Any Questions... I work at a Dealer

[SteveA27]

Thanks Steve for this opportunity. I have a 2006 Fusion I4 automatic that seems to shift very harshly when its cold. As soon as it warms up the problem is not evident. It almost seems as if the engine is low on power when cold.

 

The dealer could not find any service bulletins etc. Do you know of anything regarding this?

 

Thanks-Sgtcpu

 

Send me a PM with you Vin number and I will see what I can do. I have only heard of the V-6 Tranny shift problems....

[fusionblack]

I need a replacement instrument cluster cause mine went haywire. You have any idea how mush they are?

[SCOTT07AWD]

Steve ,

 

Thanks for looking into the sirius thing for all of us. I will buy from yur dealership if we can determine all the parts needed as well as guidence on instalations. You might want to check what this part is.(7R3T-18C963) I see it on e-bay

]

This is a Satellite Digital Audio Receiver for an audiophile 6disc mp3 radio with sirius. The antenna base is also different for Sirius radio. Hope this helps! Scott

[Fusion0206]

If anyone has any question I can help with, I will try to answer for you. I work at a Ford Dealership in PA??

 

Hi Steve, I have a few questions. There's been a lot of talk and speculation about the future of the Fusion line. What have you heard for MY2008 and beyond? Will we see a 2-door version? Will the Fusion receive the 3.5L engine? What model year is it scheduled to be refreshed?

[SteveA27]

Hi Steve, I have a few questions. There's been a lot of talk and speculation about the future of the Fusion line. What have you heard for MY2008 and beyond? Will we see a 2-door version? Will the Fusion receive the 3.5L engine? What model year is it scheduled to be refreshed?

 

Well in a lot of ways we (dealers) look to the same web sources you guys do. FordMoCo does not tell us much sooner than the tell the public. As for what I see in the 2008 Fusion..... I think the Fusion Hybrid will be out aswell as some minor changes. I have heard that they are working on a Hi Pro Fusion that could go two ways. 1st is the 3.5L with 265+ Hp AWD and the like. 2nd is 2.3L DIT in the Mazda CX7, Speed 3, Speed 6. I think I side more with option 1. Ford says the 3.5L is about the same size as the 3.0L. So stay tuned..... As for the 2 door. I would say not in this body style but maybe in the next. FordMoCo is working overtime on new stuff. The Edge in Dec, The 08 Escape and 08 Superduty Jan 07, The "people mover" end of 07 or 1st part 08, 08 Focus 08 500 and 08 Freestyle with redone body work and the new 3.5L for 500 and freestyle mid 07, New F-150 in 1st part of 08, and a new small car below Focus sometime after that..... At least thats all I know of right now... Steve

[sanford.brad@gmail.com]

Hi. New member to the forum. I found this site by searching GOOGLE for "Ford Sirius" and was linked to this post. I actually own 2006 Zephyr with THX Certified factory nav, but know that many of these parts are very interchangeable between Fusion / Milan / Zephyr (MKZ). All seem to offer Sirius from factory this year, and it looks like the nav system is exactly the same as mine. I found an auction on eBay (with pics) of a 2007 nav system that looks identical to mine (except for color), but am not sure if the connectors for my system are the same.

 

Here are the pics from the auction:

 

 

The last three are for the Sirius tuner that comes with this system, and I was wondering if one of you gentlemen that work for a dealer can do a bit of research and tell me if I can use the same Sirius receiver for my car. (My dealer is a total a $ $, and has offered no help in this matter, whatsoever.)

 

In my search, I came across another auction on eBay: BRAND NEW FORD SIRIUS SATELLITE KIT $0.99 NO RESERVE!! Does this look like it would include everything I would need? Some seem to think this will work, and if it's like other systems, after the factory nav system is "flashed" it will have a new tab with SAT (instead of FM2...and FM1 will become FM).

 

I would def purchase from your dealership if this is in fact possible.

 

Also, "flashing" the factory Nav system...is this something that I could do myself with instructions or would I HAVE to take it to the dealer?

 

Any help you can provide would be GREATLY appreciated!

