The Ford Focus is one of America’s most beloved string of vehicles. When it first arrived in the market in 1998 to replace the Ford Escort, its engineering, technology, and revolutionary design and styling stunned the motoring world. The Focus is to a great extent responsible for cementing the place of Ford as America’s most valuable car brand, and the fifth-most valuable car brand all over the world.
Coupling its precise handling, fun driving experience and practicality together with a wide array of engine and trim levels, it’s no wonder the Focus is as popular as it is on the used car market. However, used cars are a risky purchase, and you want to find a reliable and safe vehicle that won’t break down too much in the future. These tips will help you make the right decision.
1. Research on the Car and Its Selling Price
Before waltzing into a Ford dealer’s shop, it’s essential to decide the model you’d like to buy. The Ford Focus is a three-generation vehicle, meaning there are many models available to choose from. Conduct thorough research to decide the model you’d like to buy.
Afterward, you should go online and confirm how much the vehicle has been selling for in the last thirty days. Knowing how much the vehicle has sold for on eBay gives you a great bargaining chip as many Ford dealers sell their cars on eBay. This will make it difficult for dealers to trick you into paying more than you should.
You should be prepared to put down a down payment of at least 20% of the car’s price.
2. Inspect the Car, or Have it Inspected
Before you pay for a certified pre owned vehicle, it’s important to carry out an inspection. If you don’t have mechanical knowledge, you can hire a mechanic for $50 to $100 to inspect it for you. This will allow you to locate potential problems such as leaks and any other mechanical complications.
Although some dealers conduct on-site inspections, it may be a good idea to have one done at a shop as well. This way, a professional can check the car’s underside to look for any unreported complications. This is important because often body shops only make repairs to the parts of the car that are visible.
3. Ask for a Test Drive
When buying a used Ford Focus, it’s incredibly essential to see it in action before signing off on anything. Most car dealerships don’t mind giving you a test drive to help you decide whether or not you’d like to buy the car. However, you should remember to call in and book in advance. This way, the dealer will be expecting you. Besides, you might turn up at the car shop to find that the vehicle has already been purchased or is away being serviced.
If you’re torn between two or more models, try scheduling your test drives in one day. This way, you’ll be able to compare and contrast them easily.
4. Look Up the Car’s History
Even when purchasing certified used cars, you mustn’t downplay the importance of looking through its history. This will make it possible to confirm whether the vehicle still has outstanding finance. Many used car owners reduce the car’s mileage to increase their resale value. A vehicle check will also highlight the vehicle’s true mileage.
If a car has been stolen, this is the best way to find out. You don’t want to pay top dollar for a Ford Focus only to find out it was stolen from its previous owner. Looking up a car’s history will also inform you of any monumental accidents and damages that may compromise its safety.
Before driving off in your certified pre owned Ford Focus, make sure all your documents are in order. Remember to factor in insurance, inspection, and other hidden costs otherwise they will creep up on you at the last minute.
