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The owner of a Derbyshire-built Toyota car has hailed its build quality after racking up an incredible 560,000 miles.

Thomas Downey, owner of the Carina E Turbo Diesel, recently paid a visit to the Japanese car-maker’s Burnaston factory, where his car was made in 1997.

The car was originally bought new from a Toyota dealership 22 years ago and has stayed within the same family in Newry, Northern Ireland.

Earlier this year, Mr Downey contacted the Burnaston plant to tell them about his car’s durability. It was then shipped back to the factory’s Quality Assurance Division, along with a brief history of the vehicle provided by Mr Downey.

Mr Downey himself was then invited to visit Burnaston, where he was treated to a tour of the plant and test track. While at the factory, he was reunited with his Carina E.

According to Mr Downey, the vehicle has retained its original engine and gearbox throughout its life and apart from a replacement internal heater matrix and two drive shafts, only required replacement of consumable parts such as oil and filters to keep on driving as it should.

He said, “What has distinguished this vehicle from every other vehicle I have owned or driven is its exceptional build quality, reliability and durability.