Advice on buying first car!

Ash1598

I'm buying my first proper car and need some advice. I've narrowed it down to the model etc, and saved a decent deposit and arranged a bank loan to cover the remaining balance.

I'm looking to buy a used focus, diesel, reasonably new with low mileage. I'm really confused about whether or not I should expect to be able to haggle, a few of the guys I work with have said that all they've been able to get from a dealer recently is fuel, tax, service etc but no money off the sticker price, but I'm not sure if this is correct? I know I'm not an ideal customer since I won't be taking finance and don't have a car I trade in. Any advice would be welcome, thanks!

Netwizard

First off, what is your annual mileage? if its less than 5 figures, get a petrol powered one.

I would certainly haggle, but nowadays, dealers make their money on finance and the additions like superguard etc.

Sometimes its better to actually buy the car on finance, get some extras thrown in like free services, tank of fuel etc and then pay the finance agreement off after a few weeks (assuming there is nothing in the small print that stops you doing that)

To be honest, the focus is one of the most popular cars on the market, so if you don't get anywhere with haggling and don't get any extra's thrown in, I would be walking away and taking my business elsewhere.

Ash1598

Mileage is around 20k, mainly motorway. That's what I thought, the problem might be getting accepted for finance since I've just taken the loan...

That was my original plan, but I've been a bit surprised by how few diesels are available as a couple I'd planned to see went really quickly so I feel like I'm not in that strong a position. I've checked the value of the cars I'm interested in on What car, and for the most part the selling price is fairly close to what they give as dealer price, except for one that I'm thinking about going to see tomorrow where they value it about £600 less

fatbelly

Don't worry about low mileage too much - modern diesels need to be used. But a 2-year old model with 30-40k is still going to be around £10000.

attila_

What's you budget?

Why just go to a dealer? You could try an independent car sales or even private - the haggling is a must.

What engine size are you after?

Ash1599

Somehow got locked out of my account and it wouldn't recognise my email so had to start a new one!

30-40k sounded high so it had been putting me off (my last car died at 50k, but it was 14 years old so not a fair comparison!) but I will definitely look at some with this mileage

If I go for a focus, budget is about 9.5-10k
For a fiesta, budget is around 9k max.

Engine size 1.4-1.6, but possibly 1.4 because it keeps my insurance a bit lower.

To be honest I'm too scared to go private! I don't know much about cars and live about 5 hours away from my family so don't have anyone to take with me!

Ash1599

Does anyone have any advice on fiesta 1.4 zetec tdci vs 1.6 econetic? Both the same year, 1.4 is a few hundred cheaper and roughy the same mileage. I've had a look at online reviews, but struggling to see how big the differenc between them is, thanks!

jimjames

Ash1599 wrote: »

Somehow got locked out of my account and it wouldn't recognise my email so had to start a new one!

30-40k sounded high so it had been putting me off (my last car died at 50k, but it was 14 years old so not a fair comparison!) but I will definitely look at some with this mileage

I really wouldn't worry about mileage. Even adding 100k onto those numbers isn't high!

A 14 year old car with 50k is more likely to die from lack of use than the mileage being high. Mine has 240k miles and is still running strong!

Bear in mind that higher miles will mean a cheaper price and also if you're adding 20k per year you will have much faster depreciation on a low mileage car bumping it up that much higher.

Ash1599

jimjames wrote: »

I really wouldn't worry about mileage. Even adding 100k onto those numbers isn't high!

A 14 year old car with 50k is more likely to die from lack of use than the mileage being high. Mine has 240k miles and is still running strong!.

I agree, the woman that owned the car before me was averaging 1000 miles per year according to the mot certificates! But over the year I had it, I reckon I drove about 19k

rexmedorum

Ash1599 wrote: »

Does anyone have any advice on fiesta 1.4 zetec tdci vs 1.6 econetic? Both the same year, 1.4 is a few hundred cheaper and roughy the same mileage. I've had a look at online reviews, but struggling to see how big the differenc between them is, thanks!

have a read of this:
http://www.whatcar.com/car-news/ford-fiesta-vs-ford-focus/1201841

Both sound fine, but it depends on your needs!

matttye

Netwizard wrote: »

(assuming there is nothing in the small print that stops you doing that)

Consumer Credit Act says you can pay off all or part of a loan early.

I think it says that this right must be without penalty as well but don't quote me on that.