efy

Invisible bra for your car? I'm intrigued. I do a ton of interstate driving, so rock chips are a major pain for me.

Thanks, man! Hope you enjoy your new Fusion; she's a beauty!

...for a 2012 Focus SEL. Got it two and a half weeks ago. The Fusion was at 102k miles and some issues were arising, so I figured I better get out of it before I got in over my head. Also needed something that will last me another 5 years (at 25k miles per year) with little or no problems. Loved the Fusion, just time to move on. The Focus is an SEL with every option except nav and MFT. White exterior, tan leather interior. It's used, with 30k miles. Out-the-door price was $17,300; got $7,800 on trade-in from the Fusion. I love the Focus so far. It's far more quick and responsive than I expected. It'll easily roast the tires if you floor it; I'd estimate 0-60 comes in the mid-7 second range. Very surprising. The transmission is certainly different, takes some getting used to. Isn't always the smoothest, sometimes hesitates and almost always shudders while accelerating in 1st gear, ESPECIALLY while accelerating uphill. It definitely has the feel of being "half-baked" before being sent into production, but I'm getting used to it and don't mind. The interior was surprising as well. Fit and finish are good, as is material quality, mostly. A few plastics feel a tad cheap, mostly in the back seat area, but that's to be expected in the compact class, I suppose. I was also very surprised by the quality and feel of the leather seats. Whereas the leather in the Fusion was hard and almost felt like vinyl, the leather in the Focus feels much more upscale, very similar to that in my aunt's C-Class. The audio system absolutely sucks in the Focus. No bass whatsoever. I suppose the Fusion spoiled me- it didn't even have the upgraded audio system and it was excellent. Ride and handling are excellent. I'd go as far as to say the Focus actually rides smoother than the Fusion did, and definitely handles better, which is to be expected. It isn't as quiet as the Fusion at highway speeds, mostly because of wind noise. I love the gas mileage so far. My worst tank so far has been 31.2 MPG, with mostly city driving. Averaged 41 MPG on a 70 mile, mostly-highway trip (with the A/C on the entire way) the other day. 37.1 MPG on a 400-mile interstate trip last week (cruise set at 79 MPH); the Fusion never saw over 26.5 MPG on the same trip. I'll miss the Fusion, but I do love the Focus. So long, Fusion friends!

Well I hope I used it properly- I did exactly what the instructions on the box told me to do. My car is waxed monthly at the very minimum- the owner before be apparently didn't do the same.

Sorry, I didn't clarify. I only used the clay bar on the paint, haven't gotten a clay bar set for glass yet. Think the spots might be etched into the paint?

I know this is a late reply, but just wanted to say the clay bar didn't do a darn thing. Used Meguiar's to no avail on the paint. This weekend I plan to try the vinegar trick on the windows.

The problems that your son and others are experiencing are few and very far between. The Fusion, particularly the 06-09, has been one of the most reliable cars on the road. If you're even able to find enough people to start a class-action lawsuit, it will be a miserable failure. The problem just isn't common.

My parents have the Michelin Primacy MXM4s on their Maxima- they were quiet for the first 15,000 miles, but now- with plenty of tread left- they sound like mud tires.

From what I've heard, the 2007 Camrys had a few transmission issues of their own.

I tried it with my own VIN... it doesn't work. From what I've heard, they don't go back as far as 2006 for window stickers. Anyway, I ended up going with Bridgestone Potenza RE970 AS Pole Positions. Ended up costing $935 at Firestone after mounting and balancing and road hazard program. Love them so far- they stick to the road like glue, even in the rain. They're a little noisy, though, and ride comfort could be a little better, but I got what was most important- wet traction.

Would you be able to guarantee their condition? I just got a tax refund (woohoo!) and I'm very interested- the only reserve I have is not being able to see them in person before I make a decision.

How are the Autogrip tires? Wet handling is a high priority for me, as I don't have TC, ESC or ABS. How is dry handling? I'm a spirited driver, so I need grip. Road noise? Ride comfort? I take lots of long interstate trips to visit family, so comfort is high on the list as well. I'm very interested, but I've never heard of these tires and they make me a bit nervous.

Still available?

There isn't, I checked the other day. Thanks, acdii.

It's a V6 SEL. Waldo, the link is bad, it says page not found. Folks, I'm relatively inexperienced, so I wouldn't be sure of what I was looking at. However, my dad and I recently changed my brake pads and we didn't notice an ABS sensor. Everything I read online also says ABS was only optional for all trim levels for 2006. "Four-wheel disc brakes are standard equipment on all Fusion models. Options on all Fusions include ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and an airbag package with front-seat side airbag and full-length head curtains. Traction control is optional on V6 models, but stability control is not available at all." http://www.edmunds.com/ford/fusion/2006/ On mine, the ABS light on the instrument cluster doesn't come on with the ignition, just like the TC light doesn't.