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Did I buy a Platinum or a Titanium?


Wesley801
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Hey everyone! So my wife and I had found a good deal on a 2018 fusion platinum from a dealership not too far away. The description stated it was a fusion platinum with features we were looking for (the adaptive cruise control being the main thing). Long story short she drives up a few days ago and trades her car in, and drives home with a great Ford Fusion! 
 

It turns out the car does not have adaptive cruise control, cooled seats, and other features that we thought it had. The car also has 49k miles when all of the paper work states 19k, so that’s another issue I’ll be addressing with them when they open up Monday. 
 

I tried a few online VIN checkers to see what the VIN tells me, but it says it’s either a titanium or a platinum. I’m just trying to decide if it is indeed a platinum before I call and make a fool of myself. If anyone has an idea on how I could determine this that would be great. Thanks!

Edited by Wesley801
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For 2018 the Titanium and Platinum shared vin codes (in VIN, positions 5,6, and 7) P0K for FWD and P0D for AWD. 2019 they had unique VIN codes, and ironically they dropped Platinum in 2019, so it got a unique VIN but wasn't produced. 2017 they don't even show Platinum in the VIN guide.

 

Without adaptive cruise and cooled seats, it isn't a Platinum (and should be badged as a Titanium (or Platinum as it is a full model)).

 

There are a number of standard Platinum items that are not available on the Titanium like the Sport grille and 19" polished wheels. Most everything else is available as an option or part of a package.

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Besides saying Platinum (or Titanium) on the deck lid, the Sport grill (honey comb instead of horizontal slats), and polished 19 inch wheels (Titanium has optional 19 inch wheels that machined face and dark pockets).

 

The mileage discrepancy is troubling as much, if not more, than the while difference in model and features expected.

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4 hours ago, Wesley801 said:

Hey everyone! So my wife and I had found a good deal on a 2018 fusion platinum from a dealership not too far away. The description stated it was a fusion platinum with features we were looking for (the adaptive cruise control being the main thing). Long story short she drives up a few days ago and trades her car in, and drives home with a great Ford Fusion! 
 

It turns out the car does not have adaptive cruise control, cooled seats, and other features that we thought it had. The car also has 49k miles when all of the paper work states 19k, so that’s another issue I’ll be addressing with them when they open up Monday. 
 

I tried a few online VIN checkers to see what the VIN tells me, but it says it’s either a titanium or a platinum. I’m just trying to decide if it is indeed a platinum before I call and make a fool of myself. If anyone has an idea on how I could determine this that would be great. Thanks!

 

 

Hi Wesley. If you post the VIN, I can post back with the "as-built' information for your car.

 

My opinion though? If the information you posted is correct, you were given incorrect/fraudulent information concerning many things about the car, i.e. grossly understated mileage, missing equipment, etc.

 

Good luck.

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1 hour ago, bbf2530 said:

 

 

Hi Wesley. If you post the VIN, I can post back with the "as-built' information for your car.

 

My opinion though? If the information you posted is correct, you were given incorrect/fraudulent information concerning many things about the car, i.e. grossly understated mileage, missing equipment, etc.

 

Good luck.

The VIN number is 3FA6P0D94JR138971. 
 

The mileage is my main concern of course, but I wanted to be well informed when I bring it to their attention Monday. Thanks everyone for the information! 

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2 hours ago, Wesley801 said:

The VIN number is 3FA6P0D94JR138971
 

The mileage is my main concern of course, but I wanted to be well informed when I bring it to their attention Monday. Thanks everyone for the information! 

Hi Wesley. Here is the "as-built" information. The car you purchased is a Fusion Titanium, not a Platinum. And it definitely was not equipped with Adaptive Speed Control ("Less Spd Control Distance Sensing" and  "Less Collision Mitigation System"). I bolded and underlined those two particular listings.

The mileage discrepancy is extremely troubling, as mentioned.

