CONSUMERS are being urged to think twice before disregarding high mileage cars as a bad buy, according to Used Car Buyer magazine.

Not only are they often better maintained, but they also offer the buyer savings as high as £2,000 on volume models like the Ford Focus and up to £5,000 on prestige vehicles.

A 2001 registered BMW 530i Sport would normally sit on a forecourt at £22,400 with average mileage, but double the mileage to 70,000 and the buyer can save £4,600.

However, the desire for low mileage cars also helps fuel a £100m-a-year illegal clocking scam.

Guy Baker, from Used Car Buyer magazine, said: "Not only will a lower mileage car sell quicker, the unscrupulous seller will also gain financially by adding another few thousand to the screen price.

"Traders admit that clocking only exists because of popular demand. However, where one buyer is over paying, another can make major savings."

Consumers believe that a car with over 90,000 miles on the clock is nearing the end of its life.

Mr Baker added: "This couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s a self-inflicted consumer stigma based on history rather than fact.”

Since 1970, the average life of a mass-produced car has more than doubled thanks to improved production techniques, engineering tolerances, anti-corrosion treatments and the use of galvanised steel.

Newer high-mileage cars tend to have spent most of their time doing long haul motorway journeys, which put little strain on the engine. As fleet-operated vehicles, they will have been meticulously serviced, according to experts at Used Car Buyer magazine.

But a low mileage indicates shorter journeys, and therefore greater engine wear and damage. A quick trip to town does not allow the engine oil to reach optimum temperature and lubricate the working parts properly.