 

An FYI for you, if you are on the same search and decide to go with aftermarket Sirius with Direct FM Connector, you will need antenna adaptor (both ways) for Chrysler. (This would have saved me time and trouble!)

[SteveA27]

I am not 100% sure but I think you would have to buy a kit from parts that will upgrade your nav unit that you have already. They were about 350 the last time I did one. However there were some 2006's that would it would not work on. Does your navi unit have a button the say AUX?? If so it may be able to take the add on Sat unit. As for this ebay nav unit I do not think it will help you do what you want.

[sanford.brad@gmail.com]

I am not 100% sure but I think you would have to buy a kit from parts that will upgrade your nav unit that you have already. They were about 350 the last time I did one. However there were some 2006's that would it would not work on. Does your navi unit have a button the say AUX?? If so it may be able to take the add on Sat unit. As for this ebay nav unit I do not think it will help you do what you want.

 

Here are some pics from startup:

 

 

 

Then, I got into the menu and remembered the customer service number was in there to order updated discs, and I realized that it would probably have all the info I needed:

 

 

I apologize for picture quality. I took these with my phone so I could bluetooth them to my laptop quickly.

 

If you find a part that will upgrade 6H6T-18K931-AP (Software version 1.020200) to Sirius, I would greatly appreciate it!

[sanford.brad@gmail.com]

Okay, guys and gals....I have found the following....only I have no idea what most of it means. :blush: HA!

 

Actually, I think I've found that Sirius can, in fact, be added to your J2 (or later) Build Fusions...see link below. (And can also be added to my J2 (or later) build Zephyr. Now...how do I check to see what build my car is? (Sorry, newbie here.)

 

http://www.issford.com/SDARS%20tech%20bulletin-1.pdf

 

Also, it looks like maybe the part numbers for harnesses and such are in the cross reference guide listed here....can one of you Dealer-men confirm?

 

http://www.issford.com/issford/radio_guide.pdf

 

Back to the J2 Build question...can you tell from my VIN? 3LNHM261X6R654558 (manufactured 05/06 per door sticker)

 

Also, the installation instructions for DIYers:

 

http://www.issford.com/Sirius%20Satellite%...structions4.pdf

 

Now all I need is for one of you to tell me the exact parts I need (and price if you have it) and I'll be listening to my Christmas tunes on Sirius! :hyper:

[SteveA27]

sanford.brad@gmail.com

The Navi unit in the pic. seems to NOT be Sat ready... Where it says (AM FM FM2 CD) It would say

(AM FM FM2 CD SAT or AUX ) So I don t think it will work for you. As for the Job 1 and Job 2 as it applys to Sirius, it would be Job 1 or Job 2 2007 MY. 2006 MY Fusion Milan Zephyr had Job 1 and job 2 also but had nothing to do with the sound system. As a side note if your Zeph has a small "ramp" below the gas peddel that would make it a job 2 if not its a job 1.

[scottboy]

Good luck to anyone trying to add Sirius ( factory style) . I have a 2007 job2 car which was available with factory sirius. It was not ordered that way though. One would think that I could easily add the factory module myself. Car has roof antenna as well. The factory option is $ 195.00. I have spoken to about 6 dealers and no one knows how to get it done or what parts are needed. Another dealer told me $675.00... I did find a audio shop who thinks he can do it for $350.00.. After so many calls and e-mails I have pretty much decided to do nothing. Ford loses because I don't buy the parts,and also don't fell that great about fords service and after sale support. Sirius loses as I will be keeping $12,95 a month from them. Oh well maybe some day these companys will get there sh** together.. It should not be so hard to spend your money

[sanford.brad@gmail.com]

sanford.brad@gmail.com

The Navi unit in the pic. seems to NOT be Sat ready... Where it says (AM FM FM2 CD) It would say

(AM FM FM2 CD SAT or AUX ) So I don t think it will work for you. As for the Job 1 and Job 2 as it applys to Sirius, it would be Job 1 or Job 2 2007 MY. 2006 MY Fusion Milan Zephyr had Job 1 and job 2 also but had nothing to do with the sound system. As a side note if your Zeph has a small "ramp" below the gas peddel that would make it a job 2 if not its a job 1.

