Ford Options - your opinions please!

[rich_g85]

This kinda follows on from my "My engine's had it" post!

I've been looking around at getting a new car for some time now, and now that my girlfriend's engine is in serious trouble, and my car not getting any younger (S-reg 306 1.9TD) I have been considering selling both and buying an 'All new Ford Focus', probably the 1.6TDCi Zetec Climate model.

My question is: what thoughts have people got of manufacturer's finance, the APR seems low enough (4.9%?) and the theory seems good. Variable deposit, pay the rest back over 24 or 36 months.

I don't want this to turn into a "let's **** off the new focus/Fords/etc "... I'd like a balanced discussion on the pros and cons of finance

 

[rich_g85]

Right, now.. here's another question for you. If I walk into my local Ford dealership and say I'm interested in buying a Focus- do I have to pay the book price, or is it expected that I will try and negotiate a deal and a few extras?

 

[rich_g85]

never, ever pay the book price. esp on something like a focus, check out broadspeed for some good deals

Hmm.. just had a look on Broadspeed- some pretty good deals. Is it really as good as it sounds?!

 

[rich_g85]

does it have to be brand new, would a focus say 6 months to a year old be ok, it will be cheaper to buy and your loss in the long term won't be as much.

thedazman

I guess it doesn't have to be brand new, it's just I've had enough of buying older cars and getting shafted on the servicing costs! Now I'm 21, I'm earning a sufficient wage to be able to afford a newer car and a bit of luxury for myself and my future wife.

Are there any good sites around for finding 'nearly-new' Fords, similar to Broadspeed? In fact, saying that I'll go back and check broadspeed myself..

I also came across Ford Direct, you do seem to get quite a well prepared car with them although I'm not sure how well the prices compare....

Decisions decsions...

 

[rich_g85]

make sure you try the 1.6tdci first. might have been a one off but the brother in law has just rejected his focus due to vibration and loss of power. 1.6 tdci.

Thanks mate, i'll be sure to watch out for that. Had one as a hire car which was fine though

 

[rich_g85]

I assume broadspeed.com is a broker?

 

[rich_g85]

Right, I have a question about broadspeed then.

How can the list price for a particular car be £15000, and they offer it for £11000? Surely 'middle-men' ADD to the price, not lower it?