 

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

 

Primary Features

Build Date: 10.13.2017
Vehicle Line: Fusion 2013
Body Style: 4 Door Saloon
   
Engine: 2.0L EcoBoost (240PS)
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic - 6F Mid-Range
Drive: LHD 4WD (FTD)
Axle Ratio: 3.36
Emission: 50 State Emission Requirements
Air Conditioning: Dual Zone Auto Temp Control A/C
Territory: (+)"USA"
Paint: Magnetic

 

Minor Features

 Ebony Interior

 Front Scuff Plates - Bright

 Less Head Lamp Beam Operation

 With Manual Decklid

 (-) Version Packages

 Hermosillo Plant Build

 Less Special Equipment Package

 Less Convenience Group

 Titanium Badge

 Exterior Paint - Solid

 With Electronic Stability Control

 With English Language Label

 Owner Hand Book Pack

 Brand Owner - Ford

 Less Tyre Repair Service Kit

 Foot Pedal Cover - Aluminium

 Power Front Windows One Touch Up/Do

 Power Rear Window One Shot Up/Down

 With Tinted Glass

 Less Grille-Upper

 With Front Side Laminated Glass

 Less Heated Windscreen

 With Locking Glove Box Lid

 Mini Overhead Cnsl W/Sunglass Bin

 Console - With Closed Bin

 Cup Holders (2) - Row 1

 Fixed Foot Pedals

 With Interior Cladding Surfaces

 Front Floor Carpet Mats

 Less Rear Floor Mats

 4 Load Compartment Tie Down Loops

 Less Load Retention Net

 Less Noise Insulation Package

 Grille Lwr Symmet Mic A Gloss

 Active Grilleshutter

 Rocker Panel Moulding - Body Colour

 With Titanium Door Frame Mouldings

 With Rear Spoiler

 Automatic Dimming Rear View Mirror

 4 Door Saloon

 Dual Pwr/Heat/Mem/E Chr/Pud Lmp Mr

 With Body Coloured Exterior Mirror

 Less Ski Bag Provision

 With Front 4 Way Headrest

 With Electric Driver Seat Recliner

 With Electric Pass.Seat Recliner

 2 Way Rear Headrestraint- Lvl II

 Rear Centre Armrest With Cupholder

 Lumbar Seat - 2 Way Driver

 With Passenger Power Lumbar Support

 Less Multi - Contour Seats

 Driver Heated Seat-Variable Temp

 With Heated Pass Seat-Variable Temp

 Less Rear Heated Seat

 2nd Row Seat 60/40 (3 P) - Folding

 Drv Power Seat Adjust With Memory

 With Pass 10 Way Power Seat Adjust

 Less Front Towing Hook

 Less Rear Towing Hooks

 Heater Controls Alt A

 Engine Cover - Under Hood

 Ext Hndl-Body Colour/Chrome Insert

  With Remote Controlled Tailgate Release

 Frequency - 902 MHZ

 Power Door Lock With Elec Release

 With Illuminated Door Entry Keypad

 Keyless Entry/Start - Passive

 Less Rear Window Wiper/Washer

 With Variable Intermittent Windscreen Wiper

 Less Heated Washer Jet

 Less Headlamp Washer/Wiper

 Power Tilt/Slide Sun Roof

 Less Front Bumper Sensor Device

 Front Bumper Body Coloured Plastic

 Rear Bumper - Body Colour Hi Series

 With Front Licence Plate Bracket

 Blt/D&P Frt/1&2 Row/D/P Kne

 With Standard Rear Seat Belts

 Less Passenger Air Bag Deactivation

 With Isofix Hard Point Attachment

 With 16" Mini Steel Spare Wheel

 Tyre Pressure Sensors - 315 MHZ

 Style 2 Alloy 18" Wheel

 P235/45 R18

 Spare Tyre-T125/80R16

 Non Locking Lug Nuts

 Less Preprogrammed Speed Limit

 Cold Start -29 Deg C

 Less Immersion Heater

 Standard Electric Starter Motor

 With Remote Starter

 50 State Emission Requirements

 With Standard Suspension

 3.36

 Rear Axle Open Style Differential

 2.0L EcoBoost (240PS)