 

My car is definitely a Job2. According to the Visteon Technical Bulletin posted on ISS's website (First link in previous post) the Delphi Sirius units are available for Job 2 2006 MY or later. I was unable to give them a ring today, but will most definitely see if I can make touch with them tomorrow. I also got another update from a distributor that the Delphi units had gone on sale, but in very limited supply. His price was $379.

 

As far as this radio being SDARS ready, it most definitely is. When you get into the factory diagnostics mode, (press "3" and "6" simultaneously), it lists SDARS as one of the options (along with MobilEase and some others). Again, if this is the same as other Ford Factory Nav units, it won't display a SAT tab until a SDARS unit is attached, and then the FM2 tab will become SAT and the FM1 tab will just say FM. Will keep you posted as I learn more.

 

Here's a screen shot of the Diagnostics screen showing SDARS as an option, but that a unit is not attached:

 

 

You're right, scottboy...This is the whole reason Ford is in the trouble they are in...the Lincoln parts deparment personnel and dealership people are nowhere near the caliber that the Cadillac dealer's personnel were. (I traded '06 CTS on the '06 Zeph) My Linc-Merc dealer basically told me that they weren't interested in helping me whatsoever after purchasing my car from them. Cadillac, on the other hand, bent over backwards...and even called ME on occasion to see if there was anything I needed or anything they could help me with or questions they could answer. It's a world of difference! (They were also more than happy to research parts needed for accessories that they got premium price for!) Owning the Cadi felt like royalty...owning the Zeph feels like a red-headed stepchild in comparison. (I'm a redhead...I can say that.) This is my third Ford product, and likely my last. I have had EXACTLY this same experience all three times. ('01 Mustang GT Convertible, '02 Sport Trac, and '06 Zeph) I totally agree...it's a sad day when, as a consumer, you can't find someone willing to help you spend your money!

[akirby]

My car is definitely a Job2. According to the Visteon Technical Bulletin posted on ISS's website (First link in previous post) the Delphi Sirius units are available for Job 2 2006 MY or later. I was unable to give them a ring today, but will most definitely see if I can make touch with them tomorrow. I also got another update from a distributor that the Delphi units had gone on sale, but in very limited supply. His price was $379.

 

As far as this radio being SDARS ready, it most definitely is. When you get into the factory diagnostics mode, (press "3" and "6" simultaneously), it lists SDARS as one of the options (along with MobilEase and some others). Again, if this is the same as other Ford Factory Nav units, it won't display a SAT tab until a SDARS unit is attached, and then the FM2 tab will become SAT and the FM1 tab will just say FM. Will keep you posted as I learn more.

 

Here's a screen shot of the Diagnostics screen showing SDARS as an option, but that a unit is not attached:

 

 

You're right, scottboy...This is the whole reason Ford is in the trouble they are in...the Lincoln parts deparment personnel and dealership people are nowhere near the caliber that the Cadillac dealer's personnel were. (I traded '06 CTS on the '06 Zeph) My Linc-Merc dealer basically told me that they weren't interested in helping me whatsoever after purchasing my car from them. Cadillac, on the other hand, bent over backwards...and even called ME on occasion to see if there was anything I needed or anything they could help me with or questions they could answer. It's a world of difference! (They were also more than happy to research parts needed for accessories that they got premium price for!) Owning the Cadi felt like royalty...owning the Zeph feels like a red-headed stepchild in comparison. (I'm a redhead...I can say that.) This is my third Ford product, and likely my last. I have had EXACTLY this same experience all three times. ('01 Mustang GT Convertible, '02 Sport Trac, and '06 Zeph) I totally agree...it's a sad day when, as a consumer, you can't find someone willing to help you spend your money!

 

 

Correction - you had a great Cadillac DEALER and a crappy Ford/Lincoln DEALER. The mfrs can't control the dealers because of state franchise laws. Ford tried with the Blue Oval Certification program, was sued by the dealers and lost. It's totally hit or miss whether you get a good dealer or bad dealer. There are just as many good F/L/M dealers as there are bad Caddy dealers.

