Bay Area Dave Posted May 8, 2011 Share Posted May 8, 2011 Will be buying new shortly. Just not sure about a few items; -Does the 4 cylinder have enough power? (We live on a hill and enjoy mountainous traveling) -FWD or AWD? (We live on a hill and enjoy mountainous traveling) -Any reason to purchase the Sport model? Things I've decided on; -Appearance and Luxury package with rear spoiler. -Rapid Spec 302A/402A Leaning toward Sterling Grey or Steel Blue exterior. Comments appreciated. Dave 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkvir Posted May 8, 2011 Share Posted May 8, 2011 "Does the 4 cylinder have enough power?" The 4 cylinder is adequate in the power department and of course is superior in the MPG department. "FWD or AWD?" Unless you are dealing with alot of ice and snow, FWD will be fine for your needs. "Any reason to purchase the Sport model?" Only if you have to buy a car with the biggest/most powerful engine available (me), and are willing to give up a couple of MPG's. The sport also has the best steering feel (big plus for me) and IMO, looks best. "Leaning toward Sterling Grey or Steel Blue exterior" I like the steel Blue, but color is a matter of opinion. Any fusion you buy will be a big upgrade over your current 1999 Prizm, good luck and welcome to the site. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fusionff Posted May 8, 2011 Share Posted May 8, 2011 I would definitely recommend the 6 cyl over the 4 cyl. The difference in mpg's is not that much, and the V6 is smooth, quiet, and powerful. AWD is only really needed for the snow, in my opinion, and you being from San Francisco would not be necessary. AWD also brings more parts to service and repair down the line (hopefully not though). If I were buying a Fusion today, I would pick the Sport, followed closely by a V6 SEL, front wheel drive on either. Gray or Blue are both great colors, of course I love blue. Any Fusion that you choose will be a nice vehicle to enjoy for a long time. Let us know which you choose. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkvir Posted May 8, 2011 Share Posted May 8, 2011 I would definitely recommend the 6 cyl over the 4 cyl. The difference in mpg's is not that much, and the V6 is smooth, quiet, and powerful. AWD is only really needed for the snow, in my opinion, and you being from San Francisco would not be necessary. AWD also brings more parts to service and repair down the line (hopefully not though). If I were buying a Fusion today, I would pick the Sport, followed closely by a V6 SEL, front wheel drive on either. Gray or Blue are both great colors, of course I love blue. Any Fusion that you choose will be a nice vehicle to enjoy for a long time. Let us know which you choose. Good advice. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toyz Posted May 8, 2011 Share Posted May 8, 2011 I own a Sport and have rented 4 cylinder versions numerous times. I concur that the Sport steering feels better as does the tighter Sport suspension. The 4 cylinder is adequate on "flat lands" but needs to downshift more frequently and this could shorten the life of the transmission if you do a lot of mountainous driving. Also, you might prefer the better handling of the Sport suspension on switchbacks. As the 4 cylinder has lower torque and has to "work harder" on hills, I wonder if the gas mileage difference would be that great? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mutnat Posted May 8, 2011 Share Posted May 8, 2011 One thing to note: I'm not sure if you meant to say that you were planning to get both the Luxury and Sport Appearance packages, but they are in fact mutually exclusive (that is, you can only get one or the other, you can't get both on the same vehicle). Also, be aware that the Luxury package can't be ordered on a Sterling Grey Fusion, and that the Sport Appearance package can't be ordered on a Steel Blue fusion. So, you could have either a Steel Blue with Luxury, or a Sterling Grey with Sport Appearance. Also, the Sport isn't available in either of those colors, you have to pick from Blue Flame, Red Candy, White Platinum, Tuxedo Black, or Ingot Silver. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mutnat Posted May 8, 2011 Share Posted May 8, 2011 I own a Sport and have rented 4 cylinder versions numerous times. I concur that the Sport steering feels better as does the tighter Sport suspension. The 4 cylinder is adequate on "flat lands" but needs to downshift more frequently and this could shorten the life of the transmission if you do a lot of mountainous driving. Also, you might prefer the better handling of the Sport suspension on switchbacks. As the 4 cylinder has lower torque and has to "work harder" on hills, I wonder if the gas mileage difference would be that great? Note that both the 2.5 I4 and the 3.0 V6 come with sport-tuned suspension if you get the Sport Appearance Package, so they are upgraded over the presumably non-sport rented 4 cylinders that toyz has driven. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2011se25 Posted May 8, 2011 Share Posted May 8, 2011 Don't surprise me that the Sport has better steering feel. The 2.5 and 3.0 have electric power steering which I do find a bit "blah" and the sport has a hydraulic power steering which may be tuned for more feel. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
con_fusion Posted May 9, 2011 Share Posted May 9, 2011 The Sport also has the Aisin transmission (a big plus to a lot of us) vs. the 6F35 transmission in the other models. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lifyre Posted May 9, 2011 Share Posted May 9, 2011 If you looking new I'd be buying the Sport just to get the Aisin transmission myself. If you're looking '09 or older I would get the V6 SEL for the hills around the Bay. I have an I4 and while I love it, it would work very hard to handle those especially at the slower city speeds, probably killing gas mileage. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bay Area Dave Posted May 13, 2011 Author Share Posted May 13, 2011 Just got my 2011 V6 Today. Ingot silver with black charcoal interior. Went for the 14L Luxury package (aluminum pedal and V-rated tires). Included the Navigation package. I believe it was one of the last two V6 with the luxury package in the state. What a beauty! Can wait for the next road trip... sorry Budget... Thanks for ALL the input from you all. BAD 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mutnat Posted May 13, 2011 Share Posted May 13, 2011 Congrats, BAD! Please post some pics when you get a chance! 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
candy_red_fusion Posted August 2, 2011 Share Posted August 2, 2011 I just traded in my 2010 SE with the sun and sync and appearance which was a 4cyl. I had it for 8 months. I got tired of the slow 4cyl and got a sport. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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