My 1998 1.8 Ford Fiesta diesel has just clocked 200k miles. Sadly, the bodywork is now starting to corrode and I’d like to change it for another small 5-door diesel hatchback before the winter sets in. I have a budget of £4500. The level of trim and equipment doesn’t bother me, I just need reliability for frequent motorway runs.

Having read your guide to buying a used car, the websites of two small independent dealerships each have a Ford Fiesta 1.4 TDCi Style on their forecourt. The first is a 57 plate with 75k miles on the clock and the second is a 05 plate with 49k miles on the clock. Both are for sale at £3,595. Should I buy the newer car with the higher mileage or the older car with the suspiciously lower mileage?