opinions on used car purchase

[THW18]

as some may have read before, recently my car was written off by a van rear ending us.

the claim is starting to come to a close now and i have the following outcome:

£1600 cheque for the car minus the buy back value as I am keeping the vehicle.


I have seen a potenial new car:

2010 ( 59 )
ford focus 1.6 zetec clmate ( blue ) standard engine ( not the higher bhp engine like my original focus )

1 owner from new
115,000


MOT logs show a few illegal tyres here and there and front lower arms ( super common )
but nothing that screams major issues

now, the car is advertised as FSH - when i looked at the car today, that full service history was actually just two stamps ( 2010&2011 main dealear )
and one oil change receipt (2011)
nothing else what so ever.

external bodywork was good overall, minor chips rear bumper
one moderate dent on rear passenger door
moderate scuff underside front bumper

interior much the same
missing panel under glovebox
but fair-good overall

enginebay
dirty & oily toward back of engine bay
and underside bonnet, rusty clips on hoses
engine itself has been very obviously cleaned ( so maybe hiding stuff )

wheels are scuffed and kerbed , missing two studs ( terrible looking replacements in use )
brakes all round look very oxidised.
front drivers door very very squeaky hinge.


the dealer wanted 2500
now down to 2000

I do like the car, but am hesitant, any opinions on anything listed above?
and sensible offers I could look to make?


thanks again all

[steve-5snwi]

Go with your gut feeling and walk

[LuS1fer]

Sounds like way too much for a poorly maintained car. Buy privately.

[valiant]

There’s billions of Focus’s (Focii?) out there. You can afford to be picky.

No records for seven years? Walk.

[DuraAce]

I guess you're easy to please if you like a car with numerous issues that hasn't been serviced for 7 years!

Personally I would avoid dealers at this price point - there isn't enough profit in it for them to prep it properly and any warranty will have so many exclusions it'll be almost worthless.

I'd seek out a car from a private sale that the same person has owned for a while and taken more car of. You'll get more for your money.

[THW18]

cheers all.

sometimes you just need someone else confirming your thoughts.

much appreciated

[Sa Calobra]

I bought a 58 plate 1.6 petrol style Focus on 50,000 miles privately.

Annual independent garage stamps and immaculate.

I paid 1900 for it.

Why the hell would you look at a 115000miler car in the first place. I bet the dealer paid 1k tops for it.

Look privately and broaden your horizons. I wouldn't touch a dealer for a 2k car because you ain't buying a 2k value car.

[ElectricPics]

Walk? Run more like. There are thousands of decent ones out there.