So I've been in the process of buying a 2012 Ford Focus for a bit now and I've come to a point where any recommendations would be welcome.

To begin, after talking with several dealers for some time I decided to purchase a focus through a local dealer. So they found the car in the color I wanted and brought it in. Upon going to pick it up though, I pointed out that some of the options the dealer guaranteed would come with the vehicle were not with the vehicle. After talking to the sales manager for a bit they offered to locate a vehicle with the proper options, etc. and bring it in which I was fine with. After several days of waiting I was expecting to pick up the "new" focus today and I just received a call from the dealer that while filling the car at the gas station prior to me picking it up it was hit by another car causing a dent in the vehicle along with several scratches where it was hit. They've already offered to fix the vehicle and they most certainly will be, but what else should I be aware of with an issue like this? I know one of the first things that come to mind is possible vehicle issues down the road caused by the incident at the pump such as paint fade, etc. and possible operating issues if it was hit hard enough (I haven't been fully informed of the extent of the damage). Other possible complications could be warranty issues as well. Anyone go through any situation like this before? Any advice?

Thanks.

I'm guessing that it was a very light tap...probably amounting to a scuff and a few scratches while some moron was trying to negotiate a path out of the filling station.

Having said this...I'd be very hard pressed to buy a brand new car that's been cosmetically damaged. I have yet to encounter a repair job that matches the shine, depth & texture of the factory paint so that I can't see it in bright sunlight. Some body shops have gotten close, but I've always been able to tell a difference. That would make me very unhappy with a brand new car.

But that's just me. If this is something you can live with, go ahead with your plan to purchase, and haggle them down in price for their damaged goods. If you're going to buy a damaged car, you might as well get a good deal.

If the dealer refuses to reduce the selling price due to damages to the vehicle... read about "diminished value" of a vehicle.

I got a nice chunk of change due to a collision to my 05 Colorado when it had 900 miles on the odo.

Ahhh I would not buy a car i was not 100% happy with. So far the dealer has seemed OK. But they are kind of not really getting you what you want.
Then they find another one with damage.
(the story of the 'accident' may or may not be correct. i would not care if they lie, but then i do not trust folks much, especially car dealers.
You should go look at the damage BEFORE they fix it. so you know exactly what it was.
Them just saying we can fix this.. Well it may be way worse than 'just a few scratches' and then you have a 'new car' with serious damage.. and you are stuck. PLUS they should be discounting it a few thousand for having been damaged.. Why should YOU pay for a new car with damage? fixed ot not. Damage can NEVER be repaired to 'new' unless way more than any dealer is willing to pay would be spent.

Personally i would walk away.

Thanks for the suggestions so far everyone.

I got off the phone from the dealer and got some more information about the accident. I was told that the Focus was parked at the fuel pump when another driver took the corner behind the focus to close and to fast and bumped into the rear bumper "lightly" (unfortunately that word is up for interpretation). The dealer did talk with the repair shop and they will be replacing the rear bumper/panel completely is my understanding; no bondo and paint blending, etc.

They did tell me however that the vehicle is still considered new even after the repairs because the title has yet to be transferred and accident took place on private property and so forth. That doesn't seem right to me that a vehicle that was in an accident can still be sold as new for the reasons above. Does anyone have any insight on this?

As for color not matching, luckily I have a very good eye for that and if things don't match up or look right I'll be able to tell. I guess another good thing is that I have yet to sign any paper work, etc. on the vehicle, so if I needed to walk away, should be simple and without a problem. I did how ever get what I think is a pretty good deal on the Focus and I'd like to keep that deal going and if I could save alittle more money because the incident assuming the vehicle is like new I wouldn't mind either.

I was a pre-delivery coordinator/inventory manager for about 10 years at a Ford dealer. Ordered cars, checked in the cars, and did all the trading of units. Many cars would come in damaged from the factory in transit. Worst was an 03 Cobra that got coated in hydraulic brake fluid. Paint was done and was sent to auction as is no warranty from what we were told. We had a few mechanics who wanted the motor and trans lol. It was common to replace bumpers on trucks a few times a month from lot damage. Scratches galore. Sad part is I bought my first Focus at a huge discount because I knew it was damage in hurricane charlie and none of the repairs showed up on carfax. you'd be amazed at the damage that happens on a large lot.

