A mechanic says a two-decade-old model of vehicle continues to perform better than newer cars.
When we talk about reliable cars, discussions often revolve around recent models packed with electronics or brands known for their reliability. However, some professionals in the sector defend a much more down-to-earth vision. For them, robustness is not measured by the number of screens or assistance, but by the capacity of a car to withstand the years without becoming a financial pit. This is exactly the message conveyed by Paul Lucas, renowned mechanic.
According to this automotive professional, the best compromise is not a recent high-tech model, but a compact launched at the end of the 1990s, designed before the massive arrival of electronic gadgets. In an interview with the Daily Mail, he confided: “It’s the gold standard. It was designed before the arrival of all these useless gadgets and even allows you to start the car with a real key rather than by pressing a button. I bought mine 15 years ago for 575 euros and I don’t regret it.”
This particular model marked a turning point for the brand in question. At the end of the 1990s, it served as the basis for an entire generation of compacts and helped to restore the manufacturer’s image in Europe. Its success was such that it won the title of European Car of the Year in 1999 and was among the best sellers for several seasons. The vehicle in question? The Ford Focus Mk1 1.6 liter. Also, even though production of this iconic name stopped last year, its legacy continues to circulate on the roads. Even today, we find them at affordable prices, with ads barely exceeding 1,000 euros. For many buyers, this price remains attractive, especially when combined with proven mechanics.
Automotive experts point out another advantage: ease of maintenance. The magazine What Car? recalls that spare parts for vehicles produced between 1998 and 2004 are still widely available. “Like most cars of this age and price, the advantage is that there are hundreds of thousands of them on the road, and almost every garage is competent to repair them. They are relatively simple to maintain, and the availability of spare parts, both new and used, is a plus: you should never have difficulty obtaining the necessary items.”
This abundance limits costs and reassures drivers who fear unexpected bills. However, it is important to note one point of vigilance: age. As the years go by, some heavy repairs can exceed the value of the car itself. This would be the case, for example, with the replacement of a timing belt, requiring careful consideration of each intervention.
