Turbotim88 Posted May 5, 2022 Share Posted May 5, 2022 I'm in a quandary about what to do. Hopefully I can get some constructive advice. Here goes: Three years ago, I bought new a 2019 Ford Fusion SE, AWD, with the 2.0 Eco boost engine. Aside from replacing the original tires at 40,000 miles, I have had basically no problems with the car. Here's my delima. I now have 98,000 miles on the car (yes, I do drive a lot). I am overdue for a new set of tires (I was quoted about $800.00 for a set of 4 at the dealership I bought the car from. Let me explain a little about that. I used to work at this dealership, so I am very comfortable with the service department, and the service manager (a friend of mine) tries to give me the employee discount whenever he can. Also, I have never put brakes on the car! I was told if I keep the car, I should do the following: Cooling system flush Transmission flush Replace spark plugs Fuel injection service 4 tires (possible 4-wheel alignment) Front & rear brakes (pads & rotors) I can have all of this done for about $3500.00 with my "employee" discount. Maybe a little less. I went down to the dealer today to look at buying another vehicle. I was thinking about a 2021 or 2022 Bronco Sport. Even with my Fusion trade-in, the prices are way too much, as I expected. The dealer did offer to buy my Fusion "as is" for $14,000. He knows me and knows my car and that I take excellent care of my vehicles. I am tempted to sell it, but then what? I can't afford another vehicle. I would maybe pick up a "daily driver" from a friend of mine who has a repair garage/used car lot for maybe $1500 to $2000. I love the Fusion, that's why I'm "torn" on what to do. Looking for advice from an impartial source. Thanks! 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted May 5, 2022 Share Posted May 5, 2022 You answered your own question. You can’t afford to sell it and get something else. $3500 is way high - even with $1K for tires I think you’ should only be around $2500. With the average new or slightly used car payment around $500, that’s only 5 payments. Unless you just want something different and don’t mind paying for it, keep it. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbf2530 Posted May 5, 2022 Share Posted May 5, 2022 (edited) 1 hour ago, Turbotim88 said: I'm in a quandary about what to do. Hopefully I can get some constructive advice. Here goes: Three years ago, I bought new a 2019 Ford Fusion SE, AWD, with the 2.0 Eco boost engine. Aside from replacing the original tires at 40,000 miles, I have had basically no problems with the car. Here's my delima. I now have 98,000 miles on the car (yes, I do drive a lot). I am overdue for a new set of tires (I was quoted about $800.00 for a set of 4 at the dealership I bought the car from. Let me explain a little about that. I used to work at this dealership, so I am very comfortable with the service department, and the service manager (a friend of mine) tries to give me the employee discount whenever he can. Also, I have never put brakes on the car! I was told if I keep the car, I should do the following: Cooling system flush Transmission flush Replace spark plugs Fuel injection service 4 tires (possible 4-wheel alignment) Front & rear brakes (pads & rotors) I can have all of this done for about $3500.00 with my "employee" discount. Maybe a little less. I went down to the dealer today to look at buying another vehicle. I was thinking about a 2021 or 2022 Bronco Sport. Even with my Fusion trade-in, the prices are way too much, as I expected. The dealer did offer to buy my Fusion "as is" for $14,000. He knows me and knows my car and that I take excellent care of my vehicles. I am tempted to sell it, but then what? I can't afford another vehicle. I would maybe pick up a "daily driver" from a friend of mine who has a repair garage/used car lot for maybe $1500 to $2000. I love the Fusion, that's why I'm "torn" on what to do. Looking for advice from an impartial source. Thanks! Hi Turbotim. What akirby stated. You have three options, one of which is not really an option. First...you state can not afford a new vehicle, even if you sell your Fusion, so that is not an option. Second...Why would you sell a 2019 vehicle you have owned since new and know is well maintained, in order to buy an unknown daily beater? Third...You can keep your Fusion, which you know is well maintained and well taken care of. You can put a little money into it to bring the scheduled maintenance up to date and be happy. So unless you are strapped for cash and need the extra money selling your Fusion might give you after you buy another "daily driver", keeping your Fusion is the choice that makes sense. And as akirby stated, those maintenance prices seem high. So a few thoughts on that maintenance list: - You don't need the "fuel injection service". Run a few bottles of Chevron Techron though