Desperate dealer or chance for a bargain?
Discussion
I think I know the answer to this, but it'd be interesting to get the opinions of the learned masses! 
Went to see a Focus ST3 on Sunday, hideous weather but it proved to be a v.good drive. Looked in great condition, no scuffs on wheels but due to the weather you couldn't really see what the paintwork was like (other than it being Electric Orange!). Dealer gave a decent enough PX figure but I had another car to see.
I didn't get around to seeing the other car (something else cropped up) but on paper it's probably a better option, 20K less miles, newer (by 6 months or so) and Black rather than Orange (I still don't know if I could live with a tangerine car!).
Anyway, dealer came back to me today and effectively asked if they did something with the price would I be interested in the Orange ST... Thing is here, how much do you think they might drop the price? It's up for 8K with a 3 month warranty.
Any thoughts?

Went to see a Focus ST3 on Sunday, hideous weather but it proved to be a v.good drive. Looked in great condition, no scuffs on wheels but due to the weather you couldn't really see what the paintwork was like (other than it being Electric Orange!). Dealer gave a decent enough PX figure but I had another car to see.
I didn't get around to seeing the other car (something else cropped up) but on paper it's probably a better option, 20K less miles, newer (by 6 months or so) and Black rather than Orange (I still don't know if I could live with a tangerine car!).
Anyway, dealer came back to me today and effectively asked if they did something with the price would I be interested in the Orange ST... Thing is here, how much do you think they might drop the price? It's up for 8K with a 3 month warranty.
Any thoughts?
Funnily enough was chatting to a car dealer mate today.
Has a small-ish forecourt, around 30 cars, nothing over £10k, mostly everyday stuff but occasionally something interesting.
He reckons that the market has turned again in the last six months back to small, economical and diesel, at this price point. The higher end of the market (ie gas guzzlers / prestige) is still doing ok. Rare classics, massive market.
He said that anything sporty or a bit crap on fuel at the up to £10k price point is struggling.
Who would normally buy the kind of ST you're looking at when it's at that age / price point?
Not wealthy punters, for sure. Probably middle Englanders who want something a bit different / sporty. Or maybe younger Jack-The-Lads.
Middle Englanders are now suffering for spare cash, and the price of fuel, as you've probably seen in the news, is at record highs again and a 'media' talking point.
Younger Jack-The-Lads are probably now feeling the bite from ridiculous insurance premiums, and hence are maybe being priced out of cars like this.
So taking those things into account, plus this specific car, and probably that specific colour - I reckon it's a buyers market for that particular vehicle, and you would probably get away with a seriously cheeky offer....
Whatever, let us know what happens
Has a small-ish forecourt, around 30 cars, nothing over £10k, mostly everyday stuff but occasionally something interesting.
He reckons that the market has turned again in the last six months back to small, economical and diesel, at this price point. The higher end of the market (ie gas guzzlers / prestige) is still doing ok. Rare classics, massive market.
He said that anything sporty or a bit crap on fuel at the up to £10k price point is struggling.
Who would normally buy the kind of ST you're looking at when it's at that age / price point?
Not wealthy punters, for sure. Probably middle Englanders who want something a bit different / sporty. Or maybe younger Jack-The-Lads.
Middle Englanders are now suffering for spare cash, and the price of fuel, as you've probably seen in the news, is at record highs again and a 'media' talking point.
Younger Jack-The-Lads are probably now feeling the bite from ridiculous insurance premiums, and hence are maybe being priced out of cars like this.
So taking those things into account, plus this specific car, and probably that specific colour - I reckon it's a buyers market for that particular vehicle, and you would probably get away with a seriously cheeky offer....
Whatever, let us know what happens

You'll grow to love the orange I bet - black cars are a bloody menace, never again will I buy one, every stone chip, the tiniest scuff and of course any mud/salt/smears after cleaning are all too visible. Saw a lovely Focus RS in the green today, looked mint - really think the loud colours suit it.
Ray Luxury-Yacht said:
Funnily enough was chatting to a car dealer mate today.
Has a small-ish forecourt, around 30 cars, nothing over £10k, mostly everyday stuff but occasionally something interesting.
He reckons that the market has turned again in the last six months back to small, economical and diesel, at this price point. The higher end of the market (ie gas guzzlers / prestige) is still doing ok. Rare classics, massive market.
He said that anything sporty or a bit crap on fuel at the up to £10k price point is struggling.
Who would normally buy the kind of ST you're looking at when it's at that age / price point?
Not wealthy punters, for sure. Probably middle Englanders who want something a bit different / sporty. Or maybe younger Jack-The-Lads.
Middle Englanders are now suffering for spare cash, and the price of fuel, as you've probably seen in the news, is at record highs again and a 'media' talking point.
Younger Jack-The-Lads are probably now feeling the bite from ridiculous insurance premiums, and hence are maybe being priced out of cars like this.
So taking those things into account, plus this specific car, and probably that specific colour - I reckon it's a buyers market for that particular vehicle, and you would probably get away with a seriously cheeky offer....
Whatever, let us know what happens
Been reading the Daily Mail again?Has a small-ish forecourt, around 30 cars, nothing over £10k, mostly everyday stuff but occasionally something interesting.
He reckons that the market has turned again in the last six months back to small, economical and diesel, at this price point. The higher end of the market (ie gas guzzlers / prestige) is still doing ok. Rare classics, massive market.
He said that anything sporty or a bit crap on fuel at the up to £10k price point is struggling.
Who would normally buy the kind of ST you're looking at when it's at that age / price point?
Not wealthy punters, for sure. Probably middle Englanders who want something a bit different / sporty. Or maybe younger Jack-The-Lads.
Middle Englanders are now suffering for spare cash, and the price of fuel, as you've probably seen in the news, is at record highs again and a 'media' talking point.
Younger Jack-The-Lads are probably now feeling the bite from ridiculous insurance premiums, and hence are maybe being priced out of cars like this.
So taking those things into account, plus this specific car, and probably that specific colour - I reckon it's a buyers market for that particular vehicle, and you would probably get away with a seriously cheeky offer....
Whatever, let us know what happens

