My Ford dealer wants me to bring my car in for a 20K mile inspection. Is this necessary?

I bought my 2013 Ford Fiesta brand-new from a Ford dealer in the summer of 2013. Recently I got a letter from them that I should bring my car in to the dealer for a 20,000 mile "inspection". Is this really a necessary inspection, or is it a ruse to get me to bring in the car so they can hunt for "issues" and then pressure me into "fixing" them for some outrageous price? Sorry but I'm suspicious of car dealers… I guess it shows, huh?

It's a service reminder.

Is it necessary? No, but it is recommended to have it serviced on a regular basis as outlined in your service booklet ( whether that be by your Ford dealer or by another shop, or even yourself, that is up to you… ). This ensures the vehicle's warranty remains valid.

Necessary or not, it's a good idea. The car should still be under warranty and routine service is often required to keep the warranty valid. If you're concerned, ask them not to perform any paid services without your authorization.

Update: I drive a 2013 Ford, too (C-Max). My service manual says that I have to have routine scheduled maintenance in order for the warranty to be valid. It doesn't have to be done by a Ford dealer, but I'd want documentation that I'd complied with the service manual.

You might find the info in the owners manual that specifies what they check at 20k miles. But my guesstimate is changing filters checking other assorted parts and making recommendations all of which you can do or refuse. You don't have to bring it to a dealer any repair shop can do this

Your suspicions are correct. Service the car according to your owner manual, or watch for the light to turn on that says service needed. Dealers are always trying to drum up business, because cars are a lot more reliable and require much less servicing than they did in the past.

Believe it or not, my '57 Chevy manual called for oil changes every one thousand miles, and tuneups every 10K

What'll you bet this guy has never so much as checked the oil level in this car?

I've had some warranties on my 2012 Fiesta. I'd go in and have them check for any on yours.

Do you want your car to last?
To make a car last it needs proper servicing and inspections. Find and fix issues before they are problems and the car breaks down.
A full dealer service record adds to a second hand cars value.

They run an "oasis", this gets you your updates, looks at your specific info.
They talk to you about where your maintenance and real mileage is.
They are experts at avoiding the pitfalls.
They can help you arrange where you are with their experience with
what your needs will be.
You don't have to purchase anything.
But agree to what is right for your circumstances, then give them
the keys.
When they report their findings after the inspection, you can plan
what and when.
Satisfying requirements to keep your warranty coverage should be the very least you do.
Noone can help you better at 20K because dealer information and experience are unmatched, Oem parts are actually the specified parts it
must have to operate best.
Updates, recalls, service bulletins or engineering discussions about owner reported concerns would be considered.
You can't get THAT at disney lube. Or wal-marche, or poop girls

Build a better muse trap, catch more mice.

If you go in they have a chance to sell you parts, service or another car. If you don't, they don't.

They are interested in their profit, not your well being.