I wouldn't buy it at all. The dealer can fix it and sell it as a new car, since the vehicle hasn't been titled; it's still considered new.

No way would I buy a car that I knew had lot damage. Whenever you buy a car off the lot, you should always ask if it has had any paintwork done on it already. They may lie, but if you ask they are supposed to disclose it.

Yes, I believe a dealership has the right to sell a car as "new" as long as the title isn't being released.

Nevertheless, I wouldn't buy it either. I believe a dealership should take care of a car (AT ALL COSTS!) Especially if it's a placed order.

I worked for a couple of car/body shops In the past, and trust me the color on the bumper (that will be replaced) will not match and or be accurate at 100% with the rest of the car. Unless it comes from an acctual Ford assembly plant, etc.

For your peace of mind, Just avoid it! And search for your ideal Focus, in other dealers if you should have to.

Just walk away for now. If you don't mind waiting to see the results of the repairs then I'm sure you have the patience to wait for another car just like it without the what if. A big discount should be offered if they really care about their customer service. That our they should have just told you the car is held up somewhere.

Get an st

One point about looking for another car.. When I wanted my Yellow blaze SE with stick and stuff, No one in my large metro area had ANYTHING like it. (1.5 million population and many Ford dealers.. not one Yellow Blaze, and only a few 'S' manual trannies available in all ... jerks!) So after one local dealer spent several hours going around in circles with me over 'getting' a car I wanted..
I just did a search on my own at home.
(I wish i knew which site i used, as it allowed me to search inventory by key words. the ONLY ONE.. All the others i had to slog through endless lists of cars i was not even remotely interested in..
Anyway. put in SE manual Yellow Blaze, and POP up pops ONE CAR within 100 miles.
Sixty miles away in some little farm town.
Amazing that dealers' salesman was ON LINE too when I hit the site to look aat the car. (as it FATE put me in touch with my new car....[cheers])
ANyway, i texted the guy, we arranged an appointment that day.
I went, saw, bought, all in one hour. Even got the internet discount..

Anyway, the moral is you now can search out your own car, anywhere up to as far away as you are willing to drive.
And when dealers trade cars, it is a trade.. they both have to want the other car, and plenty of dealers just do not want a car another dealer wants to get rid of.. (why trade a car folks want, for one the other guys cannot sell???)

GET THE EXACT CAR YOU WANT!
The local salesman I was trying to work with wanted me to sign something BEFORE he got the car. (before he even checked to see if he could actually GET that car_) And I was not interested.
When I spoke to the dealer who had my perfect car and they said they would never trade it away. Someone over a thousand miles away had asked for it, and he knew they had a car folks wanted.

Any dealwill service a car, even ifthey did not sell it. (true a few offer free loaners to new car buyers.. but other than that perk, who cares if you bought it elsewhere)

It looks like they'll be calling me again today to provide a time frame on the repairs, it sounds like sometime this week they'll be done but I'll know more when they call. If the color doesn't match on the replacement, I'll be sure to point it out and go from there and I'll be sure to look into possibly getting a further discount either way since I do know of the damage that occurred. But as Graves said, this appears to happen occasionally and in the end though, what does it really change. If the cars bumper was scratched on the assembly line and replaced at the manufacturer or if it was hit at a gas station and replaced with factory parts, it's essentially the same thing.

All in all though, if it's a bumper hit and only the bumper was damaged and is fully and properly replaced without affecting warranties, etc. I'm not too worried about it. I asked if any structural damaged occurred and was told no, if it had occurred I would surely walk away or ask for another vehicle.

As for getting the exact car I wanted, I am getting the exact car I wanted. After the initial mishap (dealer got wrong car) myself and the dealer went through and found a car as I wanted it and this is the one with the bumper damage. What I am getting is a 2012 Ford Focus Sedan SE in Sterling Gray Metallic with a manual transmission as well as Sync & MyFord (202A package) along with a few minor things and 4 free oil changes plus car washes (about $150 value) for $17,100 out the door. I think this is a pretty good deal so I'm alittle hesitant to walk away.

I'll try and get some photo's of the damage to see what every thinks and if there's anything to be wary of with where the car was hit.

Not trying to beat a dead horse because you sound like you've made up your mind, but this is simply not true:

"If the cars bumper was scratched on the assembly line and replaced at the manufacturer or if it was hit at a gas station and replaced with factory parts, it's essentially the same thing."