As per suggestions, I got back to them this evening and mentioned seeing the paintwork in the dry and asked if they would take 7K. I'd want to check the boost levels too, especially if they have no record of any fiddling with the engine mapping. It didn't feel super quick, although I didn't have a real chance to open it up.
The prices on ST's are a bit variable at the moment, but I think that 7K is about right for the age, mileage and owners.
Am aware it might be a bit harder to shift come resale, but there is a fairly keen owners group and you might get interested parties on there (I've been looking).
Ball in their court now - lets see what they come back with!
The prices on ST's are a bit variable at the moment, but I think that 7K is about right for the age, mileage and owners.
Am aware it might be a bit harder to shift come resale, but there is a fairly keen owners group and you might get interested parties on there (I've been looking).
Ball in their court now - lets see what they come back with!

tallstevef said:
As per suggestions, I got back to them this evening and mentioned seeing the paintwork in the dry and asked if they would take 7K. I'd want to check the boost levels too, especially if they have no record of any fiddling with the engine mapping. It didn't feel super quick, although I didn't have a real chance to open it up.
The prices on ST's are a bit variable at the moment, but I think that 7K is about right for the age, mileage and owners.
Am aware it might be a bit harder to shift come resale, but there is a fairly keen owners group and you might get interested parties on there (I've been looking).
Ball in their court now - lets see what they come back with!
Nice work. Good luck! The prices on ST's are a bit variable at the moment, but I think that 7K is about right for the age, mileage and owners.
Am aware it might be a bit harder to shift come resale, but there is a fairly keen owners group and you might get interested parties on there (I've been looking).
Ball in their court now - lets see what they come back with!

Ok, Dealer got back and (surprise surprise!) couldn't accept the offer of 7K. He came back with £250 off which he "might" get if he talks to his manager. He was also pushing the other "products" GAP, Finance etc.
To be honest I think the additional mileage on the car (54K) compared to others that aren't THAT much more (£500 or so, and have done only 25K) makes me inclined to look at the Black ST and Blue ST that I saw yesterday.
To be honest I think the additional mileage on the car (54K) compared to others that aren't THAT much more (£500 or so, and have done only 25K) makes me inclined to look at the Black ST and Blue ST that I saw yesterday.
tallstevef said:
Ok, Dealer got back and (surprise surprise!) couldn't accept the offer of 7K. He came back with £250 off which he "might" get if he talks to his manager. He was also pushing the other "products" GAP, Finance etc.
To be honest I think the additional mileage on the car (54K) compared to others that aren't THAT much more (£500 or so, and have done only 25K) makes me inclined to look at the Black ST and Blue ST that I saw yesterday.
£250 is hardly much of a deal is it? Just go for the black one, it sounds better and you'll be happier with it.To be honest I think the additional mileage on the car (54K) compared to others that aren't THAT much more (£500 or so, and have done only 25K) makes me inclined to look at the Black ST and Blue ST that I saw yesterday.
forzaminardi said:
£250 is hardly much of a deal is it? Just go for the black one, it sounds better and you'll be happier with it.
This. Could probably get the black one down to 8 and then you're only 250 apart for 20k miles. Don't buy the orange one even at 7 - you'll regret the colour, have more trouble selling it and it'll be at 80k miles + before you know and lose lots more.your hunch must be right.
these are very capable cars but they're very much mass produced and have crap economy and are expensive to tax.
they're great value for what they are but you only want to buy one at the right price in a dull colour. and ideally only then if you intend to keep it for a bt and really use it.
it's barking how much people will pay for some 1.6td thing that'll more likely need a new turbo than something like an ST, is slow, not as economical as you'd think etc etc. whoop de fvcking doo it costs £35 to tax. it's still dull, it's still slow(enough).
my mate has picked up a 3.0 z4 coupe that's 2 years old with 20k miles for about £17k from a dealer. 335is are £11k... why are som many people buying dull stuff that does a little bit more in terms of MPG..?
arrghh.
these are very capable cars but they're very much mass produced and have crap economy and are expensive to tax.
they're great value for what they are but you only want to buy one at the right price in a dull colour. and ideally only then if you intend to keep it for a bt and really use it.
it's barking how much people will pay for some 1.6td thing that'll more likely need a new turbo than something like an ST, is slow, not as economical as you'd think etc etc. whoop de fvcking doo it costs £35 to tax. it's still dull, it's still slow(enough).
my mate has picked up a 3.0 z4 coupe that's 2 years old with 20k miles for about £17k from a dealer. 335is are £11k... why are som many people buying dull stuff that does a little bit more in terms of MPG..?
arrghh.
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