[scottboy]

Correction - you had a great Cadillac DEALER and a crappy Ford/Lincoln DEALER. The mfrs can't control the dealers because of state franchise laws. Ford tried with the Blue Oval Certification program, was sued by the dealers and lost. It's totally hit or miss whether you get a good dealer or bad dealer. There are just as many good F/L/M dealers as there are bad Caddy dealers.

 

I guess all the Ford dealers are crappy in northern NJ, and two have gone out of buisness in the last 6 months,so if ford does not address it I guess more will go out. I would tend to believe that a crappy caddy dealer is much harder to find then a good Ford dealer.

 

So if dealers don't take care of the customer they won't make it. I would even pay a dealer more IF they show value to me in what they do for me. Unless I see value, I do exactly what we all do, shop for the best price and I get what I pay for,and the dealers Margins are low ( if not negitive).. Who wins nobody. I get shit service,dealer doesn't cover overhead,and ford gets a bad review

 

This francise law excuss is not valid. I know there are laws about what they can and can not do. BUT there are an awfull lot of things ford can do to make dealers do things that need to be done. I sell equipment to Dealers who would install it in your home,so I have an understanding of Franchise laws,and how to get dealers to do the right thing. I protect my brand and make sure dealers who I decide can sell my brand,put it in correctly,and represent my brand with honesty and integrety. Ford needs to do some of the same things or they won't make it.

 

I have an 07 Fusion, and I love this car... The only issue is nobody( 6 dealers and Ford) can answer a simple question about adding sirius. A simple question considering that you can get it factory for $195.00. The car is ready and even has the roof antenna. SO when people ask if I like the car I tell them yes BUT make sure you get what you want/need before taking delivery,because nobody will want to take any time to help after the sale is done.

 

The system is broke and if they don't fix it... Chapter 11 will come

[SCOTT07AWD]

Hey SCOTBOY! I'm in northern Ohio, Cleveland area. I can give you a phone number for our local Ford radio center. Electro-sound Techni-car (216)433-1050. They can definitely tell you the price and what you need to get Sirius. They will need to know what stereo system you have, audiophile or not, 6disc mp3, if it has the "AUX" button. Hope this helps you! Scott

[snowman1]

RDS HELP!

 

I hope you can help me...I have an 06 Fusion SE with the Sport Pkg which includes the Premium Sound / 6 disc system (but not the audiophile). My car was built in June 06, and does not have the RDS funtion/feature to my radio. I have read about this annoying problem elsewhere in this forum as well as other Fusion forums. My point is simply that I paid for this, I should have it. It states in the manual that both the Premium and the Audiophile radios have this. Have you experienced this problem at your dealer? My dealer is stonewalling me and telling me my radio doesn't have and isn't supposed to have this function. I hope you can help.

[akirby]

This francise law excuss is not valid. I know there are laws about what they can and can not do.

 

These aren't normal franchise laws. These are specific to automobile dealers and were enacted by the states many years ago to protect their local car dealers from the big, bad manufacturers. They basically give the mfrs no authority over the dealers. I once asked the VP of Lincoln marketing why they didn't just require that every Lincoln dealer carry at least one manual transmission LS and his reply was "because they'd put me in jail." Politics strikes again.

[Fusion0206]

Hi again SCOTT07AWD. On another forum a poster asked if anyone had a "sloshing" noise toward the back of their Fusion. I've also noticed this noise whenever I turn and stop fairly quickly, i.e. into a parking spot. Are you aware of any TSB's on this? (Or did Ford skimp on sound deadening around the gas tank?)

[wjgreen]

Hey this is probably the most useful topic on the forum! anyways... is there a way to take out the stereo so that i can add an R/F adapter on the back of the audiophile system to my subs and amp? If so... how do i do it? Thanks!

[sanford.brad@gmail.com]

Correction - you had a great Cadillac DEALER and a crappy Ford/Lincoln DEALER. The mfrs can't control the dealers because of state franchise laws. Ford tried with the Blue Oval Certification program, was sued by the dealers and lost. It's totally hit or miss whether you get a good dealer or bad dealer. There are just as many good F/L/M dealers as there are bad Caddy dealers.

