I'm considering buying a Mondeo Ghia from Trade Sales. They say that the spec is the same as normal except for the alarm which is not fitted to imports (but which dealers would normally fit themselves before selling). Trade Sales have offered to put one in. Anyone any experience of this? What would the quality of the Trade Sales one be - is it the same as the Ford dealer one? Is it vitally important to have an alarm - the car already has an immobiliser? Would it be better to book it in at a dealer to get this done?
Splodgeface
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Speak to your insurance company. They may not provide cover for the car if it is not to UK spec with regard to the alarm. If they are happy for a Cat. 1 system to be installed, not to the manufacturer's spec, and this is cheaper than the dealer's quote, then I'd take TS's offer.
I'm not convinced that alarms are that useful to be honest, especially on a modern car with an immobiliser and good locks, but if the manufacturers include them and the insurance company expects them, I'd say they are a necessity.
Even if your company will insure the car without it, you might be missing out on a better deal somewhere else that does require the alarm, so it might make financial sense to get it regardless.
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Get one put in, I wouldn't worry too hard about getting it from Trade Sales though unless they're giving you some fantastic deal.
I had one fitted at a local place, they have a good reputation so their window stickers alone act as a deterrent. Also, as I live 271 miles (yes, exactly) from TS, it is much easier to get it fixed locally. Mine did go wrong so I was able to get it fixed easily.
By adding the alarm my car is now up to UK spec, in fact it's better than it, it's got a CD player and extra labels on the heater controls that UK models don't have. :)
You should find that TS are OK though, generally decent enough to deal with. BUT, if you have to go to their sales site to pay the balance of the car like we did, and then go to the collections site to pick it up, beware, it isn't a half hour walk, it takes ages, and when you're dying to get your new car it's a killer. Call a taxi or wait an hour for the bus. :)
Blue
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I bought an "import" Mondeo from Motorpoint that came from Ireland and I have to say it is pretty near perfect. It is exactly the same as any you will pay £4k or more for, from a main dealer in the UK. I have a relative who works in the trade for a Ford main dealer and he says the only spec. difference he has ever seen on any Ford was a Focus that did not have a steering column control for the radio. Don't forget, if the car is RHD it will have been made for this market. The LHD cars are badged differently, ie, the Zetec is called Ambiente in Europe.
The guy you spoke to is probably typical of most in that he is not 100% certain, so he is playing safe. Don't forget, the supersites are selling all makes so the knowledge of models may not be as good - ??? ha ha - as a main dealer.
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My uncle has a 51 plate, old shape Focus 'LX' with 4 electric windows and I believe no heated screen (not sure about whether it has side airbags or ABS). Either way, it's not exactly to UK spec, and there are no badges to that effect either.
Although it came from Trade Sales, it was registered in the north east so I guess it was originally Scandinavian spec. On the other hand, it was about £2500 cheaper than the best UK dealer could have done.
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Many thanks for all the help. I'm going to speak to one of their "technical" guys tomorrow: I haven't yet considered the insurance problem so that is another issue to deal with.
Great deal though - offering what amounts to almost a £5K discount on list price. I've NEVER considered buying a new car before and, even at that price, I'm still feeling a lot nervous, but I've put in the deposit so here goes...
Splodgeface
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My insurance company (Liverpool Victoria) didn;t even ask if the car was an import.
No need to feel nervous mate, it's nice getting that new car smell for the first time. I still get a blast of mine now and then after I've cleaned it. :)
Put it this way, I would buy from TS again, we had a great day going to pick the car up, flew down in the morning, stopped for a nice meal and then a nice long drive back in my own brand new car. Great! :)
Blue
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