Is this a sign of the times? A main dealer selling on a 7 year old Fiesta with less than perfect history? In normal times it would be on a transporter to auction, or sold to the trade.

On the face of it, if a 'main dealer' is prepared to market a 7-year-old 'foreigner' I would assume that they have confidence in it as a decent car. Missing history may mean little, other than the recent owner didn't bother to get the record stamped because the warranty had expired.

Way back when my daughters were getting their first cars, they each got a Peugeot from the local Nissan dealer. Both nice little cars and cheaper than from the nearby Pug dealer - and they got a bunch of flowers too.

But you ask above - should I trust a main dealer? All over the motor trade there are good 'uns and not-so-good 'uns. Until you discover how that land lies you may just have to take a few risks. Some (most, if you're lucky) will pay off. Don't forget the basic rule - if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

I don't think main dealerships care that much to be honest. ... they made me test drive a car that was only 3 years old again but absolutely disgusting with mud, dog hair and horrendous smell, and back seats completely wet from God knows what. They hadn't even bothered cleaning the car.

The way I see it is that they try to cheat you from the word go so now I tend to lack total trust with what they tell me. When I asked for a discount for the Fiesta at the Nissan dealership it was far too easy, they usually fight a bit more for that. Don't know whether this is a bad sign.

This may say as much about you as about them. As I said above, there are good 'uns and not-so-good 'uns, so maybe you have been unlucky so far. When you have started to trust no-one it's a hard habit to break and it won't help to find the right car.

As regards cleaning the car, you could see that as being honest, letting you see how it has been lived in. If such a car is otherwise complete and in good nick, you can haggle for a discount and insist on complete valeting before delivery.

I am beating myself up for that but didn't of taking the mileage info at last service. I have enquired with the dealership but have ignored my request. From MOT history which was done around the time of service, it looks like it did at least 20k between now and last service.

Thanks! Some interesting cars there, actually I am due to see the grey Yaris tomorrow and Suzuki Swift was sth I am also starting to consider. Will check them out in details ;-) thanks again for the selection!

The Yaris in the third ad seems to have a lot of rusted nuts and bolts in the engine bay area from the picture. Is it anything to be concerned about?

Rust on bolts etc appears on both our Japanese cars even after a couple of years (Civic and Mazda 3). As long as that is all it is, it’s not an issue. Rust in panels or structural parts is a much more serious issue.

i just treat it with a bit of grease or, if a bit heavier, Hammerite. It’s cosmetic.

Thanks everyone!! Will see 2 Yaris today including this one so fingers crossed one of them works out!