Buying a 2012 Fusion! Any Advice?

[Fred77249]

Hey Team!

 

Thanks for adding me to the forum. Right now I have a 2020 Explorer ST, 2019 F150 Lariat... But now my job demands a lot of hwy driving. Due to my income being 30% bonuses and 30% Stocks, and the remainder salary, our DITI is not reflective of what we can afford (we are buying a new house as we just moved:)). With that, and dealers offering us $55K for our explorer ($8K more than we paid for it 9 months ago), we decided to look for a "beater: economy car. I was primary looking at a TDI Jetta, but then I cam across a beautiful Fusion.

 

It's a 2012 Fusion SEL AWD, 3.0L. Guy is asking $5500 in New Jersey. I think I can get them down to $4500. 

Stacks of Records, Super clean from the pictures so far with the exception of some damage on the front bumper.

149K miles - this is my question. I know these 3L's are good engines.... does the mileage worry anyone? It has great service records with regular full synthetic oil changes. Any other issues I should be aware about or maintenance? 

[bbf2530]

38 minutes ago, Fred77249 said:

Hey Team!

 

Thanks for adding me to the forum. Right now I have a 2020 Explorer ST, 2019 F150 Lariat... But now my job demands a lot of hwy driving. Due to my income being 30% bonuses and 30% Stocks, and the remainder salary, our DITI is not reflective of what we can afford (we are buying a new house as we just moved:)). With that, and dealers offering us $55K for our explorer ($8K more than we paid for it 9 months ago), we decided to look for a "beater: economy car. I was primary looking at a TDI Jetta, but then I cam across a beautiful Fusion.

 

It's a 2012 Fusion SEL AWD, 3.0L. Guy is asking $5500 in New Jersey. I think I can get them down to $4500. 

Stacks of Records, Super clean from the pictures so far with the exception of some damage on the front bumper.

149K miles - this is my question. I know these 3L's are good engines.... does the mileage worry anyone? It has great service records with regular full synthetic oil changes. Any other issues I should be aware about or maintenance?

 

Hi Fred and welcome to the Ford Fusion Forum. That amount of mileage is nothing to worry about, if the vehicle has been well maintained and taken care of.

And there is nothing in particular to look for, other than the normal due diligence we all need to perform when purchasing a used vehicle, some of which you have already done.

 

-Ask for all maintenance records. Be wary if there are none or they are spotty.

-Take a long test drive, checking all components, transmission, brakes, steering, climate control, audio system, SYNC etc. etc.

-Check the engine bay and under the vehicle for leaks. If the engine bay or under-body looks suspiciously clean, be wary. If it was recently cleaned, there is a good change it was cleaned to hide previous leaks.

-Check all fluids for level, color, smell etc. Especially the transmission fluid. While there is not really any regular "weak spot" on these cars, perhaps the weakest link is sometimes considered to be the transmission, if not properly maintained and/or abused.

-Check the tires. If they are very worn, that means you will need to replace them soon, so add that to your actual purchase costs (~$800-$1,000).

-If possible, have a shop/tech/mechanic you trust give it a good, professional inspection.

-With an AWD model, ask the tech to check the PTU fluid. Figure on changing that immediately.

-And changing the transmission fluid too, if it has not been changed in more than 50,000 miles. Also spark plugs, if they were never changed (they were due at 100,000 miles).

 

You can download the PDF version of the Owners Manual here: https://www.fleet.ford.com/parts-service/resources/owner-manuals/

 

You can take a look in the Owners Manual at how some of the options and features work, so you know how to test them when you inspect the vehicle. You will also find the Maintenance Schedule, so you know what maintenance should have been previously performed, along with what maintenance (and costs) may be coming up soon.

 

Welcome again, let us know how you make out and good luck.

Edited November 7, 2021 by bbf2530

[Fred77249]

1 minute ago, bbf2530 said:

 

Hi Fred and welcome to the Ford Fusion Forum. There is nothing in particular to look for, other than the normal due diligence we all need to perform when purchasing a used vehicle, some of which you have already done

 

-Ask for all maintenance records. Be wary if there are none or they are spotty.

-Take a long test drive, checking all components, Transmission, brakes, steering, climate control, audio system, SYNC etc. etc.

-Check the engine bay and under the vehicle for leaks. If the engine bay or under-body looks suspiciously clean, be wary. If it was recently cleaned, there is a good change it was cleaned to hide previous leaks.

