High mileage 02 Focus

[pigface]

I'm considering buying an 02 Ford Focus Estate. The trouble is, having been a fleet car it has an unusually high mileage of 95k. However, it has an absolutely perfect Ford service history, the body work is tidy, the cambelt will be changed before I purchase and the price is OK. What kind of problems could I expect from a Focus of this mileage and age? Is this a good buy or am I setting myself up for problems in the future? Thanks

[spammylou]

I would not consider this unusually high for an ex fleet car especially if it were a reps car. the thing with these is that most of them are probably motorway mileage, so no real wear and tear on clutches etc, and the servicing should have been done regular etc.  How much is it going for and have you checked out it's value according to Parkers or Glasses's guide.  I bought a 95k Golf M at auction and it was a great buy. Most cars are only run in at this mileage.  The only thing is you don't know is whether it belonged to one driver, or several different ones, and everyone drives differently!!!

[Fitzer]

In addition to the other replies (which I fully agree with) it is as well to consider what your yearly milage is likely to be and are you looking for the vehicle to retain much value when you come to change it. We always buy newish high milers as we only do low miles (6000) per year so after we've had it three years it's got 'average' miles on it.

[Dagman]

Dont forget the whole car has done 95k not just the engine! The suspension has worked the same as a 7 year old family car, the water pump, alternator, brakes, steering assembly etc too! just make sure you get a decent warranty with it. If they refuse, then don't they trust it's reliability? 

[spammylou]

warranties are a waste of time so many get out clauses. From my experience anyway.