Ford Focus Deal

LBrianGriffin on 01/09/2010 - 12:23
Last edited 01/09/2010 - 12:31

Hello OzBargain members

posted this on whirlpool before, but haven't got any replies, maybe this is a better place to ask :-)

I was looking for a small or medium size new car, a A-B car suits me well. When I search on carsales, I found there are a lot of brand new and near new focus on sales for good prices in western australia (I live in Perth).

For example:
2009 FORD FOCUS LT CL $17,980 brand new manual
2008 FORD FOCUS LT CL $13,990 18610 km manual
2008 FORD FOCUS LT CL $14,990 28720 km auto

Just called them up, these cars from same dealer, the brand new includes alloy wheels at no charge, sounds tempting, one of my frinds told me, focus losing value very quick, so should I buy a used one instead? Or if I buy the brand new one, what is the bottom price shall I ask for? Start from 10% discount?

Addtionally, I am curious where dealer got all these used cars at very similar kilometers? (I don't think is demo car, it is too high to be ex-demo).

Thanks.

Automotive

Comments

  • Mikinoz on 01/09/2010 - 12:30

    My question would be why is it losing value very quickly, is it a bad car or is there some stock / new model issue that is making this seem a bargain

    • BrianGriffin on 01/09/2010 - 12:33

      Mikinoz

      I am not sure, focus zetec 2007 is $27000 drive away when it was new, now 2007 used one is about $15000.

      • Mikinoz on 01/09/2010 - 12:39
        +2

        wow it lost almost half in 3 years so if you bought this car you lose 4k per year plus service costing etc , i am just glad i dont buy new cars

  • than4 on 01/09/2010 - 12:38
    +1

    They may be ex-rental cars in which case they may have been driven very badly. (We were told this about some used cars when looking at near new Hyandai i30's)
    We bought a used Focus in May, privately in Melbourne, for $13,500. It was a 2006 model that had only done 20,000kms and we are very happy with it.
    However, I do think that initially cars lose value very quickly and then stabilise for a bit. At those prices, providing you can see the car's history, I would be buying a used one.

    • BrianGriffin on 01/09/2010 - 12:47

      Hi, than4

      Thanks for the info about the near new cars, I will test drive one of those this weekend, see if worth to buy a brand new one over the near new one

  • StewBalls on 02/09/2010 - 02:11

    It is more often than not much better value to buy a near new used car, let some other sucker cop that massive initial loss!

    Plus, warranties are so long nowadays if you shop wisely you'll get all the gain with none of the pain! ;)

    What made you choose a Focus? I've driven a few & I don't think they're as impressive as some of their peers; but that's my taste I suppose; however, I would recommend you test drive all the cars in that class, each offers quite a different driving experience IME! ;)

    • Davo1111 on 02/09/2010 - 12:38

      It is more often than not much better value to buy a near new used car, let some other sucker cop that massive initial loss!

      quoted for truth. See if you can get an ex company car etc.

      Also, this thread reminded me of this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdXzqwaUSho

    • BrianGriffin on 02/09/2010 - 15:45
      +1

      Hi, StewBalls

      I did test drive a few cars in this class.

      Mazda 3, one of my friends are leaving Australia, tried to sell me his mazda 3 2008 neo, but sadly, it is a sedan, I want a hatchback, pretty good car, then I cannot find one (hatch) in the market can match the price of focus.

      corolla, I owned two toyota before(camry and avalon), quite reliable car, I just don't want drive toyota anymore, handing is pretty bad.

      civic, never tried, but obviously it is over-priced.

      • StewBalls on 03/09/2010 - 00:19

        I do agree, the Toyotas are kinda bland nowadays, the Hondas are nice (I like the City) but pricey! Keep your eye on the Mazda 3 though if you like them; they were once the rage but getting kinda passe now (car buyers are fickle), so the price is coming down! ;)

        Have you tried the Holden Astra, I've driven a few (the 3 & 5 doors) and was very impressed, can be had for pretty much your price range! FWIW, these were very well reviewed by the Top Gear gang (as a Vauxhall); I think they quoted the (normally aspirated) engine of the upper model range actually produced more power than a 1981-84 Ferrari 308 GTS (Magnum PI's car), IIRC! ;)

  • [Deactivated] on 02/09/2010 - 07:26

    Your own figures that you quote tell you that it loses value quickly

    $3000 less for a 1 year old 18610km model

    That's the asking price. A trade in price would have been $3000 less than that so someone takes a bath of $7000 on a $18000 car after 1 year. That's not what you would call a good result.

    • BrianGriffin on 02/09/2010 - 15:53

      Hi, ozpete

      I wasn't planning to sell my car in the near future, I need a a-b car to take me to work in long term.

      • [Deactivated] on 02/09/2010 - 16:33
        +1

        I guess I was just answering your drop in value issue. Given the prices you quoted it shows they drop in value fast. So if you like the car, then its probably best to buy the year old car.

        Just have a look at the log book to find out who owned the car before you, if its blank or vague its probably a rental they are trying to hide. Still rentals can be ok, just needs more care on inspection and look for paint spray where little dings have been repaired.

        You can always get details from log book and try contacting the previous owner.

        • BrianGriffin on 02/09/2010 - 16:38

          Hi, ozpete

          Thanks a lot for the explanation of logbook, I will go to dealer today, let's see how it goes :-)

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