the next few tanks of fuel. And intake tract services are forbidden by Ford for their EcoBoost engines. Does not matter what any Dealership may tell you otherwise. - Does it really need front and rear rotors right now? If it can be put off for while, you can save up for it later. - Yes, the plugs are due to be changed at 100,000 miles, so have that done. Keep in mind, if you want to save money, it can be a DIY job for anyone with basic automotive skills. - Transmission fluid flush/fill is 150,000 miles, but I would have it done now. - Do the coolant flush fill. - Check for competing tire prices at The Tire Rack and Costco (if you are member). Costco is pretty much unbeatable. And although Ford Dealers state they will beat any competitors price, I have found that to be a rather spotty promise. Sometimes they will sometimes they won't. And honestly, no matter how much you trust that Dealership, I would still recommend obtaining competing estimates for the necessary work from other local Ford Dealers, and any local independent shop you trust. Those are all simple jobs that any competent shop can perform. Just be sure your estimates and work Invoices specify to only use genuine Motorcraft parts. Especially the spark plugs. At least double check their prices this first time. If they turn out to be good, then you can rest easier and be more trusting nest time. Let us know how you make out and good luck Edited May 5, 2022 by bbf2530 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turbotim88 Posted May 5, 2022 Author Share Posted May 5, 2022 Thanks for the responses so far. I did forget to mention one thing though. Because I'm now totally out of Ford warranty, I checked with the dealerships F & I (Finance & Insurance) person (again a friend of mine as I've bought soo many cars at this dealership}. I was wondering if there was any kind of "extended" warranty available for my Fusion. Turns out there is something available which would cover major components (battery, a/c compressor, alternator, starter, etc. Available for 1 year at approx. $150.00 per month. Also covers roadside assistance. Did I mention that I have NO car payment, the car is paid off! Just concerned if I keep the car about future component expenses. Thanks again for any opinions. Thanks! 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbf2530 Posted May 6, 2022 Share Posted May 6, 2022 3 hours ago, Turbotim88 said: Thanks for the responses so far. I did forget to mention one thing though. Because I'm now totally out of Ford warranty, I checked with the dealerships F & I (Finance & Insurance) person (again a friend of mine as I've bought soo many cars at this dealership}. I was wondering if there was any kind of "extended" warranty available for my Fusion. Turns out there is something available which would cover major components (battery, a/c compressor, alternator, starter, etc. Available for 1 year at approx. $150.00 per month. Also covers roadside assistance. Did I mention that I have NO car payment, the car is paid off! Just concerned if I keep the car about future component expenses. Thanks again for any opinions. Thanks! Hi Trubotim. $1,800 for only 1 year of coverage, and and only covering major components? That is not worth it, in my opinion. Save the money and if nothing goes wrong in 1 year (very likely) you have just saved yourself $1,800. If something does go wrong, you have $1,800 in the bank to pay for it. And you can get AAA Roadside Assistance for about $100. Let us know how you make out and good luck. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grampy Posted October 30, 2022 Share Posted October 30, 2022 (edited) I generally budget $1000 / year / car to keep my cars in tip top shape.. I rarely use it up. Proper maintenance is money well spent especially with avg cost of a new car >$40K. $800+ for a set of tires that only last 50K.. Too much, shop around $3500 for that routine maintenance.. way too much, these are all things I do myse => dealerships are almost always overpriced => I have learned thru experience, they do not give my cars the care I do. Shoddy work at outrageous prices has driven me away from them for anything except warranty work.. and even then I check everything they touched. >90K on a set of brakes, I don't roll those dice. I am not an advocate of transmission flush, do it correctly, drop the pan, replace the filter. Sell or keep. I generally keep my cars for 20 years and over 200K miles, so my choice is keep. I only violated this rule when I let my '92 F150 go to get a higher towing capacity and better MPG with my '09 F150 (new was $18K + the '92). And I NEVER have car payments, if I can't write a check, I don't buy.. I do not lease or pay finance charges on depreciating assets. Edited October 30, 2022 by Grampy 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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