Red7
Hello,
I am researching some cars to replace my old one.
I saw the 2017 Focus and it looks awesome and well priced.
What do you think for such a car in Beirut ?
Is there a catch or something I should know ?
Salloum
Ford parts can be a bit on the expensive side, but nowadays that's the case with any car that isn't Japanese. I think it's an attractive car too at a very reasonable price. I think resale value wont be too amazing too.
Red7
It's got 5-year warranty, won't that cover the parts and maintenance for this period of time ?
Salloum
A warranty will cover defects in parts, but after a while parts will wear out and need replacement (like breaks or something), those you'll have to pay for
Red7
I see thanks !
Other reviews are still welcome.
ironman
well I had a ford focus (hatchback) like 4 years ago, it was heavy duty I recommend it to you, however, as Salloum said, my only challenge was finding the rights parts (back then, Ford did not have a "Wakil" in Lebanon) now its Tawtal as I know so this should not be a problem anymore, do you mind asking about the price? so we can recommend other alternatives?
Good Luck
chosen2k
I bought the 2017 ford focus sport 180HP (not the ST model) for 26400. There's a less options model for around 21000 i guess.
Red7
ironman wrotewell I had a ford focus (hatchback) like 4 years ago, it was heavy duty I recommend it to you, however, as Salloum said, my only challenge was finding the rights parts (back then, Ford did not have a "Wakil" in Lebanon) now its Tawtal as I know so this should not be a problem anymore, do you mind asking about the price? so we can recommend other alternatives?
Good Luck
Focus Ambiente: 21,000 total (my choice)
Trend: 22,000
Sport: 26,000
They can take my old car for 7,000
What I liked about it: the performance, security, technology, Ford brand and that it's a city car.
The salesperson told me that with the new wakil all the parts are available however the guy who repairs our cars in the family strongly disapproves so I am a bit lost right now. If it were in the US I would have jumped in with both feet. The fact that there is barely any Ford on the streets also gives me a bad feeling.
I am looking at other makers as well. I was at the Suzuki showroom but the seller was a total disgrace so I left and won't go back.
Red7
chosen2k wroteI bought the 2017 ford focus sport 180HP (not the ST model) for 26400. There's a less options model for around 21000 i guess.
How is it so far ?
Did you have trouble picking it (people telling you it's not a good choice etc) ?
Keep us updated if something comes up !
Totoro
I've had my Ford Focus since 2011, absolutely love it even though it is sometimes slow while going up a hill or something.
I recently changed my breaks at Tawtal in Baabda and yeah it is a bit pricey but worth it since you know the parts are Ford parts.
Got mine for 21k I believe and even added black rims to it so it looks extra sexy.
scatman
why not the mazda 2 sedan instead?
its for 21,000 including vat and registration + anb is offering 0% interest over 5 years
On a side note, why don't you consider a used car? for 20,000 you can get a Mercedes 2012
chosen2k
I made the rounds of the dealerships and then decided to buy it, I didn't ask for people's opinions.
I could have bought a used car that is a lot faster, however I preferred to buy the car new and be (hopefully) garage free for the next 5 years.
Random Tip: If you're checking used cars and don't have Carfax, just Google the vin number of the car you are interested in, you will most of the time find their archived auction page.
The car is great, it has good torque and I'm attaining good speeds up hills and I'm in love with its engine sound.
I heard the dealer talk about getting chips to mod it (= more speed ) and whenever they're available, I'll probably consider it.
Don't buy anything before you make your rounds & check all your options. If after checking everything, this is still the option you like get it.
Also I would suggest you re-open the subject with the family friend who repairs cars, check why is he saying this? Did he ever had to repair one? ask him all sorts of questions and check what is he basing his answers on.
Red7
Scatman, I am considering the hatchback Mazda2, I will see it tomorrow.
Totoro, Chosen2k, thanks for your feedback. I am indeed studying all my options I will see the Mazda2 and Renault Clio tomorrow which are smaller but in the same price range.
I would definitely go for the Ford if Tewtel guarantees repairs and introduce me to an accredited repairman.
I suspect that my family's repairman is not very keen on repairing Ford cars that is why he may be reticent.
Georges00
Check out the Seat Leon.
I have one, the 2016 model. Love it!
chaosn
Ford focus is an amazing car, Mazda 2 is not in the same category, also Mazda is over priced in Lebanon don't be fooled by the zero interest (check the price of their spare parts). All new cars spare parts are expensive in general, but considering buying a new car with 5 years warranty, you should not face any major issues.
Do a test drive for the cars you would buy, and pick the car you enjoy the most.
Red7
I know that the Focus is a class superior but sold at the same price and seeing that Ford Lebanon is in reconstruction, they should have good offers. The Focus and Fiesta are leaders in many places abroad.
The good thing about the Mazda2 is that it's full option and Mazda have one of the best communication in Lebanon. The Mazda2 sedan and hatchback are both for 21,000 full option and the seller quickly accepted to offer a $1,000 discount (I know that they easily do that at Mazda and let's face it they sell a lot).
The Renault guy in Ain Mreisseh is your typical salesman and the prices are exagerated with many unimportant options. I told him that I would reconsider a lower price and he will recall me.
He also thought he could influence me by saying that the Mazda is a girls car.
I'm still negotiating and will make my final decision. Thanks !
Red7
I narrowed it down to Renault Clio Zen for 20,400 and Ford Ambient at the same price (it will supposedly get a bit lower) and Trend for +1,000 (with an upcoming discount as well).
The Clio has a very sporty design, beautiful red color, and an interesting interior and eco option for fuel saving.
The Ford is one range above the Clio and a bit more tech and it's only available in classical colors (black, silver, metallic...) and is bigger for a city car..
I am gonna test drive them by the end of this week and try to make a decision.
You're still welcome to participate in this first car shopping experience.
EXCLUSIVELY ON LEBGEEKS
Draguen
Hey, as opposed to what you'll hear in Lebanon, the new Clio is reliable, most of their engine and suspension issues are long gone, however the car is overpriced compared to the bang for the buck that you can get elsewhere.
What killed it for me is the full black plastic interior and completely flat seats without lumbar support.
Basically you get an over hyped kia picanto for 21 000 USD.
Bassoul-Hneine is known for making a big profit on every sale, so don't hesitate to go in with other offers from other companies and let the seller give you discounts to compete.
Also, look unimpressed and tell him something like : "don't you want your bonus?".in my experience, talking openly about the money they make if they sell you the car always unsettle them, as if this was some kind of secret that no one should hear about.
Yalla good luck
Red7
Hey Draguen, great advice.
It's true that they're a bit overpriced at Renault. The medium trim is around 22,000 (they play with the options, and consider the main exterior look as an option ($400+). They also automatically offer the Chrome pack (although the car does look better with it).
That's what I did, I told told them that I would consider a price closer to 20,000 or I would buy a Mazda2. He called some person on the phone and told them "badna nchilon mnel mazda" so he told him 20,400 with free rear camera.
Draguen
The free camera is kinda standard offer when you start scratching a bit, they did the same with me on my Nissan juke, at the time they offered a free screen control with a rear cam and 500 dol discount over the regular price.
However the camera is a cheap Chinese no brand with low resolution (gets the job done anyway) and can be bought from AliExpress at 5 dollars (not kidding), while the screen is not the standard 7 or 7.5 inch but again, a no brand 5.5 with low rez and not fully compatible with the steering wheel buttons, so don't be afraid to ask and negotiate the details of the camera.
Basically if you would have paid for it, they would install the real deal instead of that.
That was for rymco though, not sure abbout bassoul