-Check all fluids for level, color, smell etc. Especially the transmission fluid. While there is not really any regular "weak spot" on these cars, perhaps the weakest link is sometimes considered to be the transmission, if not properly maintained and/or abused.

-Check the tires. If they are very worn, that means you will need to replace them soon, so add that to your actual purchase costs (~$800-$1,000).

-If possible, have a shop/tech/mechanic you trust give it a good, professional inspection.

-With an AWD model, ask the tech to check the PTU fluid. Figure on changing that immediately.

-And changing the transmission fluid too, if it has not been changed in more than 50,000 miles. Also spark plugs, if they were never changed (they were due at 100,000 miles).

 

You can download the PDF version of the Owners Manual here: https://www.fleet.ford.com/parts-service/resources/owner-manuals/

 

You can take a look at how some of the options and features work, so you know how to test them when you inspect the vehicle. You will also find the Maintenance Schedule, so you know what maintenance should have been previously performed, along with what maintenance (and costs) may be coming up soon.

 

Welcome again, let us know how you make out and good luck.

Thanks! Car fax is super clean, original owner I am buying from. has over 30 service records on oil changes and such. Also just had tie rods ends, water pump,  brakes, drive belts and tires all replaced within the last year (verified from CARFAX and owners maintenance records. Why do you think. the water pump got replaced? Are they not internal to the engine on the 3.0L? 

 

Does the transmission have a dip stick that you can check, or is it internal? Also - owner says the car has a slight studder occasionally when accelerating from a dead stop. This common?

[bbf2530]

3 hours ago, Fred77249 said:

Thanks! Car fax is super clean, original owner I am buying from. has over 30 service records on oil changes and such. Also just had tie rods ends, water pump,  brakes, drive belts and tires all replaced within the last year (verified from CARFAX and owners maintenance records. Why do you think. the water pump got replaced? Are they not internal to the engine on the 3.0L? 

 

Does the transmission have a dip stick that you can check, or is it internal? Also - owner says the car has a slight studder occasionally when accelerating from a dead stop. This common?

 

Hi Fred. The 3.5L has an internal water pump. I do not believe the 3.0 does, but am not 100% sure. I am sure another member will jump in to clarify that. 

 

I can only assume the water pump was replaced because it needed to be? Sometimes things happen.

 

How long ago was the water pump replaced? Check for signs of overheating. Any repair orders for blown head gaskets etc.? Not saying there will be, only thinking out loud.

 

The "studder" would not be considered "common". But it would be a good reason to consider a long test drive or two before buying, along with a professional inspection of the vehicle, with emphasis on the transmission. And that also goes back to checking the transmission fluid for signs of discoloration, burnt smell etc.

 

Keep us updated and good luck.

Edited November 7, 2021 by bbf2530

[drolds1]

Welcome, Fred.  In answer to your water pump question, the 3.0 has an external water pump.  As bbf2530 notes, the 3.5 has the internal WP.

[andyross]

Also, double check the rocker panels just in front of the rear tires. They tend to rust out. They may look good just looking at it because the paint has a thick coating to protect from road debris. If you knock or press on it, it may actually be rusted out underneath.

[Fred77249]

On 11/6/2021 at 8:08 PM, bbf2530 said:

 

Hi Fred and welcome to the Ford Fusion Forum. That amount of mileage is nothing to worry about, if the vehicle has been well maintained and taken care of.

And there is nothing in particular to look for, other than the normal due diligence we all need to perform when purchasing a used vehicle, some of which you have already done.

 

-Ask for all maintenance records. Be wary if there are none or they are spotty.

-Take a long test drive, checking all components, transmission, brakes, steering, climate control, audio system, SYNC etc. etc.

-Check the engine bay and under the vehicle for leaks. If the engine bay or under-body looks suspiciously clean, be wary. If it was recently cleaned, there is a good change it was cleaned to hide previous leaks.

-Check all fluids for level, color, smell etc. Especially the transmission fluid. While there is not really any regular "weak spot" on these cars, perhaps the weakest link is sometimes considered to be the transmission, if not properly maintained and/or abused.

-Check the tires. If they are very worn, that means you will need to replace them soon, so add that to your actual purchase costs (~$800-$1,000).

-If possible, have a shop/tech/mechanic you trust give it a good, professional inspection.

-With an AWD model, ask the tech to check the PTU fluid. Figure on changing that immediately.

