marshman

PhotoBrainiac- Thanks for the feedback. I wonder if the struts will be the same size on the FWD vs. AWD? That's crazy but I guess they are aware of it now. How do you like the exhaust sound? Was this tips or full cat back? Sounds like you've got a nice setup. For what you have done, what do you feel is the best bang for the buck?

How was the installation? DIY or take it somewhere? Any special tools required?

I just had a receiver installed on my 2010 sport at a local UHaul. I'm only carrying a single road bike so I wanted the 1 1/4 hitch. They did have to drop the exhaust for the install and then bolted it back in place after the rack was put in. They ended up having to cut about 1/4 in off my rack for it to slide all the way in the receiver. There was some kind of tack weld "stop" inside the receiver designed to keep a trailer from sliding forward if the pin came out but in my case it kept the rack from sliding in all the way. Hope you get something figured out.

My first advice is to pay with cash (check). I don't mean bring a large stash of $100s into the dealership. You have the most leverage this way. If you can't afford to pay with cash, then maybe you don't need that car. Anyway, that's a different topic. The next thing I found to be really helpful is to be patient and realize if you don't get the deal you would like, there is always another car. After the long waits at the dealerships negotiating, I have moved to email transactions. My Fusion Sport purchase was decided via email. I went in and wrote a check and drove away. I didn't have to wait for the salesman to go talk to his manager, etc, etc, etc. Another thing that is helpful is decide the bottom line of what you are willing to pay. The way I look at it is that I don't care if they want to call something a "docking fee," "tax," or whatever, I am willing to pay X dollars and they can write it up how they want to. Just talk walk out price. Sounds like you have already purchased but perhaps this will help someone in the future. The moon and tune wasn't a must but it happened to be in the car that I bought and I'm so glad now that I have it.

I have had my 2010 fusion sport for a few months now. It came with the moon and tune package and noticed one advertisement says that it uses 5.1 surround. I gather that this is using software to take the "stereo" input and convert to the 5.1? Do any sources provide surround? I figured AM, FM, and CDs did not. Perhaps HD or XM do but I don't use either of these. What about music played from the thumbdrive?