Advice on cheaper alternative to our 2009 Focus

LandyAndy

Strider590 wrote: »

Is that before or after the considerations for fuel, tax, insurance, maintenance forecast??? I say because £220 seems an awful big finance agreement on something as mundane as a Ford Focus.

Not really for a new car financed over three years. I have finance on both my cars and the payments are about £265 on each.

If it was me I'd try and suck up the last 9 payments and stick with a car I knew rather than buy someone else's problems (assuming the Focus has been trouble free)

AlexisV

Selling privately e.g. on Autotrader will usually get you the best price on the Focus. It'll be a bit tougher with it being a common model and an auto though.

jackllanberis

Here's another option to leave you with cash to spare...

Go for an 06 Nissan Almera - these are the best value used cars on the market at the moment, although they did cease production in 2006 so a it'd be a bit older than you wanted.

However, you can pick up a mint 06 plate for £3k. These have similar boot size and space as a focus, do about 40mpg, but wont be as refined as an 09 Focus.

From the research I did before buying mine it seems that between 5-10% of these have a defect with the timing chain, which can set you back nearly a grand to repair. But with all that money you're saving in the first place it's a no-brainer. As long as keeping up with the Jones's doesn't bother you (and it shouldn't if you're on this site!), this is a great money saving option.

forgotmyname

I think you need to be looking at something older.

£6000 part ex price, Loan of £2000 is that including early termination fees etc? Leaves £4k.

Best place to sell it, Ebay, Local papers, Advert in the window. But depends on the demand for a 1.6 auto.
Looking at ebay prices and completed listings i would say not. £5700 and not sold from a dealer.

Several large dealers have them listed for under £6k so that may put a damper on your trade in price.

Looks like you might struggle to get £5000 for it.

iainscomputer

IanSkinner wrote: »

2008 Renault Laguna? Should be able to get the 1.5D for around £7k and the mpg is massive.

But these are a really unreliable money pit of a car! Avoid like the plague!

photome

I am with some others in that you are more likely to be left with about £3000 and for that money you may be buying a load of trouble.

If you can afford it, stick with what you have, if you cant then be realistic with your expectations.

Autotrader for selling your car and an older Focus/Astra to replace it

bikebarbie

forgotmyname wrote: »

I think you need to be looking at something older.

£6000 part ex price, Loan of £2000 is that including early termination fees etc? Leaves £4k.

Best place to sell it, Ebay, Local papers, Advert in the window. But depends on the demand for a 1.6 auto.
Looking at ebay prices and completed listings i would say not. £5700 and not sold from a dealer.

Several large dealers have them listed for under £6k so that may put a damper on your trade in price.

Looks like you might struggle to get £5000 for it.

Agree with you there.

So the OP is going to give up a nearly new trouble free £16K + car for a 5K car (older / more mileage / unknown history) for the sake of 9 x £220 payments?? Madness. Sorry :huh: