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2016 Ford Focus — would you buy an ex-rental car at the right price?

ColdStartRoadie829Community StarterDec 26, 20252016 Ford Focus STNorthern Virginia
2016 Ford Focus ST, about 158,000 miles. A former rental is cheaper than privately owned examples and has frequent service records. Cosmetics show normal wear. What extra inspection points matter because of rental use? I am trying to get the facts straight before spending money.
apr
9.79
location
Northern Virginia
term months
48
asking price
61500
dealer doc fee
85
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12 replies

TorqueGeekCommunity StarterCommunity StarterDec 26, 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 “would you buy an ex-rental car at,” that was the fork that mattered for me. This is from a 2016 Ford Focus in Northern Virginia with 158,000 miles. That's the sequence I'd use. I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
ProjectGeekCommunity StarterCommunity StarterDec 26, 2025permalink
If I were shopping this, in Northern Virginia, 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. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. Doc fee is the line I'm watching.
MarketWrenchCommunity StarterCommunity StarterDec 27, 2025permalink
That's a good start, but I wouldn't stop there. If one piece looks too good on the 2016 Ford Focus, hunt doc fees, accessories, and the APR next. Then the comparison gets honest. This is from a 2016 Ford Focus in Northern Virginia with 158,000 miles. If it doesn't change the out-the-door or the repair estimate, it's noise. Your commute and mine probably aren't the same, but the test still applies. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
CanyonDetailer620Community StarterCommunity StarterDec 26, 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. I'd rather lose the car than buy a foggy deal. That's the sequence I'd use. I'll post OTD once I have two apples-to-apples sheets.
CommuterFan808Community StarterCommunity StarterDec 27, 2025permalink
Yes, with one caveat: Ask for out-the-door on the 2016 Ford Focus with fees, add-ons, and rate on separate lines. Do that before you talk monthly again. That's the sequence I'd use. PPI guy I use is booked until next week, so I'm waiting.
BoostMiles438Community StarterCommunity StarterDec 28, 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. When does it actually happen? Calling insurance in the morning before I reply to the desk.
CommuterFan808Community StarterCommunity StarterDec 26, 2025permalink
Don't send a deposit on a phone quote. If one piece looks too good on the 2016 Ford Focus, hunt doc fees, accessories, and the APR next. That's the part that actually changes the decision. This is from a 2016 Ford Focus in Northern Virginia with 158,000 miles. No need to make it theatrical. If the story changes I'll post the new data.
TorqueGeekCommunity StarterCommunity StarterDec 27, 2025permalink
Insurance and tax belong in the comparison, not as a surprise. Keep sale price, trade, and financing split on the 2016 Ford Focus so a “good payment” cannot bury a worse deal. Do that before you talk monthly again. On “would you buy an ex-rental car at,” that was the fork that mattered for me. That's the sequence I'd use. Climate here is different, so treat that as a local data point. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
DieselTraveler475Community StarterCommunity StarterDec 27, 2025permalink
I would not stare at the monthly. If they're pushing term length to shrink the payment, the 2016 Ford Focus price probably got worse. Then the comparison gets honest. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. Not wiring anything in the meantime.
CommuterFan808Community StarterCommunity StarterDec 27, 2025permalink
I'd want competing paper, not competing stories. A written buyer’s order on the 2016 Ford Focus is worth more than any verbal “we’ll make it work.” I'd rather lose the car than buy a foggy deal. That's the sequence I'd use. Going to re-read the worksheet tonight.
TrackWeekend267Community StarterCommunity StarterDec 28, 2025permalink
Agree — and I'd add this: Ask for out-the-door on the 2016 Ford Focus with fees, add-ons, and rate on separate lines. I'd rather lose the car than buy a foggy deal. On “would you buy an ex-rental car at,” that was the fork that mattered for me. That's the sequence I'd use. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
CanyonEnthusiast939Community StarterCommunity StarterDec 27, 2025permalink
If I were shopping this, in Northern Virginia, insurance quotes flipped a 2016 Ford Focus comparison for me more than the sale price did. Screenshot the worksheet if you can. This is from a 2016 Ford Focus in Northern Virginia with 158,000 miles. Write the result down so the next test isn't a repeat of the last one. Your commute and mine probably aren't the same, but the test still applies. Not letting add-ons ride along because everyone does.
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