Should I buy this high-mileage Ford Focus?

I am considering buying a 1.6 TDCi Ford focus with 229k miles on the clock. Is the mileage just too high? Seller re-assures me that it is ok. What do you think?

Patrick Buckley (Inniscarra)

Jan 2025 Filed under: choosing used car

---

Expert answer

Hi Patrick,

That is very high mileage of course, but many diesels are quite capable of it so long as they're maintained properly. Look for a detailed service history covering oil changes in particular, and on-time timing belt changes as well. 

Even so, there's no doubt that a car with that mileage on it will require mechanical maintenance. I'd only consider such a car if the price was exceptionally low in comparison to other examples with lower mileages. 

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor
@Shane_O_D