Latest news with #Mk1FordFocus
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
'I'm a mechanic and you should avoid buying these used cars in UK before major change'
As the used car market continues to grow, experts have been warning potential buyers of what to look out for, including which models to choose, and which to avoid A car mechanic has issued a stark warning to motorists looking to buy used cars, naming certain models that he believes should be avoided. The trend of opting for second-hand vehicles over brand new ones has surged in recent years, as drivers hunt for nearly-new cars at bargain prices. This shift in consumer behaviour has allowed some car dealers to increase their prices in response to the increased demand. However, amidst the scramble for a premium deal, experts have been advising potential buyers on what to look out for, which models to opt for, and which to steer clear of. In response to a query about the least reliable vehicles, car mechanic and author James Goodhand offered some advice on which cars prospective buyers should approach with caution. James singled out two popular brands at opposite ends of the premium scale, pinpointing Jaguar Land Rover 's Range Rover model and certain used Ford cars as ones to avoid. Speaking about Range Rovers, he said: "The ownership experience is akin to sitting in a comfy leather chair on top of a block of flats, tearing up fifty-pound notes." He added: "As I have had to advise several unfortunate customers who've faced ruination, this is a £100k car and no matter that you bought it second hand for £25k, it still has the running costs of a hundred-grand vehicle, and an appallingly built one at that." On Fords, James added: "Sadly (as a historic blue oval fan) I tend to direct people away from used Fords. The petrol engines with their 'wet belts' can be an absolute disaster - killing an engine if they break or disintegrating with a consequent 2k repair bill. "Timing belts are reliant on friction and rubber breaks down in oil, and yet these engines have the belt quite deliberately running in engine oil as a timing chain would. And Ford's diesels seem to suffer more particulate filter issues than most, so the brand is best avoided full stop." While James slammed second-hand Fords, another motor expert sang the praises of one of the marque's most beloved models, the Ford Focus, claiming it represented excellent value in the used market. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Paul Lucas championed the Mk1 Ford Focus for its straightforward design and dependability. He told the publication: "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." The contrasting views from James and Paul emerge as the pre-owned vehicle sector experiences significant transformation, driven by growing numbers of electric motors flooding the marketplace. This trend has been highlighted by the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) who reported that appetite for second-hand electric vehicles had rocketed in 2024. In a statement, they said: "Demand continued to soar for used battery electric cars (BEVs), rising some 57.4% to a record 188,382 units and achieving a new high for market share, at 2.5%, up from 1.7% in 2023 and 13 times larger than back in 2019. "Combined, the number of used electrified vehicles changing hands increased by 43.3% on 2023, with more than half a million of these ultra low or zero emission motors accounting for a 7.7% share of sales. "This growth aligns with the new car market and demonstrates the increasing demand and choice across the sector for new and used electric motors - at price points to suit all potential buyers."
Daily Mirror
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Mechanic opens up on 'most reliable car in the world' and it's 20 years old
Pro mechanic Paul Lucas has revealed the most 'reliable car in the world' after buying a second-hand model for just £500 over a decade ago before 'all the unnecessary bells and whistles came in' 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." 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 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." Want big news with big heart? Get the top headlines sent straight to your inbox with our Daily Newsletter 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?
Scottish Sun
28-06-2025
- 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.
Wales Online
26-06-2025
- 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 Mirror
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
'I'm a car mechanic and this £500 20-year-old motor is top for reliability'
An experienced mechanic has recommended a 20-year-old used car as one of the most reliable vehicles one can buy after purchasing one for £500 - and it's all down to how simple it is An expert mechanic has endorsed a 20-year-old used car as one of the most reliable motors on the market to purchase. Paul Lucas, a respected mechanic, praised the Mk1 Ford Focus as a solid second-hand buy due to its simplicity and dependability. An owner of a Mk1 himself, Paul revealed 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." Paul isn't alone in his views on used cars, with other mechanics and car experts also sharing their thoughts in recent months, reports the Express. With the cost of living on the rise, more people are turning to the used car market for their latest motor purchase instead of buying new. Some have even opted for second-hand electric cars, although many remain hesitant. Jeff Wong, a used car controller at Porsche Centre Bristol, told the Express that customers were still cautious due to concerns over battery health. 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, other motoring experts have been providing advice on the prime time to flog a second-hand motor as well as the best time to snap one up. A spokesperson for the car selling service told the Express that the optimal period for offloading a used vehicle might have already gone by. 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."
