2011 vs 2012 plate Focus

[MITCHAY]

Hi guys,

I am considering looking at a Focus as my new car. I know they have the 2011 plate clearance on and the Ambiente model is available for $19990 but they also have the 2012 plate for $20990.

I was curious as to if there are any functional/cosmetic differences between the two or is just the plate? I can't seem to find any.

[johnydep]

I only looked at the Sport & Titanium range, difference between 2011 & 2012 was the size of the audio screen; 4.3in to 5in. + SatNav. Everything else was the same.

[wombat66]

All the Sport and Titanium models that came into Australia from November onwards have the new audio screen and GPS. I don't think the other two models have any changes. So if you don't care what's on the compliance plate you may as well go for the cheaper one.

[In Focus]

Originally Posted by wombat66

All the Sport and Titanium models that came into Australia from November onwards have the new audio screen and GPS. I don't think the other two models have any changes. So if you don't care what's on the compliance plate you may as well go for the cheaper one.

Unless you're planning to resell within 3-4 years...

Personally, I'd work on getting the 2012 plate one for the price they're advertising the 2011 plate. If Ford are advertising at $19,990 drive away, then the dealers will have some scope for discounts. The dealers will, however, bleat that they have nothing to play with, making nothing on the deal etc etc. It's up to you how hard you want to play the "game".

[entheos]

at $19,990 (2011, NSW Private Rego) there is approx $125 left in the deal...at $20,990 (2012, NSW Private Rego) there's even less.... MLP driveaway on an Ambiente is $25,821. $5,831 Discount...Ford certainly don't give us $5000+ of factory help to sell these at that price...

Upgrades happened November 2011 as previously mention to the Sport and Titanium ONLY...no mechanical differences, only what has been said of a larger LCD with Satnav...that's it...

[In Focus]

Plenty of 2011 Ambientes on sale for under $19,000, supposedly brand new cars...

http://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/...7c0&D=ambiente

[entheos]

First page of cars is ALL based in QLD....first NSW one... $19888 - $102 off the currently advertised price.... Rego and CTP is different in EVERY state...

[totallysour]

If you think you'll keep it for more than 3-4yrs I would go for 2011. Save the $1000 and spend it on keeping your car in tip top shape. A well kept 2011 will always be worth more than a poorly kept 2012.

[In Focus]

Originally Posted by entheos

First page of cars is ALL based in QLD....first NSW one... $19888 - $102 off the currently advertised price.... Rego and CTP is different in EVERY state...

So they're making $23 on that car??? Before any customer discounts??? Before taking off the salesman's commission???

[entheos]

yep. there is customer discounts on that car... and the salesperson would make something on it depending on the agreement with their employer...each dealership is different...but certainly not a commission on any 'profits'

[MITCHAY]

Cheers guys. Just making sure I know there is SFA difference before going to take a look so I don't get told porkies :

[Franco Cozzo]

When do we get the MyFord touch screen system? I was looking at the USA Ford site and their Focus has better equipment for like half the price of ours.

[totallysour]

I think it's rumoured to come when they shift production to Thailand. So most likely mid-late 2012. Their cars are cheaper because they don't have to pay import tax like we do.

[Yellow_Festiva]

If the difference between an 11 and 12 plate car is around a grand I would cough up the extra coin for the newer model. Regardless of how long you will keep it for. A year newer is a year newer and worth it in my books.

[Franco Cozzo]

I had a look at one today while I was at Hyundai, Ford is right next door, I was impressed with the interior quality and how heavy the door feels.

Unfortunately diesel only comes in auto which to me is a major dissapointment.

What do they have for under $30K drive away?

[cazzy160344]

Originally Posted by Yellow_Festiva

If the difference between an 11 and 12 plate car is around a grand I would cough up the extra coin for the newer model. Regardless of how long you will keep it for. A year newer is a year newer and worth it in my books.

Agreed, if the difference is minimal I would just pay the extra. I think especially for re-sale, people seem to prefer newer models, even if it's just by one year.

[entheos]

Originally Posted by Big Damo

I had a look at one today while I was at Hyundai, Ford is right next door, I was impressed with the interior quality and how heavy the door feels.

Unfortunately diesel only comes in auto which to me is a major dissapointment.

What do they have for under $30K drive away?

Yes, this is a bit of a sore point for some customers. Ford have opted for Auto only for the Diesel, Mazda have done manual only....you can't win either way...some want manual when all we have is auto (mondeo is the same petrol or diesel) and some want auto when manual is the only option (fiesta for eg, or mazda small cars). One will suit one, and the other will suit the other...it's a hard call. I personally like the Auto myself, but that's my opinion...

As far as under $30k - you'll pick up a 2011 or 2012 Trend Auto or manual Petrol for under $30k, or a Manual or Auto 2011 Sport without Satnav (maybe ones with Sat nav if there's any still around). You'd go CLOSE to $30k on the buzzer for a diesel Trend 2011, maybe 2012 if the Ford factory help is still there...

[barra240t]

2011 Ambiente's are drying up so jump on one if you are keen, not using sales bs, its just the way Focus is selling at the moment.