Any second hand car is a risk. As long as the price reflects this risk you should be in a position to cover any unexpected bills.

A clutch can go on any car, on a Fiesta its a cheap enough job.

My dad was a driving instructor and only had Fiesta diesels over 25 years. They were serviced 3-5 times a year and he never had a problem with clutch or gearbox due to driver abuse (one clutch failed early on due to a slave cylinder failing, the car was almost new).

I bought one off him after 2 years and 70,000 miles. I took it to 90,000 and I saw the car a few years later with about 130,000 on the clock. My sister bought the one he had before retiring, this had done 100,000 and she took that to 130,000 with just one injector needing replacing.

Thanks for the input. It is revealing that nobody (who has responded) has actually had major problems in spite of the perception people have.

I saw only one petrol version (a 2010 Zetec) at the place that was advertising them. I don't do enough miles to justify a diesel. It drove OK but had a rippled n/s door and the bonnet had been (badly) repaired and still had a crack in the paintwork which the salesman said was a scratch, but was obvioulsy a small crease. Also they relied on the manufacturers warranty if it still had any but only offered 1 month otherwise and then an extra cost option with Car Protect for 3 or 6 months. I thought a dealer had to give 3 months at least. I could imagine that if there were any problems, they would try to wash their hands of it. I walked!

Although not ex-driving school cars I've had 2 ex-rental cars. A Fiat Punto and a Hyundai i10. Never had any problwms with the i10 and although the Punto's power steering failed after 3 years I don't think that was anything to do with the previous owner - it's a common problem unfortuneatley.