 

akirby, in no way was I slamming any of the dealerships represented in this forum. The fact that dealership personnel belong to this forum shows their interest in the automobile and it's consumers.

 

However, I will contradict your opinion here... I have owned 9 cars in 8 years. 3 of them have been Ford products. All three were purchased from a different Ford dealer, 2 in Oklahoma, and one in Texas. So, I think it's clear that I'm not being hard on Ford just because I've had one bad dealer.

 

'01 Mustang GT Convertible - With less than 6k miles, I began experiencing problems with convertible top not going up/down. (Isn't that why you buy a convertible...to be able to put the top down?) NO help from dealer, even after taking it in time after time for service.

 

'02 Sport Trac - This thing was approaching Lemon Law status, as it had been in the shop from the day I drove it off the dealer's showroom floor. Premium Audio system problems (which Ford dealerships obviously aren't interested in handling, as all three times I have been sent to some audio install place that they've contracted with for problem resolution and upgrade advice)...Transmission problems (less than 10,000 miles on this vehicle)...etc, which finally led to me getting rid of it in an effort to actually spend some time at my job and not at the dealership. Things got so bad at one point, after the truck had been at the dealer for more than two weeks (with no calls to update me on progress or lack thereof), Ford Motor Credit refunded that month's car payment. When's the last time you heard of that happening?

 

'06 Zeph - In the shop the day after delivery for headliner issues, headliner completely replaced. In the shop for Moonroof issues (still doesn't fit / seal properly). No help with audio upgrade (again, directing me to an outside shop for fitment / parts service - and the outside shop doesn't want to deal with me becuase I'm a retail consumer and not a dealer).

 

I just got better customer service from GM. It's night and day difference. Instead of sending me to the radio shop, maybe they just had me drop my car off at their dealership and they sent it to the shop for me. I realize there is no difference in what transpired (someone other than Mr. Goodwrench worked on my car), but to me as the consumer, I didn't see that back-end part of the business. Also, they gave me a loaner car, whereas Ford contracts through Hertz. Even though Ford picks up the bill for the Hertz rental (only because I bought extended warranty), I still have to pay taxes, insurance, etc. It always costs me something to take my brand-new car in for service at the Ford dealership. GM cleaned my car every time it was in for service (routine or warranty). Ford (and Lincoln) delivers a dirty, smelly car back to me.

 

Are there bad GM dealerships? I'm sure there are...and I'm sure there are people in here more than willing to share their stories. I won't even comment on Chrysler's customer service - wait, not even sure you could call it that. (Again, different dealerships, different states, different cars...so I don't think I'm just making wild generalizations. And even if I am generalizing, doesn't it stand to reason that the vast majority of experience is where generalizations are born?)

 

Maybe GM is not in as much trouble as Ford, but they are still in trouble. All domestic makers are. Now before you jump me for being a liberal foreign-maker proponent, consider that 8 of the 9 cars I've owned have been domestic. I WANT to buy domestic. Maybe I'm old-fashioned that way. (I'm 27, hardly anything I do qualifies as old-fashioned.) But, in my personal experience, Toyota's got 'em all beat. I traded my Sport Trac with less than 15k miles on it for an Avalon (2 years older, with 50k miles on it) and was happy as could be with my decision. My mom now owns that Avalon and won't buy a new one because she likes it so much and we've never done anything to it other than change oil / tires.

 

I find it ironic that the parts content stickers on domestic cars are nearing 70% domestic / 30% foreign parts, and Toyota is nearing 90% domestic parts / 10% foreign (some models). My Avalon was made in Kentucky. Several of my "domestic" cars were made in Canada. It's sad to me that "foreign" makers are having better luck with reliability and higher resale value with a higher ratio of domestic parts. I think that speaks to the quality of parts manufactured in the US. Now, why can't our "domestic" makers use domestic parts and attain the same reliability?

 

Sorry about that tangent, just something I'm hoping can be explained to me.

