cachry

Doing well in my 2012 SEL (AWD). Have 2500 miles.

And thanks, bbf, for the clarification. Since I never considered getting navigation for my Fusion, I really didn't know much about it, but think Cougar's friend was as confused as I was! My advice to Cougar: Buy the car! You will love everything about it!

My best guess is that he was talking about "My Touch," and there are some problems that have been reported with it. I think it is part of the navigation system, so if you are looking at a car with navigation I would check it out. If you are not looking for a car with a full-blown navigation system, you would still have Ford "sync," and could make phone calls, get weather reports, etc. There have been relatively few problems with sync. I have a 2012 SEL/AWD with sync, no navigation system, and if I want a navigation system in addition to that will purchase a Garmin or similar. I now have less than 400 miles on my vehicle, but love the thing and would advise you to purchase a Fusion Good luck with your purchase..

If CR is basing their reliability ratings on "MyFordTouch" and some minor tranny issues, I question their reliability. I would add that CR has been biased towards Japanese vehicles over many years, too, and that seems to predict their ratings. I say that as an ex-Acura owner who now drive a Fusion, and loves it.

I traded in my 2005 Acura TSX. It was beginning to cost me some bucks even though I had 55,000 miles on it. The main computer went out after drain holes for the A/C somehow got clogged and backed up. Then, something on the A/C went. AS squeaky clutch was also driving me insane, and could not be fixed without installing the same clutch master cylinder the car came with! Adios, Acura. I love my new Fusion SEL/AWD. It has a much more solid feel to it than the Acura, and all the bells & whistles I could want. (I'm thinking I may have posted something like this before. If so, please excuse my enthusiasm.)

Not likely. The car I just bought is new enough for me, and I would take a financial beating on a trade.

For the past five years I've been driving an Acura TSX, a very nicely appointed car but one that was starting to show signs of age: And with an Acura, that means expensive repairs. I was starting to wonder just how long it would hold up, and questioning whether it had design flaws. For example, the drains for A/C are situated right next to the main computer, which I had to replace (~$1000) after they got clogged and flooded the thing. It had a squeaky clutch for much of the time I was driving it, too, and that drove me a little nuts. And no, Acura would not fix it for free, and really didn't -have- a fix. I started looking around for a sedan with bells & whistles, good fit & finish, comfortable, good value, high reliability, and -- because we have real winters here -- AWD. After looking at some Subarus, those considerations eventually led me to the Fusion. I spent several hours researching the vehicle and making comparisons with other AWD cars. When I finally drove a Fusion -- and read so many positive comments here and elsewhere -- I knew my search was over. I think the Fusion is a very classy and handsome car, more masculine than not, and that it balances just the right amount of sportiness with restraint. It handles well if not dramatically so, and the horses can gallop when needed. It is an American car, and that is a consideration for me at this time. Sync is a real plus, and will keep my geeky side very happy. Now that I have the car, I am very pleased with my purchase. Forgot about the Taurus you asked about! Two words: Too Big.

Hello! I have been hanging around this forum for several weeks, waiting for my 2012 Steel Blue Metallic SEL-AWD to arrive. I traded in my 2005 Acura TSX for the car and couldn't be happier: in Buffalo, AWD is a necessity! Will follow this forum and report as needed. BTW, information regarding my deal is posted elsewhere.

I forgot to mention that peeling out may also be a good way to get your 15 minutes of fame on "One Thousand Ways to Die."

Peeling out but a good deal of stress on your engine, transmission, almost all parts of the drive train. It will also cause your tires to wear out prematurely. It will cost you in gas. Additionally, a lot of people will think you are immature, and they will likely be correct. If you want your car to last, don't peel out.

I looked at figures from KBB, NADA, and the "Black Book" when trying to determine what the dealer might give me for my car. KBB was significantly higher than the other two estimates, and the dealer's offer was more in keeping with NADA than anything else. Black Book was lowest. I was disappointed with the dealer's offer, but then realized that I had been given a great deal on my Fusion (yet to be delivered, I'm afraid), so felt better about it. After all, the guy has to eat! I think if you want the very best deal on your vehicle, sell it yourself, but understand that dozens of people may drive it around and hassle you before you get what you want for it.

I'm with akirby here, but gas mileage is only one consideration. If you are planning to do a lot of highway driving, you may want to go with the six cylinder. Otherwise, why not go with the Hybrid model?

I don't like the fact that they sold the car out from under you, without first giving you the opportunity to put a down payment on it. And yes, I know they are within their rights, but it sounds like you were seriously considering buying the vehicle. The trade you describe seems reasonable given KBB price. With respect to interest rates, I was told that the rebate is $1500 or $2000, the smaller of those figures if I opt for 1.9% interest rate, the larger rebate if I do not.

My thinking about it is this: Sync has "turn by turn" audio instructions, so a navigation screen may not be necessary. And, if you want a navigation system, pick up a Tom Tom or something similar, would cost much less. That is what I plan to do. Of course, if you want to watch DVDs while you're driving, the screen would be nice to have before you hit a tree.

Bought a 2012 SEL-AWD with Moon & Tune today, final cost $28,912 less rebates is $26,912. The dealership valued the trade-in higher than Black Book, lower than Blue Book, and very close to NADA price. So, I imagine I did about average on that score, and probably average all around.

Bought a 2012 SEL-AWD with Moon & Tune today, and you were very close to the mark. Final cost $28,912 less rebates is $26,912. The dealership valued the trade-in higher than Black Book, lower than Blue Book, and very close to NADA price. So, I imagine I did about average on that score, and probably average all around. The downside is that my vehicle is on order! I am told it will take about two months. I am looking forward to getting behind the wheel. Thanks again for sound advice.

FYI, Basil Ford (near Buffalo, NY) is advertising a 2012 SEL w/Moon & Tune for $22,750 exclusive of taxes and delivery, claims MSRP $28,985.

I want to thank everyone who has responded to my original post. Your remarks have been very helpful and I am giving all of them serious consideration. I am not yet sure a Fusion is the car I want, but it is certainly in contention and if I can get a good (great?) deal I would surely consider it seriously. I am currently driving an '05 Acura TSX which is a bit smaller and sportier than the Fusion, but I find the Fusion is as well equipped with more power, especially with the V6. And, since I live in Buffalo NY the AWD is a real asset. I also like the Sync appliance which it seems eliminates the need for a navigation screen, but I would probably purchase a Tom Tom or Garmin and keep it in the glove compartment just in case.

I just came back from driving a 2012 Fusion SEL V6 and spoke with the rep about an AWD vehicle. He gave me a window sticker for the car (SEL V6 AWD) which includes Equipment Group 302A (Moon & Tune). MSRP for the vehicle is $31,000, and he said there are rebates of $2000 at this time, bringing the price down to $29,000. Given your own experience with Ford and others, what do you think would be a reasonable offer for me to make? I will negotiate a trade separately if I ultimately decide to buy this car. Thank you for your anticipated help.