Looking at the mileage the car has done is very misleading, especially when the vehicle is 10+ years old. A car with 20,000 miles could be on its last legs; a car with 200,000 miles may run like a Swiss watch and have years of useful life left. You cannot tell from the mileage alone.
Look at the vehicle's condition, but more importantly, look for proof that the car has been cared for - i.e. a full service history, with evidence to back up the history, i.e. receipts for the work done, a file of old MOT certificates etc etc.
If the car has been looked after even half-heartedly, there will be receipts and history with it.
Do not under any circumstances believe an owner, or a dealer, who tells you the car has a full service history but they "can't find the service book at the moment" or "will get you all the paperwork later".
If you're looking for an older Polo or Golf, there are literally thousands of them to choose from. Take your time, and if you're in any way suspicious about a car that you're looking at, listen to your instinct and walk away.
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