rosco Posted August 24, 2017 Share Posted August 24, 2017 I'm selling my '04 GMC Sierra because I'm newly married and need a fuel efficient car to save money (my truck currently averages 14mpg). I've been doing research and looking at consumer reviews. Among a few others, the 2010-12 Ford Fusion seems to stands out. I'm just curious which engine and transmission has the best proven reliability? What drivetrain would/did you choose and why? In my price range I'm finding Fusions with 60k-90k miles so I need to know which drivetrain would be best to get me to 200k+ without any major headaches. I like the idea of 40 mpg in the hybrid but the CVT transmissions really make me nervous. Reliability is my top priority but fuel economy is a close second Which is the most reliable engine out of 2.5, 3.0, 3.5? Do these all have same trans? If not, what is the best trans? Anything else I need to know while shopping around test driving these cars? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted August 24, 2017 Share Posted August 24, 2017 The Ford 6F35 auto tranny for the 2.5 and 3.0 have been a bit problematic. The 3.5 sport uses an Aisin auto tranny and has been more reliable. There is a dedicated ford fusion hybrid forum that will have more details but from what I've heard the hybrid is very reliable. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rosco Posted August 25, 2017 Author Share Posted August 25, 2017 Maybe I'll go for a hybrid If the CVT has had good reliability. I looked and found a couple in my price range. One is from a dealership. It has 78k miles, heated leather, dual climate, backup camera, navigation. They are asking $8,995 the only problem is I'm not in love with the light blue color. The other one is from private party. It has 93k miles with all the same options plus blind spot monitoring and rain sensing wipers. It is black which I prefer, but it does have 93k miles and hes asking $9400 (to even consider that one I'd have to negotiate the price under $9,000) I'm torn because I'd prefer the black to light blue but the black has 15k more miles 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sirtanon Posted August 25, 2017 Share Posted August 25, 2017 For what it's worth, my 2010 with the 2.5/6F35 is just a few miles short of 238,000 miles, as of this moment. I did have to get a valve replaced @ 224,000 miles, but aside from that, I've had virtually no issues with it. I put about 500 miles / week on the car. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mozz Posted August 26, 2017 Share Posted August 26, 2017 If you want reliability, get the manual transmission 6 speed in a 2012 with the 2.5l. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyross Posted August 28, 2017 Share Posted August 28, 2017 For reference, I think the 2010-2012 MKZ V6 uses the 3.5L, and therefore the same Aisin transmission as the Fusion Sport. To be honest, the 6F35 isn't that bad as long as it has the latest software. When I got my 2011 (used), it would sometimes slam into the 2-3 and 4-5 shifts, then act funky for awhile as it seemed to relearn everything. With the update, it does more of a power-hold then shift in those situations, and generally acts normally very quickly after that. It mainly happened after it sat awhile, and you did some moderate to heavy acceleration. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeliusZ28 Posted September 13, 2017 Share Posted September 13, 2017 2.5 with the manual. For the record, I have a 2.5 with an auto and i am having my first issues with the car at 151,000. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sirtanon Posted September 13, 2017 Share Posted September 13, 2017 3 hours ago, JoeliusZ28 said: 2.5 with the manual. For the record, I have a 2.5 with an auto and i am having my first issues with the car at 151,000. When was the last time you did a trans fluid drain & fill? If you've never done this, or had it done, then this could definitely be part of the issue. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeliusZ28 Posted September 14, 2017 Share Posted September 14, 2017 (edited) I'll update again soon here, but my problem might not be trans after all. To answer your question I have serviced the trans fluid 6 times since the car was new. And prior to a weeks ago it was still driving like a brand new car, i was never even concerned about the trans going despite the 6F35's reputation. Mine always drove excellent. I completely agree that servicing the trans fluid is critical on these things, im sure mine would have been toast a long time ago if i followed the manuals recommendation of 150k miles. The first time i changed it at 60k miles i didnt realize there wasn't a serviceable filter, and the fluid came out pitch black. I know fluid discoloration is considered normal on these newer vehicles, but it only costs ~$25 and a few minutes to drain and refill on these things. Ive been changing it every 20k since then which im sure is overkill but id rather not take chances. If I was paying the dealer rate, that would be a different story. Edited September 14, 2017 by JoeliusZ28 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strongline Posted October 4, 2017 Share Posted October 4, 2017 If you look for reliability, fusion, or Ford in general, isn't the best brand. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sirtanon Posted October 4, 2017 Share Posted October 4, 2017 5 hours ago, strongline said: If you look for reliability, fusion, or Ford in general, isn't the best brand. ...says the person posting on a Ford Fusion forum.. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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