 Muffler W/ Dual Exhaust

 With Electric Parking Brake

 Brake Disc Frt Vented/Solid Rear

 Less Collision Mitigation System

 With Brake Emergency Assist

 4 Wheel Anti-Lock Braking System

 Less Grade Assist

 Normal Fuel Fill

 Select Shift Tech (SST) W/Pad Shift

 Filter Cowl Intake - Odour

 With Recirculating Heater

 With Clean Fuel Fleet Vehicle

 For Unleaded Fuel

 With 91 Octane Level Gasoline

 With Electric Power Steering

 With Manual Tilt/Slide Stg Column

 Leather Steering Wheel

 Less Heated Steering Wheel

 Less Electronic Speed Limitation

 With Speed Control

 Less Spd Control Distance Sensing

 Less Auxiliary Heater

 With Message Center Cluster I/P

 With MPH/KMH Speedometer

 With Trip Computer

 7000 RPM Tachometer

 Less Compass Display

 MFD TFT Touch Screen

 Less Navigation System

 Emergency Assistance

 Less Blind Spot Information System

 Less Lane Keeping Aid

 With Perimeter Anti-Theft

 With Engine Immobilizer - Integral

 With Rear Parking Aid

 Less Front Parking Aid

 Less Automated Parking System

 Less Power Convertor

 With Satellite Radio Reception

 With NAAO Radio Frequency

 High Audio + CD + SDARS + HD

 With Diversity Antenna

 With 12 Speakers

 Sync III

 With Universal Garage Door Opener

 Headlamps - Fixed DSS (LED)

  Front Fog Lamps - Sport

 Less Cornering Lamp

 With Interior Light Group

 6-Speed Automatic - 6F Mid-Range

 

Edited by bbf2530
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37 minutes ago, drolds1 said:

I have to ask: if it was supposed to have 19K miles and actually had 49K, why didn't your wife just walk away?

I asked her the same question. She said she was really only paying close attention to the paperwork. I didn’t think to have her look at the mileage on the car. I just assumed it would be correct. We live and learn I suppose. 

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I spoke with my salesman today, and I am much more irritated with the situation now. He told me he knew the car had 48k miles on it, and that the paperwork had typos. He also told me that Fusions don’t come in the platinum models, and that was also a typo. I only argued with him for a few more seconds before I decided he was an idiot and I was wasting my time. I spoke with the manager who seemed confused by the situation, and wasn’t sure why the paperwork was incorrect. He said he was going to speak with someone else, and he would be calling me back tomorrow. 
 

To be clear, all of the paperwork that was signed at the dealership stated 19K miles and Fusion Platinum. We received the title that says 49K miles. 

Edited by Wesley801
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Besides the discrepancy in mileage, it sounds like every other Craigslist ad that lists every possible option even if it doesn't have it. I don't know how many Fusions I looked at that said they had a V6 and all the options I wanted (but no pictures, red flag there) and they ended up being pretty basic SE with the I4. At first I would kiddingly ask is the one listed hidden behind this one, but eventually I just wouldn't even stop, waste my time, you can waste your time waiting for me and I won't be showing up. Got good at spotting things like blind spot mirrors from blocks away (when they say it has BLIS).

 

If those missing options are a deal killer, I would try very hard to not accept the car. If they aren't really requirements that you were looking for in a vehicle, find out how much those items are (as part of the package) and get that dropped off the price. I am not sure how much leverage you have, even with the paperwork issues.

