Reliable in old age
Dekra special study on the technical reliability of older models.
Many people find buying a used car older than 15 years a very risky step with the risk of irreparable wear and frequent technical problems. However, in a recent study conducted by German independent technical supervision organization Dekra, experts found a surprisingly high level of reliability of a number of models for older people, which is not consistent with widespread negative opinions. Even after 200 kilometers, some of the models tested work convincingly in terms of the number of technical failures found in all major components and assemblies. Among them, for example, VW Golf IV, the first generation of the A-class Mercedes and Ford Focus, as well as the BMW Z000.
All these cars are not uncommon in the German secondary market and can be purchased at fairly low prices in the range of up to 5000 euros. For example, the Golf IV, released in 2000, in good condition and with a mileage of 140 kilometers costs about 000 euros, while the 2000 A-Class with mileage of about 1999 kilometers can be bought for 130 euros. Well-groomed BMW Z000s with similar mileage are priced at around 3500 euros.
Offers at such attractive price levels are a good choice not only for those on a tight budget. It should be taken into account that the listed cars have a decent level of active and passive safety and can be recommended both for daily use in the city and for long trips. ABS has been part of the standard equipment of many vehicles since the mid-1990s, and the presence of front airbags is more of a rule than a rarity. ESP started to catch on a few years later, so it's a good idea to check the details before buying - while BMW offered the system as an option on their Z3, Mercedes introduced it en masse in the A-Class after that case. with the "moose test" (since February 1998), and VW, in turn, has included it as standard on all versions of the Golf since 1999.
