout the weekend, including a stilt walker and bubble artist on Sunday, as well as children's rides – there's plenty going on off the stage too. To keep visitors hydrated and fed, there will be a wide range of street food to complement the onsite options – including Jurassic Grill, Café Zest and Caffe at the Shores. And for shopping, you can browse the wide range of stalls with artisan gifts and local produce, as well as pop into stores such as Frasers, Mountain Warehouse, Hawkshead and more offering everything from health foods to hiking boots. For those looking to enjoy time on Loch Lomond, Sweeney's Cruises and Loch Lomond Leisure will be operating regular cruises from Loch Lomond Shores or you can hire a pedal boat, canoe, kayak or SUP. The Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, adventure golf, play park and SEA LIFE complete the perfect day out with lots to see and do. Audrey Calder from Loch Lomond Shores said: 'We're hoping the weather is kind for Summerfest so that festival goers can have the best time and take advantage of all the great things going on. 'We're all about families here at Loch Lomond Shores and what better way to show that than by hosting a free summer festival that everyone can come and enjoy – even four-legged family members.'