While the parts may be the same, the paint quality won't.

As for getting the exact car I wanted, I am getting the exact car I wanted. After the initial mishap (dealer got wrong car) myself and the dealer went through and found a car as I wanted it and this is the one with the bumper damage. What I am getting is a 2012 Ford Focus Sedan SE in Sterling Gray Metallic with a manual transmission as well as Sync & MyFord (202A package) along with a few minor things and 4 free oil changes plus car washes (about $150 value) for $17,100 out the door. I think this is a pretty good deal so I'm alittle hesitant to walk away. .
Does it have the 'Sport package"? and which wheels? 16" or 17"
"WITH" sport package YEAH! good deal.
Either 16" or 17" wheels are good...

(My 2012 SE with sport package and same 202A option, also sunroof and 17" wheel option I paid $21,000 last year end of August...) Not too many wheelings and dealings when i texted the dealer 60 miles away and just said yeah i want that car!! It is the only one like it in a 120 miles...

Not trying to beat a dead horse because you sound like you've made up your mind, but this is simply not true:

"If the cars bumper was scratched on the assembly line and replaced at the manufacturer or if it was hit at a gas station and replaced with factory parts, it's essentially the same thing."

While the parts may be the same, the paint quality won't.

Yeah agree on paint. Never gonna have as good a paint as the factory.
Maybe some exotic car restore places with $10,000 paint jobs will. but any normal one is gonna be with a lesser quality paint, and not as well applied.

Okay, so I talked to the dealer some more this afternoon about the repairs. According to them, the repairs are being done at the dealer's collision/repair center and the replacement parts are coming from the factory painted and ready for install which certainly sounds better than them trying to match the color at the repair center. It turns out though that the "small" dent and a few scratches is resulting in the replacement of the rear driver side lights, the plastic undercarriage and the rear body panel. It seems the more I dig into the incident the worst the damage seems to be. And from the photo they sent me, it looks like there could be some minor damage to the left side of the trunk door.

Does anyone know if there's anything important housed where the main collision took place such as electrical components, mechanical components, etc? Well it doesn't look like it in the photo, my main concern is possible mechanical damage to the rear axle/tire assembly. Until I get a chance to look at the repairs in person, I'm beginning to lean toward another vehicle unless the dealer can cut me a deal.

As for the price, I had the dealer send me the window sticker as well as photos of the damage, let me know what you guys think, thanks.

http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/laned762/FordFocus.png

http://i1141.photobucket.com/albums/n582/laned762/IMG00241-20120717-1721.jpg

Here in Florida we had to disclose the damage if it was over so much on the window.

I'd ask them about the diminished value but really it doesn't look terrible. They have a plan to replace repair everything and the price is fair too.

What price are they offering?
This is the first I've ever heard of a bumper cover coming from the factory pre -painted, and gotta say it took some talent to put a crease like that in the bumper with another car. Not that it matters, but that damage smacks of being backed into the corner of a building.

What price are they offering?
This is the first I've ever heard of a bumper cover coming from the factory pre -painted, and gotta say it took some talent to put a crease like that in the bumper with another car. Not that it matters, but that damage smacks of being backed into the corner of a building.

The price they were offering me before the incident was $17,100 total (tax, title, etc.) I asked the sales rep what kind of vehicle hit it but he couldn't give me a definitive answer as he said his finance manager was the one with it when the incident occurred. I was told the repair department should be giving the sales rep a time frame on the repairs tonight so I should be getting an idea of when it'll be done soon.

I just realized something as well, correct me if I'm wrong but doesn't the exhaust come out near where the vehicle was impacted?

I believe it is actually on the right side and is just a small turn down

I'd pass unless they are willing to at least throw in the extended warranty or drop the price another grand...There is a Ford $1500 rebate you could use off the sticker price, I would think you could get that deal anywhere especially with the '13's coming out. All you have to do is go to another dealer and ask them to beat this deal...I went to three dealers and they all competed for my business, the end price was really close among the dealerships but I got a more options with this car for the money.

Working in the industry for quite a few years now I've seen so many damaged vehicles in my time it's unreal. Fact is it's a part of the business, now a good reputable dealer has this issue down pact and know exactly how to fix it. Trust me all the cars are repaired and insured so your good to go.

If your truly concerned hire an independent mechanic to inspect the repair work himself.