-And changing the transmission fluid too, if it has not been changed in more than 50,000 miles. Also spark plugs, if they were never changed (they were due at 100,000 miles).

 

You can download the PDF version of the Owners Manual here: https://www.fleet.ford.com/parts-service/resources/owner-manuals/

 

You can take a look in the Owners Manual at how some of the options and features work, so you know how to test them when you inspect the vehicle. You will also find the Maintenance Schedule, so you know what maintenance should have been previously performed, along with what maintenance (and costs) may be coming up soon.

 

Welcome again, let us know how you make out and good luck.

Thanks for the advice. Im finally able to look at the car tomorrow. With more research, I am reading about how diabolical the PTU's can be. With the high miles of this rig, and the probability of the fluid never being changed, do you think it is a walk away? NADA value on the car is 6500, I am getting it for $4500. PTU if I replaced is $1000 for the part (if you can get it) plus a few hours swapping it out yourself. I am already working on trans flush, tune up, etc.... What are your thoughts? 

[bbf2530]

2 hours ago, Fred77249 said:

Thanks for the advice. Im finally able to look at the car tomorrow. With more research, I am reading about how diabolical the PTU's can be. With the high miles of this rig, and the probability of the fluid never being changed, do you think it is a walk away? NADA value on the car is 6500, I am getting it for $4500. PTU if I replaced is $1000 for the part (if you can get it) plus a few hours swapping it out yourself. I am already working on trans flush, tune up, etc.... What are your thoughts? 

 

Hi Fred. My opinion: It is not necessarily "a walk away". You'll find horror stories for every vehicle on the Internet. That is what the Internet has become...lol

 

The PTU's are not "diabolical", if maintained properly and the vehicle was not abused.

 

Do you have a shop/tech you trust that can do a thorough inspection? If yes, have them perform one, put it up on the lift and check the fluid condition.  And of course, give the vehicle a long thorough test drive.

 

Only you can see the vehicle condition (we can't), so if you think you are getting a $6,500 vehicle for $4,500, it would still be worth, it, even if you have to replace the PTU for $1,000 (I haven't checked prices). And if you don't need to replace it, it is really worth it.

 

Again, just my opinion. ?

 

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

[Fred77249]

On 11/16/2021 at 9:16 AM, bbf2530 said:

 

Hi Fred. My opinion: It is not necessarily "a walk away". You'll find horror stories for every vehicle on the Internet. That is what the Internet has become...lol

 

The PTU's are not "diabolical", if maintained properly and the vehicle was not abused.

 

Do you have a shop/tech you trust that can do a thorough inspection? If yes, have them perform one, put it up on the lift and check the fluid condition.  And of course, give the vehicle a long thorough test drive.

 

Only you can see the vehicle condition (we can't), so if you think you are getting a $6,500 vehicle for $4,500, it would still be worth, it, even if you have to replace the PTU for $1,000 (I haven't checked prices). And if you don't need to replace it, it is really worth it.

 

Again, just my opinion. ?

 

Let us know how you make out and good luck.

Update. Went to check the car out and was very disappointed. The engine had oil coming out of both heads/valve cover, water pump was replaced 2X and still was spewing out coolant. Worse part was the car vibrated hard core when accelerating from a stop and hummed.... 

Needless to say I was super disappointed, as the rest of the care was super clean for the year and miles. 

 

NOW...

 

I am on to a 2010 Sport. Kind of a "base" model (no auto temp or heated seats), but $5k for a 100 mile car in decent shape. Anything to look out for on the 3.5L's? 

[bbf2530]

5 hours ago, Fred77249 said:

Update. Went to check the car out and was very disappointed. The engine had oil coming out of both heads/valve cover, water pump was replaced 2X and still was spewing out coolant. Worse part was the car vibrated hard core when accelerating from a stop and hummed.... 

Needless to say I was super disappointed, as the rest of the care was super clean for the year and miles. 

 

NOW...

 

I am on to a 2010 Sport. Kind of a "base" model (no auto temp or heated seats), but $5k for a 100 mile car in decent shape. Anything to look out for on the 3.5L's? 

 

Hi Fred. The only real issue with higher mileage 3.5L's is the fact that it has an internal water pump. So if it needs replacement, you are looking at a major job.

 

Again, if this one passes your initial visual and test drive inspection, I would recommend a full inspection by a shop/tech you can trust.

 

Keep us updated and good luck.