Thanks Paul

We're actually hoping to pick up something with lower miles, but cheers for the offer. I would be happy to buy private but the other half is really wanting something from a franchised dealer and as she holds the purse strings in this instance, that's what'll be happening.

We really just wanted to know the best way of getting a good price without all the cat and mouse games.

Our local franchise is Benfield Ford (a minute down the road), who seem genuinely friendly and offer a years warranty as standard (instead of the usual 3 months) but aren't as competitive as Evans Halshaw for example, who also have a lot more cars on their books.

Thing is we visited the nearest Evans Halshaw to suss them out. When I enquired about having a chat about finance costs, the sales guy point blank refused to chat unless we agreed that would be buying today! I had just been singing the praises of the Benfield and thought things had changed...then we went to the Evans Halshaw and left feeling so angry and vowing never to to go back there. Saying that I don't want to cut my nose off to spite my face face so am willing to visit another branch but it was a very bad first impression. I hope it was just that particular Sales rep with the bad attitude.

It gets very tiring this car buying thing....

Hogie.

Unless you're really out in the sticks, I'd advise looking for a car locally.

With a 3-5 year old Focus (which is what you'll get for your pot) , you really need to see what you're buying - and maybe they'll need to see your part-ex (if you're trading that in) too..

It's a very common car, &, if you wait, I'm sure you'll see something you could buy locally (even from a franchised dealer) & be able to get face time with the dealer. Dealers really like to see the whites of your eyes to take you seriously - especially on a car that will sell quickly & that they've probably not got a huge profit in - I guess they'd clear £700-900 after costs, so your 'offer' of £1K below asking wouldn't impress I'm sure.

I would also consider a bank type loan too, for finance - or at least have the offer of such in place, before you buy. If you've got a loan already sourced, the dealer won't be able 'over-the-barrel' you, as he/she would if you take or are dependent their finance option.

In my 23 years of car ownersship/buying (at the rate of almost 1 per year..as my wife keeps pointing out...)

most dealers don't reply to phone calls or in recent years email...

In my opinion they can rot in hell then !!

Yeah we have looked at Autoquake but there's been some very mixed reviews, although I will keep my eye on them.

Going back to buying from a franchised dealer....Is the peace of mind thing justified when buying from them? I have read they are generally they have cream of the used cars, is this really the case? I would be more willing than my partner to use other dealers or buy private and maybe get a warranty through a third party (warranty direct etc...) but my other half is more comfortable with the idea that you have a lot more comeback with a franchise.

It may only be a 4/5 year old Focus but it still represents a significant outlay for us, hence my determination to get both a good deal and as much peace of mind as is possible from such a purchase.

Again thanks for the replys. It is making for interesting reading.

H.