Kudos. Sounds like a great buy.

I’ve bought several very low mileage cars for my wife over the years. Usually where the previous owner has died or given up driving. The biggest issues I’ve had are:

1. Engines tend to be coked up, sludged up or both, or well on their way to being. However there is remedy

Run it on Shell VPower, Esso Supreme or BP Ultimate. My wife currently has a C1 (Toyota Aygo engine) and it runs best on the Esso. Any of these will reverse the effects of coking up over 5000 miles or so.

Change the oil every 3 months for the first year and flush at each change. Add Wynns Diesel Flush before draining and then flush with a proper flush oil (I use Comma Flush Out). Then flush with 2 litres or so of the same oil you’re gonna use for refill. I also use a new filter the first time I flush and then remove it and keep it for subsequent flushes. In the second year change twice with the same regime. In the third year and on continue to change twice but just flush once.

2. Tyres. With such a low mileage it’s likely the rear tyres are original, in which case they’ll be over 10 years old. Have the front tyres replaced (unless they are nearly new) and moved to the rear. Put the current rears on the front and get some more wear out of them for a year and then replace them.

3. Brakes: I’ve found that cars like this tend to have pads with little wear, but discs with loads of rust. I always inspect them and if they are like that replace pads and discs when down to 3mm friction material (and in any case never drop below 2mm).

Cars like this also tend not to have had wipers replaced. Check them carefully and replace if there is any doubt over their condition. Give the screen a good clean with polish if you have it or toothpaste if you don’t (and plenty of elbow grease). Wash off with a solution of washer fluid. Do not use the wipers to wipe the polish away.

Whenever I buy a new car I usually replace all filters, plugs, MTF, brake fluid and coolant no matter what the service history says. Usually after about a month or so.

The nay-sayers will be along soon to tell you this is all un-necessary and OTT. However, servicing is cheap compared to a knackered car. I’ve always got great service out of my cars and often sold them on to very appreciative owners who’ve also continued to get great service from them. Treat her like a lady and she’ll love you back.

Enjoy and stay safe.