StephenPeterson

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I encourage everyone to google "waterfall" "dash" "sloshing"...it's happening in VWs, Suburu's, GM auto's, etc. I was getting the oil changed at Ford last week and an older lady came in with a new Focus...water sloshing in the dash was her problem. I don't know why it's such a prevelant problem, but I'm guessing it might have something to do with how the new HVAC controls work. In today's system, there are no longer valves that open and close in the system. Pretty much all of the systems flow through constantly. Why the sloshing...I have no idea. BUT, it is not just with Ford vehicles.

Sorry to hear that and I wish you the best. With that being said, very few Fusions have problems and rarely the number of problems you have had. I own a 2010 SEL (I4) and it's absolutely perfect. I also own two Mustangs and not one problem with either. (I've owned a 2001 Bullitt since it rolled off the showroom floor) I woudln't own anything else but a Ford.

I considered the Taurus as well, however I decided on a new, fully loaded 2010 Fusion SEL (4 cyl) last month. The Fusion is an awesome car for the money...plenty of room, great fuel mileage (I'm averaging 27 combined), and great looks. I ended up getting it for $23,097. Nothing in its class can touch it for the money. I'm very happy. Don't get me wrong, Iove the Taurus, but disliked the cost and fuel mileage.

I'll drink to that!!! Loved seeing Trevor Bayne take the checkered flag a the end...especially for the Wood Bros. Was an awesome Daytona 500 this year.

I just realized that author of the first post on this thread is an old friend of mine. We were stationed together in California 8 years ago and were neighbors. LOL I see he hasn't been on here in a few years, but tried to send him an email. Small world!

The best advice I can give is to let the Ford Dealerships fight for your business. I do this each time I purchase a new car. Simply go to Dealership #1 and find the car you're looking for. Let them know you're crunched for time but have a few minutes to look at numbers. Ask for their botttom line, out the door price. When given, tell them you will think about it. Go to dealership # 2, find the similar car and do the same. Compare the bottom line, out the door price. Go to dealership # 3 & 4 if you want and do the same. They will be calling you, begging you for business. Tell them what the other dealerships gave for a botttom line. Give them all an opportunity to fight for your business. At the very most, you'll spend a day or two on this, but you will save BIG $$$. I just did this last month when I purchased a new 2010 Fusion SEL with every option except navigation. (Rapid Spec 302a, BLISS, rear-view camera, Monochrome package, Candy Apple Red, etc.) MSRP was $28,395. My price: $23,097! Simply a result of going to 3 different Ford Dealerships and letting them fight for my business.

Hey, it's your money...spend as you see fit, but I would never use his advice. It's like he wrote the article 30 years ago. The concern I have is that he doesn't back up his claims...not one. When you write an article, especially for Popular Mechanics, you would think the author would provide scientific proof to support his claims. Also, look at the comments after the story... Not here to bash you. It's your car, your money. I wish you the best.

Oil change at 837 miles? Why so early?

I've had my 4 cyl Fusion for a couple of weeks now and am very happy with the fuel mileage. I do notice that it's very sensitive to the way I drive...very sensitive. I have a 20mile commute...some stop and go and hilly terrain. If I take it very easy, I can get 30mpg very easily, which is great! If I drive without taking fuel mileage into consideration, it can drop to the low 20s very easily. Adjust your driving style for a few trips and see if you notice any difference.

I just picked up a new, fully loaded 2010 SEL off the dealer lot for a great price. MSRP was $28,395...I got it for $23,097. (Heated seats, BLIS, rear camera, Sync, ambient lighting, monochrome package, moonroof, etc.) Dealers are doing everything to move out the 2010s! I would highly recommend a Fusion, especially a 2010 which you can get a killer deal on now. p.s. I also own a 2001 Bullitt. Good luck in your search!

Congrats...awesome ride!

Colorado Springs

I've purchased many new vehicles...always do it this way. Never let financing or a trade in blur a deal. Too many people get taken. I ask all dealers to give me an "out the door" price, save the paper and go to the next dealer. Works well! (If they know you're serious about buying, they don't mind spending the time to compete for business) It does involve spending time in their cube, but I could care less, I let them ramble.

Ok, so I went to 3 different dealers on a fully loaded SEL Fusion. (2 in Colorado Springs and 1 in Denver) Previous 2 dealers gave me a quote using Xplan and came nowhere close to the deal I made at the 3rd dealer. I did see the invoice and the numbers for xplan. The 3rd dealer said they would beat xplan...I laughed and said ok, give me an out the door price including everything. Sure enough, they came out way lower than the other 2 dealers who quoted me using xplan and out the door price. I could care less how the dealer comes to a figure...what I care about is the final number. The dealer with the lowest final number was the one without xplan. Why? I have no idea, other than he said he could beat the xplan figures that the other dealers quoted me, including all other fees (tax, tags, title, etc.) Lastly, I always pit dealers against each other...always. I had three dealers wanting my business and I told all three salesmen that whoever got me the lowest bottom-line price earns my business. I spent 3 days going to the dealerships and talking numbers with the salesmen. I'm a firm believer that xplan is not always the best way to go. With xplan, you're locked in on a price, not so without using it. In my case, the 2 xplan quotes (nearly identical) were way above what the 3rd dealer quoted me. I looked at all three quotes, side by side, and compared the last line of each one "Balance Due", xplan lost!