99 Focus - Good Deal?

Fed_Up

Someone's trying to offload a '99 Ford Focus, 1.6L, 3 door, with 125,000 miles on the clock. They're asking €2,700 off me - given the mileage, is this too much?

Any opinions on the car either way much appreciated! Basically I need something that'll last me well for 2 years...

victor1

defo too much

ScouseMouse

Thats to much.

I have my focus 4 door 99 with good maintenance record for for sale at less than that. Mine is only 2200 euro and it has 90 something on the clock.

See if you can get them to come down a bit.

PaddyofNine

I'm looking at a similar car for the same price

Fed_Up

Yeah, thanks for the info. Thing is it's a garage price - do they generally tend to negotiate?

I'm a bit stuck - I have my heart set on a 3-door, and I really need to pick up a car in the next week or so...

victor1

offer 2k or 2100(still think too much though would not pay more than 1800 myself), this type of car he'd wanna get rid of handy enough chances are even at 2k, hes still making a few bucks on it

Fed_Up

How do ya go about this? I'm new to all this hagglin'. Can you do it over the phone? Should I ring him up and offer 2100 and say that's it, or offer 1500 with the aim of getting him down to 2100. Should I say no thanks, let him stew a bit and ring him back the next day? Should I laugh mockingly down the phone and tell him he'll shift less cars when the next budget comes?!

Hotwheels

victor1 wrote: »

offer 2k or 2100(still think too much though would not pay more than 1800 myself), this type of car he'd wanna get rid of handy enough chances are even at 2k, hes still making a few bucks on it

Yup bring 2K in cash and put it on the table, see if they bite...be firm & polite..

Fed_Up

Yeah but the dealer's in Westmeath...

victor1

dude, on hindsight yermans having a laugh that price for that mileage on a 99 car, check out carz, much better deals for around that range:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Ford/Focus/1.4-LX/1125546/

This one also class:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Ford/Focus/1.4-LX/1134566/
(only jokin)

ORrrr:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Ford/Focus/1.6-LX+4Dr+NEW/1090995/
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Ford/Focus/1.4-LX/1116559/
(u should get either for 2750)

http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Ford/Focus/1.4-LX/1205356/
Private sale - 2500 i'd reckon it'd go for

Fed_Up

Hmmm yeah they're all nice alright, thanks man. I'm still more gone on the idea of a 3 door for some reason but obviously if it was as blatant a price difference I'd go for the 5 door...;

This is a nice little number as well, reckon I'd get it off him for €2,500:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Ford/Focus/Ghia/1206299/
It's a bit big mind you but a nice car nonetheless.

macroman

It's a bit steep, start at €1750 and be prepared to pay €2000 or thereabouts. The Focus is a desirable car, and given it's services regularly they'll last forever. With high mileage I'd be inclined to check for any recent replacements, the car is nearly 10 years and would have some wear to the drive train. Check drive shafts for any seeping from gearbox seals and check wheel bearings - two common faults on this car (not expensive to resolve though).

Fed_Up

Are you on about paying 1750 for the black 5 door, or the silver 3 door I originally talked about?

bazz26

To be honest unless you are getting some sort of comprehensive warranty from a dealer I would be looking at buying private on this budget. The warranties being offered by garages on cars within this price range will be very basic and probably not worth the premium over a private seller.

If you do still want to go ahead and buy from a garage and you have no experience of haggling with a car dealer then I would suggest you bring somebody who does. No offence but a half decent car salesperson will spot straight away that you have fallen for the car and will play hardball on the price hoping that your heart will rule your head. Have a max budget you are willing to pay and stick with it, be prepared to walk if the dealer is not willing to budge. Given the current economic climate and that the car you are looking at is almost 10 years old, has 100k miles plus it has a limited appeal so the dealer should be open to reasonable offers.

Also negotiations are best done in person, garages get dozens of calls everyday from people who may or may not buy a car from them. They don't take them seriously. Sitting in front of a salesperson gets their focused attention.

Fed_Up

No offence taken - thanks for the advice!

I'll either (A) go down to Westmeath, where the car is being offered, on Friday with a friend who owns a garage, and put €1800 in cash on the table in front of them. I'll chat to my mate - if he doesn't think this is such a good idea, then (B) I'll kiss the 3-door idea goodbye and go for a 5-door saloon...

leex

Fed_Up wrote: »

Hmmm yeah they're all nice alright, thanks man. I'm still more gone on the idea of a 3 door for some reason but obviously if it was as blatant a price difference I'd go for the 5 door...;

This is a nice little number as well, reckon I'd get it off him for €2,500:
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/Ford/Focus/Ghia/1206299/
It's a bit big mind you but a nice car nonetheless.

Looks decent if you get another bit off the price. 2 yrs NCT also.

Fed_Up

Naturally, it was gone when I rang!

bazz26

Here is a 01:
http://www.carzone.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carid=1157932

Fed_Up

Cheers - my poor-student budget only stretches to €2,500 though!