That looks pretty decent. No reason why it can't go on for a few years yet.

Look at the basics - for example, the tyres. The one tyre that's been photographed is a Goodyear, so that indicates that the owner hasn't skimped on things - they could have fitted cheap chinese ditchfinders, but they've spent that bit extra. If the service history is similar, then there's no real reason not to buy it.

As to the best deal you can get - well, it all depends what the garage paid for it, and how long they've had it sitting around in stock.

The 1.6 is a chain-cam engine if I remember correctly so there's no cam belt to worry about, thankfully.

At this mileage, you're looking at potential clutch, flywheel and suspension issues, so check that the gear change is smooth and the clutch isn't slipping. Listen out for knocking noises from the suspension and check the wheels for kerb damage or rust. Rust on the bodywork was also apparently an issue on early cars. A good quality interior is always a prime indicator that the car has been looked after.

The 1.6 petrol engine isn't complicated, so it should be fairly trouble-free. It's just a bit gutless that's all.

Edited by SLO76 on 22/08/2017 at 18:06

Hi,

I have 2004 Ford Fiesta Finesse 3dr (86k miles, 12 month MOT, 1 previous owner). My baby is due in November so i want to exchange for 5dr car.

I want to trade in my fiesta with Mazda 3 (Only 1 owner from new)

www.murrayburnmotors.co.uk/used-mazda-3-broxburn-s...1

I have checked the MOT history ,it was consitstently clocked 16k every year (8*16k = 128k), it passed MOT all the years apart from last year.

I don't know much about cars, Is it worth buying petrol car with more than 128k milleage?

And also what is the best deal i can get from this car?

I also had a look at the MOT history, and all was well until this year, so I suspect the owner off-loaded it after getting all the failures (check that worn tyre was replaced if you can as it was only an 'advisory' item) repaired, but to be fair, none of the 'fail' items were previously 'advisories' and probably just wore out through high usage.

I world check to see the level of servicing it has had, as the manufacturers service interval is 12.5k miles or 1 year (whichever is the shorter), just in case the previous owner scrimped by having it looked at once a year, especially if done at a 'back alley' garage or themselves. The mileage is fine for that car (I have a Mazda3 1.6 petrol which is 2-3 years older, but admitedly has done half the miles - there's quite a few near me that look fine after similar miles to that one) as regards the engine IF kept up to date with the servicing, especially the engine oil (as its a chain-driven engine - mine doesn't use much oil though, even when I've done more miles in a year).

If you can get hold of the previous owner to do a more thorough check of the servicing and maintenance history, all the better. One thing that did slightly worry me on second glance is that as the car has consistently done high mileage, and thus SHOUL'VE been serviced more often than once a year, I would've expected one or two at least of the 'fail' items to have been picked up as potential problems at the previous service, whether by a main dealer (especially) or an independent.

I've had a couple of 'advisories' over my car's 11+ years (from new) of ownership, and they always were picked up by the mechanic (a different one to that doing the MOT - its a 'group' main dealership with other manufacturers sharing a separate MOT facility round the corner) at the service. Unfortunately for me, mine is serviced and MOTed on the time day (lower annual mileage) so I don't get the chance to rectify any problems before the test unless they are obvious to me (like the clucth change it needed last summer).

As SLO say,s, lot of decent one about if you're not sure - don't be pushed into getting a specific car, take your time to get a good'un. Best of luck.