Titles, History, PPI & AuctionsBuying adviceCommunity Starter

2016 Ford Focus — online auction photos barely show the underside

BrakeGuy46Community StarterApr 22, 20262016 Ford Focus STBoston
This started as a small annoyance and I finally decided to track it down. Auction listing has lots of cosmetic photos and records, but not much underneath. For an older enthusiast car, what questions or photos would you request before bidding remotely? Mostly looking for the right next step.
apr
7.66
location
Boston
term months
36
asking price
78000
dealer doc fee
199
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5 replies

SunBeltDriver817Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 22, 2026permalink
If I were shopping this, i would not wire money until I've seen the 2016 Ford Focus and the title situation in person or via a trusted PPI. Then the comparison gets honest. This is from a 2016 Ford Focus in Boston. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' If they only talk monthly I'm walking.
BrakeGuy46Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 22, 2026permalink
Walked a dealership this week on the 2016 Ford Focus and the doc fee was the tell. Sleeping on the number either way.
OldSchoolBuilderCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 22, 2026permalink
I'd slow the salesperson down here. In Boston, insurance quotes flipped a 2016 Ford Focus comparison for me more than the sale price did. That's the part that actually changes the decision. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
BrakeScout100Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 22, 2026permalink
Get the messy numbers in writing first. A written buyer’s order on the 2016 Ford Focus is worth more than any verbal “we’ll make it work.” Do that before you talk monthly again. On “online auction photos barely show the underside,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Stop there until you know. If your situation is the opposite, ignore me. If they get vague again I'm shopping the deal elsewhere.
OldSchoolBuilderCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 23, 2026permalink
The trap is a pretty payment hiding a worse car price. I would not wire money until I've seen the 2016 Ford Focus and the title situation in person or via a trusted PPI. Then the comparison gets honest. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. If they only talk monthly I'm walking.
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