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1 hour ago, Wesley801 said:

I spoke with my salesman today, and I am much more irritated with the situation now. He told me he knew the car had 48k miles on it, and that the paperwork had typos. He also told me that Fusions don’t come in the platinum models, and that was also a typo. I only argued with him for a few more seconds before I decided he was an idiot and I was wasting my time. I spoke with the manager who seemed confused by the situation, and wasn’t sure why the paperwork was incorrect. He said he was going to speak with someone else, and he would be calling me back tomorrow. 
 

To be clear, all of the paperwork that was signed at the dealership stated 19K miles and Fusion Platinum. We received the title that says 49K miles. 

 

 

Hi Wesley. Download the 2018 Fusion Order Guide that I am attaching below onto your laptop. Scroll down to page 11, where the Platinum series is discussed.

 

Then when that salesperson or someone else at the Dealership attempts to tell you again that the "...Fusion don't come in platinum models...", show them the Order Guide. An Order Guide which they themselves use to order vehicles. And inform them of how wrong they are.

 

They fraudulently represented and sold a vehicle with incorrect equipment and with the wrong odometer reading on the contract. And the wrong odometer reading by a substantial amount. That is fraud. You have a great case to reverse the sale, if you wish.

 

Keep us updated and good luck.

2018 Fusion Order Guide.pdf

Edited by bbf2530
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On 1/19/2020 at 10:26 AM, bbf2530 said:

Hi Wesley. Here is the "as-built" information. The car you purchased is a Fusion Titanium, not a Platinum. And it definitely was not equipped with Adaptive Speed Control ("Less Spd Control Distance Sensing" and  "Less Collision Mitigation System"). I bolded and underlined those two particular listings.

The mileage discrepancy is extremely troubling, as mentioned.

 

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

 

Primary Features

Build Date: 10.13.2017
Vehicle Line: Fusion 2013
Body Style: 4 Door Saloon
   
Engine: 2.0L EcoBoost (240PS)
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic - 6F Mid-Range
Drive: LHD 4WD (FTD)
Axle Ratio: 3.36
Emission: 50 State Emission Requirements
Air Conditioning: Dual Zone Auto Temp Control A/C
Territory: (+)"USA"
Paint: Magnetic

 

