I still see a lot of the 2002 - 2008 Fiesta about. I think they're great cars that appear to be built to last. Maybe the fact that we have one makes us notice them more? We've a 2005 Fiesta 1.4 Zetec that we bought for my daughter to learn to drive in. We've now had it for 3 years and it has flown through every MOT without needing any work. Granted, it was good find, low mileage, full history, but it's costing us nothing and now that daughter has a newer car, my son will learn to drive on it next year. I quite enjoy pootling round in it, especially knowing it costs next to nothing to run!

Good to hear it's still going - I used to have a 2003 1.4 Zetec, quite smart and a more modern improvement on the previous one which was an old design and prone to rust. Should last a while if you look after it, cambelt etc and keep the underneath rust free.

There's still a good number of those Fiestas and Astras around - my Dad owns on the former (2008 model and only changed out its original battery last winter!), still going ok, and my next-door neighbour has one of those Astras, both of which are of a similar vintage to my late 2005 build Mazda 3, which is holding up well even on the wheel arch rust front.

Both my Dad's car and mine have as yet (touch wood) passed every MOT.

What I am seeing a lot less of are mk1 Ford Focuses.

Yes a good point, the Mk1 Focus are a rare sight now, probably oldest ones are 21 or 22 years old. A great car in it's day. That era was a high point for Ford - the original KA, Puma and Mondeo all excellent models with great handling and design in their original mk1 series pre facelift. Don't mention the Probe...

'MK 4 Astra - used to be loads around but now a rare sight, last models were 2004 I think? Likely rust. Saying that the MK5 is heading the same way. The current shape from 2010 is probably now entering banger territory.'

I can see one of these outside, it's the SWMBO car purchased at 9.5 years years old from local garage at cost of £2,300 and been in her ownership for last 6.5 years. Non scheduled repairs to date have been:-

• Replacement radiator.
• Replacement rear window regulator.
• Replacement brake pipes
• Replacement battery.
• Replacement rear light (accident damage).
• Replacement front lights (the old ones were misty & pair of replacement lights cost £55).

There is no noticeable rust on bodywork and underneath is in good condition.

Unless something major goes wrong, we will look to replace in about 2 years time, if we get £100 for it then, it will have cost us £21 a month in depreciation.

Noticed recently quite a few makes and models have quietly disappeared from the roads, some probably due to rust but others maybe written off after technical MOT failures?.....

......Probably no more complicated explanation than the fact most cars don't make it beyond their 10th birthday.

Yes they do - last known figure of average scrap age is 13.9 years, and presumably this includes crashed young write-offs.

www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/126626/cars-scrapp...o

It's been around the 14 year mark "forever" - well since the '60s anyway

Relatively unremarkable cars of this vintage (2000-2004) generally fall into the £200-1000 range unless very low mileage and immaculate.

Rust used to be the main killer - but the reality is that even minor repairs and replacements can cost more than the car is worth. Head gasket, new clutch, exhaust, battery, even new tyres and a service can each cost close to or more than the vehicle is worth.

It is only when attrition has reduced the number of survivors to one or two digits that they may start to assume some sort of "classic" status. Otherwise they are just "bangers" on their last outing before the great scrapyard in the sky!