Crossword Genius

Old model car, much corroded but considered reliable (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

trusted

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'reliable' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'old model car much corroded but considered' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'model' could be 't' (Ford Model T car) and 't' is found in the answer.
'car' could be 't' and 't' is found within the answer.
'old' could be 'used' (as in used or second-hand items) and 'used' is found within the leftover letters.
A single letter 'r' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for trusted that I've seen before include "Have confidence or faith in" , "Relied upon" , "Believed in" , "Put faith in" , "Banked on" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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