Buying a Focus

Tom|Nbk · 7 Dec 2006 at 16:09

decided i do want a focus, just need some tips on buying one now i have 4k to spend i went to look at one in a garage near me its got 47k on the clock they want 3995 for it and its a Y reg metalic blue Focus Zetec with climate pack, does this seem pretty high to anyone and if i did get it what price would i be looking at paying

any tips appreciated.

OneWingedAngel · 7 Dec 2006 at 16:28

Seems a little high but within the expected range considering its milage. If they're asking for £3995, you should be able to haggle down to around £3500-3600 without problem, maybe a little better. I'd start off by telling them your also looking at another car - for example a 1.8l x reg focus collection with 63k went around me for £2800 in a private sale, so say your looking to spend around that much. See how much they drop the price first, then haggle it down some more. If they cut a large amound off straight away you probably have a good deal of wiggle room.

Tom|Nbk · 7 Dec 2006 at 17:03

Ford Focus Hatchback (98-04)
1.6 Zetec 3d (98) 2001/Y
Average mileage 50,000 miles
Original Price £11,460
Franchised Dealer £3,600
Independent Dealer £3,390
Private Good £3,155
Private Poor £2,530
Part Exchange £2,915

this is what parkers are saying what should my target price be?

Tom|Nbk · 7 Dec 2006 at 18:26

no more view or tips theres loads of focus owners on here

OneWingedAngel · 7 Dec 2006 at 18:27

What is your postcode? Take a look on autotrader and pistonheads, as well as your local papers website and see what private sales are in your area.

Tesla · 7 Dec 2006 at 18:27

£4k seems a lot for a 5yr old Focus, I think you should be able to get a newer model for the same money if you go private.

It's a buyers market this time of year as there are not many around.

Marshmule · 7 Dec 2006 at 18:32

hmmm starting to think i got ripped off?

I have a 2001 (51) 1.8 zetec three door, fully loaded

80k on clock £5k.

That too much? this was about 6 months back

OneWingedAngel · 7 Dec 2006 at 18:35

You do seem to pay a lot more for the 51 plates onwards, its just that 51 is percieved as a lot newer than Y reg, so the year plates hold their value a little better.

Morba · 7 Dec 2006 at 21:54

facelifts are what you want, would be suprised if you cant find one for 4-5k.

Tom|Nbk · 8 Dec 2006 at 16:37

would 3,600 be a good price for the car?

Tom|Nbk · 8 Dec 2006 at 17:10

sorry to double post, have just spotted this one near me, 25,000 Miles Metallic Silver X Reg (2000) Climate Pack etc, 3,095, going to view it tommorow

opinions?

AtreuS · 8 Dec 2006 at 18:05

Marshmule said:
hmmm starting to think i got ripped off?

I have a 2001 (51) 1.8 zetec three door, fully loaded

80k on clock £5k.

That too much? this was about 6 months back

I got

2001 (y ) 1.8 Collection 3 door. Full climate pack ( heated screen,mirrors etc )

Silver with full collection trim, alloys.

34,500 miles on the clock

Full history 1 owner from new

£4995

This was about 14 months ago and the car has been perfect.

[TW]Fox · 8 Dec 2006 at 18:09

Marshmule said:
hmmm starting to think i got ripped off?

I have a 2001 (51) 1.8 zetec three door, fully loaded

80k on clock £5k.

That too much? this was about 6 months back

Yup, thats a lot. And fully loaded? You sure? The Focus specification level is really rather poor, and the Zetec has only the bare essentials, infact it often lacks even Air Conditioning.

Tom|Nbk · 8 Dec 2006 at 20:32

when i go tommorow what should i be looking at engine wise and what should i check for etc.

Marshmule · 10 Dec 2006 at 16:10

[TW]Fox said:
Yup, thats a lot. And fully loaded? You sure? The Focus specification level is really rather poor, and the Zetec has only the bare essentials, infact it often lacks even Air Conditioning.

I say fully loaded but it has air con/ heated windows electric mirrors

Tom|Nbk · 10 Dec 2006 at 17:02

well after ringing up again and finding out that focus was stolen recovered and had slight damaged i decided not to bother going to look at it still looking for one i just can't seem to find any for 3-4k worth checking out.

, wanted one before xmas aswell.

Adam · 10 Dec 2006 at 17:04

I'm half heartedly looking for Focus's but mainly an Astra Coupe. Its not a good time to be buying so close to christmas, seems to be very little about. I have been to view 1 car after actively looking for about a month but he wouldn't accept my offer so I walked away