My old micra ('93) is still mechanically very good. Bodyworks is ok and passes MOT. Sure it doesn't *look* very "good" but it idles without a hiccup - Passes emission tests well within limits, (I did have to renew the O2 sensor 5 years ago!) uses no oil (I change the oil about every 3 years (yes I know it's a long time) but use semisynth. The car cruises at 70 (could do more) for hours without the temp gauge moving from just below 1/2 way point (as it always has). A whole list of other good things...
But some bloke in a suit comes along on the BBC and repeatedly goes on about someone's "banger" being used as part-exchange for a new car with the govs £2000 scam. The camera show just about everything falling off the car. Well maybe the scheme is good - I don't know, but my old car (even if it is a toy car) does what I want - is very economic and a piece of cake to park. It's also damn good at stopping.
Of course said bloke in a suit has probably never got his hands dirty, or put a nut on a bolt - which probably goes for most well-paid staff of the BBC. They are so out of touch...