What Car? Q&A - Internet broker or main dealer?

I am thinking of buying a Ford Focus ST 2 online, as the prices seem much lower than I can negotiate from my local Ford dealer. I’m a bit concerned about being ripped off, though, as some of these online brokers are quite small and relatively unknown. Do you rate brokers and, if so, where could I find such reviews?
Richard Acomb

We don’t rate online brokers, primarily because we would have to buy a car from them all in order to do so.

Many people feel uncomfortable about buying from online brokers, mainly because they aren’t dealing with a salesman face-to-face.

It’s worth noting, though, that any new car you buy online will be supplied by a franchised dealership – the broker just acts as the middleman.

If you’re still not convinced, try taking the best price you’ve found online into your local Ford dealership and asking if they’ll match it.

Depending on a number of factors – like how many cars they’ve sold that month – they might choose to come down in price.

Failing this, you’ll have to decide between spending a little more and buying directly from your Ford dealer or saving some money and buying though an online broker.