The direct scheme is the same as many others. Ford management/staff/dealers cars they’re encouraged (and taxed) to change every 3-6 months and these nearly new low mileage cars go into the scheme.
At the moment Ford have scheme for new cars whereby you sign up for a PCP and get £700-800 off whatever price you’ve agreed with the dealer (remember RRP is pure fiction). It’s possible to clear balance at the end of the first month without penalty @ <1% interest
drivethedeal is good if you’re not too fussed about a particular spec and can be used as leverage but some dealers simply won’t budge
The best thing about Fords and Ford dealers is they’re hardly an endangered species and there’s always another one. Personally I would not drive two hours to look at a Ford. If it’s part of the same network cars can be swapped or failing that your nearest dealer will have a comprehensive list of what’s available. Although you may be wary of buying something you haven’t actually seen or driven ime they are very good at prepping the car and any little nicks or scuffs are taken care of. Sadly you don’t know who’s used (or abused) the car from new and they do have a disposable feel to them. Also surprisng how many have been owned by people who smoke/have BO/eat lots of curry