Ford Buyer's GuideIf you're thinking about buying from Ford, you're not alone. Their cars currently outsell all other brands available in the UK, and staggeringly, have managed to do so every year for the past 30 years.
Take 2006, when the Ford Focus topped the most-registered models list compiled by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (just as it has done every year for the past seven years), with 137,694 registrations. The Focus was also number one for used car sales in that year, with 217,027 changing hands.
And the Focus is not Ford's only entry on the SMMT's sales charts. Two other popular models, the Fiesta and Mondeo, also make their appearance on both the new- and used 2006 lists, cementing Ford's irresistible hold on the British marketplace.
Needless to say, the trend looks set to continue in 2007. Buoyed-up by the accolades and favourable reviews heaped on its latest model line-up, the company is enjoying quite a boom-time in this country even by its own standards - securing an impressive 18 percent of the British market share in the first quarter of 2007. So: if you are thinking about buying a Ford (and the aforementioned research makes that seem pretty likely), you'll need to know about the pros and cons associated with the brand; how to secure a good deal, whether on a new or used model; and where best to go for servicing and repairs on your new purchase. Luckily for you, then, the team at Hoot Car Insurance Services has it all sown up. Buying a new Ford
The Ford line-up at present is very strong, with big-sellers like the Fiesta and Mondeo just recently facelifted and lesser-known models like the S-Max (which was voted European Car of the Year 2007) receiving glowing reports from the automotive press.
As well as making the current line-up very attractive to buyers, the sheer volume of business being done means that there's a good prospect of getting 'more car for your money' with a new Ford.
Dealerships are prepared to go much closer to the cost price when a model is in high demand because many sales makes even a small profit margin add up - so always haggle over the price. You should find that practically any reasonable offer will be accepted, and even an unreasonable one won't do your case much harm. The secondhand market
The volume of Ford sales in the UK works in your favour when it comes to buying a new car, but it also means that residual values are low. Ford's enviable reputation for the performance and reliability of its vehicles does work against depreciation to an extent; but with so many secondhand models flooding onto the used car market, the power is once again in the hands of the buyer.
Depreciation is a particular problem for the Mondeo, which besides enjoying consistently high sales in the private sector is bought-up for fleets and businesses in great quantities and then re-sold en masse two- or three years down the line. A Ford is perhaps not the best choice, therefore, for the kind of motorist who likes to buy new and then sell-on his or her car within the space of a few years. For the secondhand buyer, however, a Ford is a dream come true: offering exceptional value for money; a near-limitless supply of used models to choose from; and a range of engines and parts so reliable that they almost seem to get better with age.
Servicing and repairs
Ford main dealer servicing is not quite as bargain-priced as some Ford cars, but it compares favourably with most other manufacturers and is the recommended choice for all new- and nearly-new owners (owing to the high level of electrical trickery in today's cars). Ford reliability means that older and more mechanical (generally lower-spec) models can be ably serviced at an independent garage, however.
Similarly, repair fees are reasonable and waiting-time for spare parts should be kept to a bare minimum, so there's no need to lose your cool after a breakdown. Try a car insurance quote from Hoot
If the bargain price of a new or used Ford appeals to you, we know you'll like what's on offer at Hoot Car Insurance Services. Our friendly and experienced motor insurance team can set you up with a great quote in a matter of clicks, saving anything up to 30 percent over your existing policy.
We cut out all the unnecessary expenses (like TV advertising and a high street presence) that most other 'cheap' car insurance firms would charge you through the nose for, and left only what was necessary for a great standard of cover at a great price. So for a terrific car insurance quote for your Ford, just click below.
Ford car insurance
Ideas for Ford enthusiasts
Ford buyers guide
Classic Ford models
Ford testimonials
Ford in motorsport
A brief history of Ford
Ford in the cinema
|
