I'm a mechanic - this 20-year-old used car is the most reliable in the world

A top motoring mechanic has revealed one 20-year-old car which has amazing reliability and could be a top tip for those on the lookout for a new second-hand car. Mechanic Paul Lucas said the Ford Focus Mk1 was his top pick for motorists desperate for something to last.

Paul admitted he purchased his Focus a staggering 15 years ago, with the Mk1 model still running today. He admits that he has "no regrets" with the model not putting a foot wrong in a decade and a half. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Paul 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."

The Mk1 Focus was very popular on its launch, with the model one of the best-selling vehicles in the country. The model even won European Car of the Year in 1999, meaning the Mk1 has a legacy set to stand the test of time.

The Mk1 was produced between 1998 and 2004 with a higher-performance RS model released in 2002. Mk1 Focus' are still very affordable, with models available on second-hand marketplace site AutoTrader listed for just over £1,000.

WhatCar? said age was now the biggest factor for Mk1 Focus' with even the latest models now over 20 years old. Experts said many vehicles had become "uneconomical to maintain" with a cambelt change likely to cost more than the value of the entire vehicle.

Meanwhile, experts said the cars are relatively simple to work on with new and used cars available.

WhatCar? added: "Compared to the current family hatchback offerings, the original Ford Focus is a relatively simple car, meaning there's less to go wrong.

"Any recall work should have been done by now. So, buy on condition and service history: if it looks like it's been cherished then it probably has been. Ask for its service book, and check that it's fully stamped up."