BUYING CARS

AT some point, my colleagues and I have all explained why there's no reason to fear high-mileage used cars.

- SHANE WILKINSON

However, after a very good friend of mine purchased a 2001 Vauxhall Astra van with over 220,000 miles on the clock, it got me thinking: why exactly is this very well used, ageing workhorse still running so sweetly?

I'm sure you already know that stringent maintenance is the key to keeping a car alive and healthy over the years, and that a fully stamped service book is akin to the Holy Grail. However, how much thought have you given to a car's previous owner?