In addition demand a $500 discount (be happy if you settle at $300) however only do this if the repair work is acceptable.

I'd pass unless they are willing to at least throw in the extended warranty or drop the price another grand...There is a Ford $1500 rebate you could use off the sticker price, I would think you could get that deal anywhere especially with the '13's coming out. All you have to do is go to another dealer and ask them to beat this deal...I went to three dealers and they all competed for my business, the end price was really close among the dealerships but I got a more options with this car for the money.

I don't think you've ever sold cars so allow me to break it down

MSRP is $18,695 generally

At a profit margin of about 1.5% to 2.0% we are looking at maxium profit of $375~

The price is $17,100 with taxes and title included which is about a $1,350 value. So really MSRP with TTL is $20,045

So your saying $1,000 off? After the repair work has been done? Are you insane? Ok I could see $500 off maybe most likely $300.

Also all this concern about paint matching, I know a body shop here in Korea who has been paint matching perfectly american vehicles for decades now. If some old korean dude can do it in Korea then I'm sure a dealership in the states can do it as well.

I've seen repairs like this done in the past, successfully.

Thanks for the advice Nik00117,

Here's a question for everyone as well... I know insurance will cover the vehicle damages/repairs but in the case of an considerable accident involving a new vehicle will insurance also cover any diminished value on the vehicle? If so, I'd expect that the dealer wouldn't have too much of a problem dropping the price in accordance with what the dealer is giving them for diminished value.

At a profit margin of about 1.5% to 2.0% we are looking at maxium profit of $375~



You're right...never sold cars. My dealer tried to tell me this exact same thing...however, there is NO WAY the dealer can pay for a multi million dollar building and the staff on a 2% profit...there would have to be a steady stream of cars leaving that lot. Its amazing how creative they can get to make the deal go through, perhaps there is money on the back end of these deals too. I got mine $2000 under sticker so I don't know about your theory.

Just got off the phone with the dealer once again and the vehicle should be fixed by Friday, so I can see it on Saturday it looks like. Talking to the dealer though they're telling me they can't do anything on the price without hurting their bottom line which I feel is ridiculous especially because I'm dealing with a large, well known dealership. I'm about ready to go contact another dealer on a car or contact Ford and see what can possibly be done.

^^Especially if the Ford body shop is fixing it and charging the guy's insurance that hit it...there's some more profit they can give you to make a sweeter deal...I'm sure as mentioned beforehand that vehicles are fixed all the time prior to sale, but...most don't know about it and you do....

You're right...never sold cars. My dealer tried to tell me this exact same thing...however, there is NO WAY the dealer can pay for a multi million dollar building and the staff on a 2% profit...there would have to be a steady stream of cars leaving that lot. Its amazing how creative they can get to make the deal go through, perhaps there is money on the back end of these deals too. I got mine $2000 under sticker so I don't know about your theory.

It's true, and $2,000 under sticker is completely possibly called rebates/dealer hold backs which does exist.

When it comes to out of pocket costs such as repairs, etc profits get eaten up really quick.

Talking to the dealer though they're telling me they can't do anything on the price without hurting their bottom line which I feel is ridiculous especially because I'm dealing with a large, well known dealership.

Sell it to them, say look "Here you have all this time invested in me and the vehicle and some unforeseen circumstances happened. Now I as a customer am stuck with a less then happy buying experience. I'm still willing to get the car but you guys should pony up some cash in return for me staying with you and not simply walking away. The vehicle was in an accident, you repaired it great now I want $500 cash back for all the inconvenience this has caused me and my family and if this doesn't happen I'll contact Ford Customer Service file a compliant, have my money refunded and purchase from another dealer, maybe even a different brand.

They'll see it as $500 to keep you happy

Also mention that you understand in life shit happens, but if this fix this problem with you you'd tell me they are a stand up dealer.

Yeah, I managed to get a hold of Ford Motor companies customer service center and I've already filed a complaint against the dealer through Ford mostly for the all the loops they have me jumping through (should have been a pretty straight forward deal to begin with and I should have had a car 2 weeks ago) as well as an issue with their insurance that I for the life of me couldn't figure it.

