Fusion Platinum Discontinued for 2019

[ClaveMan]

I love my 2017 Ford Fusion Platinum.  The leather trim EVERYWHERE (dash included) along with a few other exclusive features plus ALL options was a deal maker for me.

I urge you to take a look at the Platinum trim before the end of the 2018 model year.

 

Additional standard equipment has been added to the SEL and Titanium trim levels as well, while the top-end Platinum trim has been discontinued for 2019.

Ford says the 2018 Fusion can be had in 2,000 different combinations, while the 2019 model has been pared down to 36 variations.

This stark difference is likely an effort to simplify manufacturing of the car and increase the value proposition on one of the brand’s oldest models.

2019 Ford Fusion Goes Under the Knife, Gains Standard Features

[andyross]

Ford has to limit costs where they can given the rumors that they will drop all cars other than the Focus. I guess if you want a fancy Fusion, they want you to look at an MKZ.

[ClaveMan]

I can't affor

43 minutes ago, andyross said:

 guess if you want a fancy Fusion, they want you to look at an MKZ.

 

I can't afford another $10,000 for the same car (MKZ over Fusion Platinum).  Believe me, I tried.  

 

At the time I bought my Ford Fusion Platinum (Jan 4, 2017) I was able to negotiate the Ford Fusion Platinum price down by a whopping $5000 (you could probably do better a year later when demand was down 33%).

 

To get the same high technology (driver assist) that comes standard with a Fusion Platinum, and leather everywhere, you need to higher SELECT level MKZ with $4,300 in options.  Since there were only 2 Lincoln Select MKZ vehicles with the $4300 tech package in the metro area (5-6 Lincoln dealers and 8 Fusions sold for every MKZ makes slim pickings..) the dealer wouldn't budge pst the "generous Lincoln specials and superior service".  There plenty of "Premier" level models sitting on the lot over $50,000 of course.

 

The only tangible difference I could find between the models was that the Lincoln has the active suspension (exclusive to the Fusion Sport) and heated rear seats.

 

With Incentives

Ford Fusion Platinum $32,000 (negotiated - no one is buying them)

Lincoln MKZ $41,295 (with $2500 incentives)

 

Please post your comparisons with exactly the options of a Platinum.

 

 

Edited April 7, 2018 by ClaveMan

[andyross]

That's probably why they are dropping the trim. Maybe too expensive for most Fusion-aimed buyers, and MKZ buyers probably wouldn't want to be seen in a Fusion. That said, if they do drop Fusion, the MKZ will probably also disappear. Also, with no Taurus to help amortize costs, I wonder if the Continental could continue.

[bbf2530]

7 hours ago, ClaveMan said:

I can't affor

 

I can't afford another $10,000 for the same car (MKZ over Fusion Platinum).  Believe me, I tried.  

 

At the time I bought my Ford Fusion Platinum (Jan 4, 2017) I was able to negotiate the Ford Fusion Platinum price down by a whopping $5000 (you could probably do better a year later when demand was down 33%).

 

To get the same high technology (driver assist) that comes standard with a Fusion Platinum, and leather everywhere, you need to higher SELECT level MKZ with $4,300 in options.  Since there were only 2 Lincoln Select MKZ vehicles with the $4300 tech package in the metro area (5-6 Lincoln dealers and 8 Fusions sold for every MKZ makes slim pickings..) the dealer wouldn't budge pst the "generous Lincoln specials and superior service".  There plenty of "Premier" level models sitting on the lot over $50,000 of course.

 

The only tangible difference I could find between the models was that the Lincoln has the active suspension (exclusive to the Fusion Sport) and heated rear seats.

 

With Incentives

Ford Fusion Platinum $32,000 (negotiated - no one is buying them)

Lincoln MKZ $41,295 (with $2500 incentives)

 

Please post your comparisons with exactly the options of a Platinum.

 

 

 

Hi ClaveMan.  We all need to make our own choices and either car is a good choice.  However, just wanted to correct a few points.

 

First, the MKZ Technology package MSRP is $2,495, not $4,300.

 

Second, to avoid confusion for others, the MKZ trim levels, from lowest to highest, are Premier, Select and Reserve (Black Label being highest but extremely limited by Dealership availability). As you said, you were looking at the MKZ Select trim levels, since the Technology Package is not available in base MKZ Premier trim. However, the MKZ Premier trim level maxes out far short of the $50,000 you mentioned. In fact, you can not even option out a fully loaded MKZ Premier to $40,000. Even a fully loaded MKZ Select does not quite break $50,000. The Reserve can be optioned out to the aforementioned over $50,000 fully loaded (See my example below).  Black Label can be optioned out to over $60,000, fully loaded. End result being that the MKZ Premier can give an interested buyer a lower beginning MSRP than the Select or Premier trim levels, with lower beginning content closer to a Fusion Platinum, except for the Technology Package of course. I don't have an apples to apples comparison at the moment, but it's certainly closer than the Select and Reserve trim levels.

 

And while all regions can vary, generally speaking, MKZ pricing is just as negotiable as Fusion pricing. I'm not sure what Metro area of the Mississippi valley you live in (I live in the N.Y. metro area), but I negotiated the price of my factory order 2018 MKZ Reserve down to $51,546, from an MSRP of $56,090. Then another $2,250 is currently available in Incentives, giving me a vehicle price of $49, 396.  Every available option other than a moonroof and the rear window sunshade.  My point only being that pricing is negotiable for both vehicles, Fusion and MKZ.

 

One last slightly off-topic opinion - Unless a buyer needs a car immediately, I always recommend factory ordering a new car car. Although not necessarily possible with some manufacturers, it is certainly possible with Lincoln and Ford.  You order and get exactly what you want with no compromises. Your new car has not been sitting on a dealer lot for weeks or months.  It has not been test driven by god knows who, etc.. I realize there are those who like to walk in and buy their new car out of necessity or choice and I respect that.  Just my personal opinion for those who have the time (~6-8 weeks) to order

 

You chose the vehicle which was right for you and that is great.  Just needed to clarify a few points. Best of luck with your new Fusion.

Edited April 7, 2018 by bbf2530

[Fusionpursuit]

2019 now more items standard on SEL and above trims.  Well I know from reviews that a lot of potential Sport buyers were put off by the grey interior,  well 2019 now brings ebony intgerior back to the Fusion sport,  so maybe it will attract more buyers to a Sport and now everything is Standard in a Sport.  no more packages.   per the 2019 order guide,    a Sport is now offered fully loaded with everything even heated steering wheel and moon roof plus the full copilot360.  only price upgrades are the premium colors.