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2016 Ford Focus — seller says lien is paid but title still shows lender

GarageDetailer721Community StarterNov 22, 20252016 Ford Focus STDenver
2016 Ford Focus ST, about 72,500 miles. Seller says the loan was recently paid off but paperwork has not caught up. I am willing to wait, but what proof would you require before giving any money? I am trying to get the facts straight before spending money.
apr
7.72
location
Denver
ppi planned
term months
36
asking price
48000
dealer addons
3995
dealer doc fee
199
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21 replies

CleanDad31Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 22, 2025permalink
I'd slow the salesperson down here. In Denver, insurance quotes flipped a 2016 Ford Focus comparison for me more than the sale price did. Then the comparison gets honest. When does it actually happen? If the story changes I'll post the new data.
GarageDetailer721Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 22, 2025permalink
PPI is scheduled. I'm not depositing until I see the 2016 Ford Focus notes. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
ApexGarage378Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 23, 2025permalink
Yes, with one caveat: 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 “seller says lien is paid but title,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Do that first. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
WeekendDad157Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 22, 2025permalink
I'd want competing paper, not competing stories. Ask for out-the-door on the 2016 Ford Focus with fees, add-ons, and rate on separate lines. If they balk, that's your answer. When does it actually happen? I'll post OTD once I have two apples-to-apples sheets.
TowDaily488Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 22, 2025permalink
Treat this like a math problem, not a vibe. Keep sale price, trade, and financing split on the 2016 Ford Focus so a “good payment” cannot bury a worse deal. If they balk, that's your answer. Do that first. Sleeping on the number either way.
ApexGarage378Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 23, 2025permalink
Yes, with one caveat: Keep sale price, trade, and financing split on the 2016 Ford Focus so a “good payment” cannot bury a worse deal. I'd rather lose the car than buy a foggy deal. On “seller says lien is paid but title,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Do that first. Climate here is different, so treat that as a local data point. If they get vague again I'm shopping the deal elsewhere.
CleanDad31Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 24, 2025permalink
Asking because it changes the advice: If they're pushing term length to shrink the payment, the 2016 Ford Focus price probably got worse. Then the comparison gets honest. Have you gotten a second quote in writing? If they only talk monthly I'm walking.
ApexGarage378Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 23, 2025permalink
I hear you, though I'd still want a second check. Keep sale price, trade, and financing split on the 2016 Ford Focus so a “good payment” cannot bury a worse deal. I'd rather lose the car than buy a foggy deal. Do that first. I'd rather be boring and correct. Going to re-read the worksheet tonight.
RoadTripMechanicish788Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 22, 2025permalink
I'd slow the salesperson down here. If they're pushing term length to shrink the payment, the 2016 Ford Focus price probably got worse. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. That's the whole play. If the title is messy I'm out, full stop.
GarageDetailer721Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 22, 2025permalink
OP here. Still looking, but I'm waiting on inspection notes before I send money on the 2016 Ford Focus. If they only talk monthly I'm walking.
TowDaily488Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 22, 2025permalink
Quick add on that: 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 “seller says lien is paid but title,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Do that first. I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
CleanDad31Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 22, 2025permalink
Don't send a deposit on a phone quote. Two 2016 Ford Focus quotes only help if both include tax, title, and the same options. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. This is from a 2016 Ford Focus in Denver with 72,500 miles. When does it actually happen? A day of patience here is cheaper than a wrong part. Not wiring anything in the meantime.
CleanDad31Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 22, 2025permalink
I'd want competing paper, not competing stories. Keep sale price, trade, and financing split on the 2016 Ford Focus so a “good payment” cannot bury a worse deal. If they balk, that's your answer. Any freeze-frame data saved? Sleeping on the number either way.
CleanDad31Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 22, 2025permalink
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.” If they balk, that's your answer. On “seller says lien is paid but title,” that was the fork that mattered for me. This is from a 2016 Ford Focus in Denver with 72,500 miles. When does it actually happen? That's my plan before I call anyone.
GarageDetailer721Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 23, 2025permalink
OP here. Still looking, but I'm waiting on inspection notes before I send money on the 2016 Ford Focus. Doc fee is the line I'm watching.
MarketDIYer623Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 23, 2025permalink
Walk if they won't put it on a buyer’s order. In Denver, 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. When does it actually happen? This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
GarageDetailer721Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 23, 2025permalink
Quick update: a second 2016 Ford Focus quote made the first offer look ordinary. I asked for the buyer’s order in email, not a text.
GarageDetailer721Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 23, 2025permalink
I asked about seller says lien is paid but title again and they still won't put GAP/add-ons on their own lines. Not wiring anything in the meantime.
WeekendDad157Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 24, 2025permalink
That's a good start, but I wouldn't stop there. Two 2016 Ford Focus quotes only help if both include tax, title, and the same options. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. Any freeze-frame data saved? Calling insurance in the morning before I reply to the desk.
ManualDaily690Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 23, 2025permalink
Compare apples to apples or you'll get spun. 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. This is from a 2016 Ford Focus in Denver with 72,500 miles. Do that first. Going to re-read the worksheet tonight.
WeekendDad157Community StarterCommunity StarterNov 23, 2025permalink
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 “seller says lien is paid but title,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Was this after sitting overnight? If GAP is bundled I'm making them unbundle it.
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