 

Back to original topic / point: Customer Service - Bottom line is I have experienced MANY dealerships in more than one state. Some New, some Used. My first Cadillac was used (I was 19) and I got treated better by that dealer than ANY other car I've owned. My second Cadillac was brand new (I was 26) and I got the exact same treatment by a different dealer in a different state, selling a completely different product. I am speaking only from personal experience (as I believe Scottboy is) when I say that, across the board, if Ford doesn't figure out a way to gain customer loyalty and boost their customer service skills a bit, they're going to be in grave danger very soon. So you say Ford can't control what it's dealers do, but the owner of those dealerships should be business-savvy enough to know that his bread-and-butter is in consumer loyalty. Treat customers right, and they will buy from you again. (Just like I will return to the Cadillac dealer, because I now realize that price isn't everything...being treated like a valued consumer means more to me.)

 

I'll end by agreeing with you...in my personal experience, there are just as many good F/L/M Dealers as there are bad Cadillac dealers. Both are very few in number.

[Drake]

Anyone know if the Fusion's Nav system or the one in the current Explorer will fit in a 2000 Explorer? Thanks!

[urnews]

Send me a PM with you Vin number and I will see what I can do. I have only heard of the V-6 Tranny shift problems....

 

What V6 tranny problems. We have an '07 SEL AWD V6 with 6-speed automatic. Have there been any problems reported for that configuration? If so, please elaborate.

 

Boz

U R NEWS

Salisbury, MD

 

 

RDS HELP!

 

I hope you can help me...I have an 06 Fusion SE with the Sport Pkg which includes the Premium Sound / 6 disc system (but not the audiophile). My car was built in June 06, and does not have the RDS funtion/feature to my radio. I have read about this annoying problem elsewhere in this forum as well as other Fusion forums. My point is simply that I paid for this, I should have it. It states in the manual that both the Premium and the Audiophile radios have this. Have you experienced this problem at your dealer? My dealer is stonewalling me and telling me my radio doesn't have and isn't supposed to have this function. I hope you can help.

 

Pardon my ignorance, but what is RDS? We have an '07 SEL AWD with the premium radio/6 CD player but no Sirius (didn't want it).

 

Boz

U R NEWS

Salisbury, MD

[akirby]

akirby, in no way was I slamming any of the dealerships represented in this forum. The fact that dealership personnel belong to this forum shows their interest in the automobile and it's consumers.

 

However, I will contradict your opinion here... I have owned 9 cars in 8 years. 3 of them have been Ford products. All three were purchased from a different Ford dealer, 2 in Oklahoma, and one in Texas. So, I think it's clear that I'm not being hard on Ford just because I've had one bad dealer.

 

'01 Mustang GT Convertible - With less than 6k miles, I began experiencing problems with convertible top not going up/down. (Isn't that why you buy a convertible...to be able to put the top down?) NO help from dealer, even after taking it in time after time for service.

 

'02 Sport Trac - This thing was approaching Lemon Law status, as it had been in the shop from the day I drove it off the dealer's showroom floor. Premium Audio system problems (which Ford dealerships obviously aren't interested in handling, as all three times I have been sent to some audio install place that they've contracted with for problem resolution and upgrade advice)...Transmission problems (less than 10,000 miles on this vehicle)...etc, which finally led to me getting rid of it in an effort to actually spend some time at my job and not at the dealership. Things got so bad at one point, after the truck had been at the dealer for more than two weeks (with no calls to update me on progress or lack thereof), Ford Motor Credit refunded that month's car payment. When's the last time you heard of that happening?

 

'06 Zeph - In the shop the day after delivery for headliner issues, headliner completely replaced. In the shop for Moonroof issues (still doesn't fit / seal properly). No help with audio upgrade (again, directing me to an outside shop for fitment / parts service - and the outside shop doesn't want to deal with me becuase I'm a retail consumer and not a dealer).

 

I just got better customer service from GM. It's night and day difference. Instead of sending me to the radio shop, maybe they just had me drop my car off at their dealership and they sent it to the shop for me. I realize there is no difference in what transpired (someone other than Mr. Goodwrench worked on my car), but to me as the consumer, I didn't see that back-end part of the business. Also, they gave me a loaner car, whereas Ford contracts through Hertz. Even though Ford picks up the bill for the Hertz rental (only because I bought extended warranty), I still have to pay taxes, insurance, etc. It always costs me something to take my brand-new car in for service at the Ford dealership. GM cleaned my car every time it was in for service (routine or warranty). Ford (and Lincoln) delivers a dirty, smelly car back to me.

