All - I'm new to the group, but an ardent fan of the Focus SVT. I am negotiating with a local dealer on a black, euro package ZX5 SVT and have the price down to $17.8. Based upon my research, that's a good price. A couple of points *The car is supposedly brand new (I failed to record the mileage when I test drove it; silly me... I will certainly do so should I finalize a deal) *BUT, it does have a small nick on the backside of the steering wheel, *AND a tiny (I mean small) nick on the backseat cushion *AND A small, but noticeably scuff on the rear bumper *AND The low profile wheels appear to have some wear on them already as the usual rubber "nobbies" are no where in sight. Questions - *I've initiated negotiations, but without taking the cosmetic issues into consideraton. How much do you think these details are worth (I'm pretty anal)? Is it worth nickle and diming? *Since this is the last year for the SVT, has Ford gotten all of the reliability bugs out of this particular model? *Anyone know when the '05s will arrive? Obviously, this may enhance my bargaining position. Thanks in advance. -Cal

You are buying a new car, not a test driven, or damaged, specialy the steering wheel !!   This is a Ford Mistake ever, use cars that will be sold to customers for tesd driving.