Minor Features

 Ebony Interior

 Front Scuff Plates - Bright

 Less Head Lamp Beam Operation

 With Manual Decklid

 (-) Version Packages

 Hermosillo Plant Build

 Less Special Equipment Package

 Less Convenience Group

 Titanium Badge

 Exterior Paint - Solid

 With Electronic Stability Control

 With English Language Label

 Owner Hand Book Pack

 Brand Owner - Ford

 Less Tyre Repair Service Kit

 Foot Pedal Cover - Aluminium

 Power Front Windows One Touch Up/Do

 Power Rear Window One Shot Up/Down

 With Tinted Glass

 Less Grille-Upper

 With Front Side Laminated Glass

 Less Heated Windscreen

 With Locking Glove Box Lid

 Mini Overhead Cnsl W/Sunglass Bin

 Console - With Closed Bin

 Cup Holders (2) - Row 1

 Fixed Foot Pedals

 With Interior Cladding Surfaces

 Front Floor Carpet Mats

 Less Rear Floor Mats

 4 Load Compartment Tie Down Loops

 Less Load Retention Net

 Less Noise Insulation Package

 Grille Lwr Symmet Mic A Gloss

 Active Grilleshutter

 Rocker Panel Moulding - Body Colour

 With Titanium Door Frame Mouldings

 With Rear Spoiler

 Automatic Dimming Rear View Mirror

 4 Door Saloon

 Dual Pwr/Heat/Mem/E Chr/Pud Lmp Mr

 With Body Coloured Exterior Mirror

 Less Ski Bag Provision

 With Front 4 Way Headrest

 With Electric Driver Seat Recliner

 With Electric Pass.Seat Recliner

 2 Way Rear Headrestraint- Lvl II

 Rear Centre Armrest With Cupholder

 Lumbar Seat - 2 Way Driver

 With Passenger Power Lumbar Support

 Less Multi - Contour Seats

 Driver Heated Seat-Variable Temp

 With Heated Pass Seat-Variable Temp

 Less Rear Heated Seat

 2nd Row Seat 60/40 (3 P) - Folding

 Drv Power Seat Adjust With Memory

 With Pass 10 Way Power Seat Adjust

 Less Front Towing Hook

 Less Rear Towing Hooks

 Heater Controls Alt A

 Engine Cover - Under Hood

 Ext Hndl-Body Colour/Chrome Insert

  With Remote Controlled Tailgate Release

 Frequency - 902 MHZ

 Power Door Lock With Elec Release

 With Illuminated Door Entry Keypad

 Keyless Entry/Start - Passive

 Less Rear Window Wiper/Washer

 With Variable Intermittent Windscreen Wiper

 Less Heated Washer Jet

 Less Headlamp Washer/Wiper

 Power Tilt/Slide Sun Roof

 Less Front Bumper Sensor Device

 Front Bumper Body Coloured Plastic

 Rear Bumper - Body Colour Hi Series

 With Front Licence Plate Bracket

 Blt/D&P Frt/1&2 Row/D/P Kne

 With Standard Rear Seat Belts

 Less Passenger Air Bag Deactivation

 With Isofix Hard Point Attachment

 With 16" Mini Steel Spare Wheel

 Tyre Pressure Sensors - 315 MHZ

 Style 2 Alloy 18" Wheel

 P235/45 R18

 Spare Tyre-T125/80R16

 Non Locking Lug Nuts

 Less Preprogrammed Speed Limit

 Cold Start -29 Deg C

 Less Immersion Heater

 Standard Electric Starter Motor

 With Remote Starter

 50 State Emission Requirements

 With Standard Suspension

 3.36

 Rear Axle Open Style Differential

 2.0L EcoBoost (240PS)

 Muffler W/ Dual Exhaust

 With Electric Parking Brake

 Brake Disc Frt Vented/Solid Rear

 Less Collision Mitigation System

 With Brake Emergency Assist

 4 Wheel Anti-Lock Braking System

 Less Grade Assist

 Normal Fuel Fill

 Select Shift Tech (SST) W/Pad Shift

 Filter Cowl Intake - Odour

 With Recirculating Heater

 With Clean Fuel Fleet Vehicle

 For Unleaded Fuel

 With 91 Octane Level Gasoline

 With Electric Power Steering

 With Manual Tilt/Slide Stg Column

 Leather Steering Wheel

 Less Heated Steering Wheel

 Less Electronic Speed Limitation

 With Speed Control

 Less Spd Control Distance Sensing

 Less Auxiliary Heater

 With Message Center Cluster I/P

 With MPH/KMH Speedometer

 With Trip Computer

 7000 RPM Tachometer

 Less Compass Display

 MFD TFT Touch Screen

 Less Navigation System

 Emergency Assistance

 Less Blind Spot Information System

 Less Lane Keeping Aid

 With Perimeter Anti-Theft

 With Engine Immobilizer - Integral

 With Rear Parking Aid

 Less Front Parking Aid

 Less Automated Parking System

 Less Power Convertor

 With Satellite Radio Reception

 With NAAO Radio Frequency

 High Audio + CD + SDARS + HD

 With Diversity Antenna

 With 12 Speakers

 Sync III

 With Universal Garage Door Opener

 Headlamps - Fixed DSS (LED)

  Front Fog Lamps - Sport

 Less Cornering Lamp

 With Interior Light Group

 6-Speed Automatic - 6F Mid-Range

 

can i get the source for this information system?

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Dude - the mileage discrepancy alone is grounds to invalidate the sale - no questions asked.  If the manager doesn't agree to do that immediately or at least to renegotiate the deal if you want to keep it, then the manager is an idiot because they have no leg to stand on legally.