 

Are there bad GM dealerships? I'm sure there are...and I'm sure there are people in here more than willing to share their stories. I won't even comment on Chrysler's customer service - wait, not even sure you could call it that. (Again, different dealerships, different states, different cars...so I don't think I'm just making wild generalizations. And even if I am generalizing, doesn't it stand to reason that the vast majority of experience is where generalizations are born?)

 

Maybe GM is not in as much trouble as Ford, but they are still in trouble. All domestic makers are. Now before you jump me for being a liberal foreign-maker proponent, consider that 8 of the 9 cars I've owned have been domestic. I WANT to buy domestic. Maybe I'm old-fashioned that way. (I'm 27, hardly anything I do qualifies as old-fashioned.) But, in my personal experience, Toyota's got 'em all beat. I traded my Sport Trac with less than 15k miles on it for an Avalon (2 years older, with 50k miles on it) and was happy as could be with my decision. My mom now owns that Avalon and won't buy a new one because she likes it so much and we've never done anything to it other than change oil / tires.

 

I find it ironic that the parts content stickers on domestic cars are nearing 70% domestic / 30% foreign parts, and Toyota is nearing 90% domestic parts / 10% foreign (some models). My Avalon was made in Kentucky. Several of my "domestic" cars were made in Canada. It's sad to me that "foreign" makers are having better luck with reliability and higher resale value with a higher ratio of domestic parts. I think that speaks to the quality of parts manufactured in the US. Now, why can't our "domestic" makers use domestic parts and attain the same reliability?

 

Sorry about that tangent, just something I'm hoping can be explained to me.

 

Back to original topic / point: Customer Service - Bottom line is I have experienced MANY dealerships in more than one state. Some New, some Used. My first Cadillac was used (I was 19) and I got treated better by that dealer than ANY other car I've owned. My second Cadillac was brand new (I was 26) and I got the exact same treatment by a different dealer in a different state, selling a completely different product. I am speaking only from personal experience (as I believe Scottboy is) when I say that, across the board, if Ford doesn't figure out a way to gain customer loyalty and boost their customer service skills a bit, they're going to be in grave danger very soon. So you say Ford can't control what it's dealers do, but the owner of those dealerships should be business-savvy enough to know that his bread-and-butter is in consumer loyalty. Treat customers right, and they will buy from you again. (Just like I will return to the Cadillac dealer, because I now realize that price isn't everything...being treated like a valued consumer means more to me.)

 

I'll end by agreeing with you...in my personal experience, there are just as many good F/L/M Dealers as there are bad Cadillac dealers. Both are very few in number.

 

 

I wasn't trying to slam or promote dealers from either brand. I thought you were blaming Ford in general for a bad dealership experience but in re-reading your post I see that you were saying that your Caddy dealer was much better than your Lincoln dealer so you might prefer to buy a Caddy next time. That's fair.

[snowman1]

RDS is a feature that shows the station name and also the song that's playing and the artist. It's a very minor issue, really, but according to my owners manual my car should have this feature. I've read elsewhere that I'm not the only one with this issue, and some dealers are replacing the radios, some are not. My dealer will not... but they were professional about it. The service mgr pulled up my VIN build info and it shows, remarkably, that there were infact 4 seperate radios put into an 06 Fusion. Early models received either the base single CD system, those who ordered the sport pkg received a 6 disc changer system with upper front door pillar speakers AND the RDS function, and then the Audiophile system was the third. Later year, or job order 2 models, dropped the RDS function from that mid level radio. Go figure. I can live without it, but my 01 Venture van has it, and it is a nice extra. Overall the Fusion is a great car, but after 5 months of ownership I have uncovered a couple of annoyances, like horrid interior lighting at night (but I understand late 07's will have better interior lighting.)

[Dyoct]

....

Overall the Fusion is a great car, but after 5 months of ownership I have uncovered a couple of annoyances, like horrid interior lighting at night (but I understand late 07's will have better interior lighting.)

 

Do you have a moonroof?