Mechanic reveals 'most reliable car in the world' and it's 20 years old

A top motor mechanic has revealed one particular model of car that is both inexpensive and the 'top for reliability'.

Experienced car technician Paul Lucas purchased a second-hand Mk1 Ford Focus over a decade ago for just £500, and insists it's the most dependable vehicle available on the used car market. The pro argued the model is a sound choice because of a combination of simplicity, reliability and the time it was built.

"For me, a 20-year-old 1.6 litre Mk1 Ford Focus is top for reliability," he told the Daily Mail. "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."

READ MORE: Mechanic warns drivers to avoid buying certain types of used cars for key reason

Launched in the late 1990s, The Mk1 Ford Focus was praised for its solid build quality and enjoyable driving dynamics. Replacing the iconic and best-selling Ford Escort, the Focus quickly gained popularity due to its balance of comfort, handling and practicality. Its petrol engines, especially the 1.6-litre variants, are known for their durability when properly maintained.

Meanwhile, experts have also offered advice on the best times to buy and sell used cars. A spokesperson for the used car buying service BigWantsYourCar.com told the Express that the optimal time to sell a used car may have already passed for this year.

They said: "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."

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With the cost of living crisis still affecting a great many British households, increasing numbers of people are turning to the used car market for their next purchase. While some buyers have chosen to go for second-hand electric cars, many remain cautious about making the switchover.

Jeff Wong, a used car controller at Porsche Centre Bristol, also explained to the Express that potential buyers are still concerned about battery health. He warned: "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 question, 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 in buying these cars."

The Mk1 Ford Focus remains a highly recommended used car for those seeking reliability and value. As experienced mechanic Paul puts it: "I bought mine 15 years ago for £500 and have no regrets."

In 2025, Ford announced that the Focus will no longer be built as the manufacturer pivots towards crossover vehicles and electrification. But as a 20-year-old one is so cheap and reliable, who needs a new one?

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