I had talked to one of the two sales reps yesterday about the incident and what we can work out on with the price and was told they can't do anything with the price, and it's take it or leave kind of deal at this point. When I questioned them about their insurance on the vehicle I was told that they're not having insurance cover the incident and that they're paying for the repairs out of pocket which is better for me as it means the damage won't show up on any VIN number review search (carfax, etc.) which to me seems horribly unethical especially if I go to sell the car in the future, granted I would alert the buyer about the incident. Another thing I was told was that the person who supposedly hit the car did not have an ID on them at the time of the accident so their insurance is not being used if they had any to begin with.

I did talk to Ford Motor company some more about further rebates they may be able to offer me for buying an already damaged vehicle from one of their dealers and understandably they couldn't really do much as dealers are privately owned/operated.

I did however manage to get a hold of the sales manager (he seems to be the only guy with common sense at the dealership) and talked to him about the incident and what can be done to fix this situation. It turns out though that the sales reps surpassed him and went straight to the general manager about everything so the dealership seems to be at a bit of a stalemate over this whole deal. I am waiting on a phone call from the sales manager today and we'll see what happens.

I've already begun to call other dealers in the area to see if they can match the price on a "new" vehicle with the same setup, if they can and the current dealer won't budge on their price, I'd much rather spend my money elsewhere.

Talked to the General Manager over at Classic Ford and he told me I was out of my mind when I asked for $500 off the previously agreed on price so I found a good deal on another sedan through Mullinax Ford (Same vehicle options except it has the 203a option and not the 202a option) for $17,370 out the door and am getting that vehicle instead. So thanks for your help everyone, I should be able to able to pick it up tomorrow, I'll be sure to post some pictures.

Ohh and one last thing, the dealer I had been dealing with decided it was okay for them to cash my bank check before we ever fully reached an agreement on whether or not I'd take the damaged car so now I've got to wait to for their reimbursement check to clear before I can pick up the other car at mullinax. I'm just happy this whole mess is almost over.

So looking at the 203a package it looks like I'll get SiriusXM radio, does this come with a trial period or in order to get it will I have to pay for a subscription? Thanks.

I believe it comes with a 3 month trial period, it might be 6 months I'm not sure, after the trial period has ended someone will call you or try contacting you to see if you want to subscribe to it. :)

We got a 6 month trial with our Sirius. If I can get it at $15/month I'd consider it but for much more I'm not so sure.

Glad you are getting the 203 and the vehicle you want, as others mentioned you receive 6 mo free.

When my free trial expired they offered me $4.99/mo for 1 year but I wasn't interested.

Picked up my focus yesterday and I love it. Still getting used to driving with a stick shift (drove automatic for the past four years) but I'm getting better every time I drive it. And although I wasn't crazy about it having sync, it's turning out to be really handy. No more trying to get my phone out of my pocket when driving and I never miss a call now while driving.

I enjoy the Sync as well.

Negotiation is way easier than what I see people suggest to do. Just print out the Edmunds price, and take it to your dealer. No need to pay more as it is actually the average price that people actually pay. I always pre-negotiate before I visit the dealers at all. I emailed a few dealers and one of them quoted $300 below the Edmunds price without me even asking. You then reach an understanding that you can get any car from them for a similar deal. It has worked for me four times in a row.

Just realize it is normal for them to add in their doc fee (~$320 in my area), registry fee, and sales taxes - but absolutely no other fees.

Also, when I get that price, I don't ask for more. It really makes the buying experience more pleasant to have something like that to go by as when the dealers see it, they so far seem to think it is fair enough and have never said no. If they do, just try 4-5 dealers and 1-2 will say yes.

I'm glad it all worked out in the end for you!

You made the right call. I would have accepted the repaired vehicle, but only at a discount. It's unfortunate it happened and even if it wasn't their fault, it was in their hands. If I borrow something from a friend and damage it, he gets reimbursed even if it costs me money in the end. They should have realized they were going to lose a couple hundred bucks on this deal as soon as it happened. In their eyes though, they will probably sell it to someone who has no idea it was repaired, and not tell them.

You made the right call. I would have accepted the repaired vehicle, but only at a discount. It's unfortunate it happened and even if it wasn't their fault, it was in their hands. If I borrow something from a friend and damage it, he gets reimbursed even if it costs me money in the end. They should have realized they were going to lose a couple hundred bucks on this deal as soon as it happened. In their eyes though, they will probably sell it to someone who has no idea it was repaired, and not tell them.

True that, since dmg isn't reported it'll never show up a carfax.