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4 hours ago, akirby said:

Dude - the mileage discrepancy alone is grounds to invalidate the sale - no questions asked.  If the manager doesn't agree to do that immediately or at least to renegotiate the deal if you want to keep it, then the manager is an idiot because they have no leg to stand on legally.

 

Hi Wesley. What I stated earlier and akirby stated above, in his ever diplomatic way. ?

 

The contract is improper at the least, fraudulent at worst. If they are honest, they should offer to take the car back...or negotiate with you for a lower price due to the mileage discrepancy and any missing features you can prove by contract.

 

If they are not honest, they may initially try to act like they won't take the car back, but they will take it back if you stand your ground. If not, contact the BBB and your State Attorney Generals Office. Assuming all the facts you have laid out in your prior posts and the mileage being listed so incorrectly, the Dealer doesn't have a leg to stand on.

 

Keep us updated and good luck.

Edited by bbf2530
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4 hours ago, akirby said:

Dude - the mileage discrepancy alone is grounds to invalidate the sale - no questions asked.  If the manager doesn't agree to do that immediately or at least to renegotiate the deal if you want to keep it, then the manager is an idiot because they have no leg to stand on legally.

They've already proved they're idiots (or crooks) by maintaining that there was no Platinum edition series.

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Sadly it looks like I’m going to have to contact an attorney. I called 4 times throughout the day to speak with the manager yesterday and I was either told he was on lunch, or I was put on hold for 15 mins before I hung up. 


I know businesses don’t always have perfect practices, but this is coming from a reputable dealership (or so I thought). I drove nearly 2 hours to buy this car from them. 
 

 

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How did you finance it?   You should be able to call the finance company (or Ford Credit) and tell them they sold you the wrong vehicle and the mileage doesn't match and hopefully they'll withhold or take back the payment to the dealership.  That will get their attention.

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Quote

How did you finance it?   You should be able to call the finance company (or Ford Credit) and tell them they sold you the wrong vehicle and the mileage doesn't match and hopefully they'll withhold or take back the payment to the dealership.  That will get their attention.

 

I agree with this! If you financed the vehicle, it will take a couple weeks for the paperwork to process / work it's way through the bank. You should call them right away and tell them what happened, you've contacted a lawyer, and that you are returning the car.

Edited by Lukifer
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Just to play devils advocate, and not knowing which documents are right or wrong...anything title related or anything signed or just sales and ad copy.

 

It isn't Carvana, buying it sight unseen I don't think, it was probably Ford dealer (they have Ford, Chevy, Nissan, Toyota, etc)

  • The model is on the deck lid
  • Not sure which type of cluster it has, but mileage on one of them is always shown, no matter what mode you are in
  • The ad had a link to Carfax that may or may not show the mileage history (I bet it did)
  • The ad had a disclaimer that the information was as good as they thought it could be, but might be wrong
  • The ad had the VIN which after 2 seconds of searching by VIN gave me a simple report and the ability to download the original window sticker
  • The ad never mentioned it had adaptive cruise
  • The as never mentioned it had cooled seats

But in the end crappy experience from a dealership. Mileage that means the difference between remainder of basic warranty or not is a big difference.

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54 minutes ago, bangster said:

The ad had a disclaimer that the information was as good as they thought it could be, but might be wrong

 

If you turn on the car and it shows the mileage 47K then going by the last carfax is not as good as they thought it could be.  At best it's lazy.  At worst it's fraud.  And don't forget the lower mileage wasn't just on the ad, it was on the official paperwork for the sale.   No-brainer, open and shut case.

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The problem with getting everything reversed is that my trade in car has already been sold. 
 

Don’t get me wrong we enjoy the car we have. My issue is the mileage discrepancy and thus the warranty issue. I asked them if they could honor the warranty in anyway, and they acted like they were going to at least try. Now I can’t get the manager to answer the phone. 
 

Either way the attorney sounded pretty confident that they had violated the Deceptive Trade Practices Act.  
 

i appreciate everyone’s information! 

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