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My wife recently got a job promotion which requires a longer commute and we felt that her 2002 Honda Accord with 160k miles wasn't up for the job with its various issues (including the transmission). The Honda has done a great job but she needed something a bit more dependable. My wife didn't want anything expensive or fancy and set the budget for $10k as the most she'd want to spend for her ride. I looked at all of the usual suspects including an older Hyundai Azera, Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Kia Forte, Mazda 6, Mazda 3 etc. But I settled on a 2009 Ford Fusion SEL for $9300 as the best car for the money. User reviews online suggest that the cars are reliable/efficient and the SEL is a well optioned model with leather, heated seats, nav/bluetooth, etc.
Seems like a clean car. How many miles on it and did you get the maintenance records-if not you might want to bring it up to date. Check the manual for required services.
I know that Ford has improved their reliability and the used ones are a good deal. I have bought a 2014 Focus myself (manual transmission) and am curious to see how it will hold up compared to my previous cars.
Yeah the Ford was a better deal as other midsize cars from the Japanese and even Koreans seem to hold their value better. I've read some confidence inspiring user reviews online and people say good things about the 2.3L Duratec as well (engine and transmission are designed by Mazda). The car has 75k miles on it and I'm sure it will do plenty more. The dealer had good records on the car although I'll get it checked out to be safe.
Last edited by iTsLiKeAnEgG; 03-16-2014 at 11:16 PM..
My son drives a 2008 Fusion SEL with the 2.3L. This car has a 5 speed. It has been a solid car. Front rotors warped and had to be replaced at 39K miles. Otherwise just ordinary service and a set of tires. Fuel economy is nothing special since the Fusion is a bit heavy for the 2.3L.
My son drives a 2008 Fusion SEL with the 2.3L. This car has a 5 speed. It has been a solid car. Front rotors warped and had to be replaced at 39K miles. Otherwise just ordinary service and a set of tires. Fuel economy is nothing special since the Fusion is a bit heavy for the 2.3L.
Yeah I'll be happy if it does high 20's highway and a few folks on the forums seem to be getting a bit over 30 although I can't say how they're driving it.
I've read some confidence inspiring user reviews online and people say good things about the 2.3L Duratec as well (engine and transmission are designed by Mazda).
My 2005 Focus ST had that engine. (I think even some Escapes, Rangers, Tributes used it too). I never had any engine problems & it was very peppy with the manual transmission. I had a rental Fusion that I think had that engine & I thought it did well in the heavier, automatic Fusion.
When I went shopping, I was also amazed at how much I could get for my money when I compared the above focus to used Mazda 3's, Corollas, & Civics. I'd probably still be driving the car if I didn't have to use it as part of my job at the time, since using the manual transmission in constant city driving in Seattle annoyed me to death.
Yeah I'll be happy if it does high 20's highway and a few folks on the forums seem to be getting a bit over 30 although I can't say how they're driving it.
We have never seen 30. More like 26-28 on the highway depending on speed.
Not bad at all the SEL is the top trim line for the 2.3 and Standard tranny only the V-6 Auto has optional AWD but man nice car have to say the Fusion s right up their with the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry in terms of reliability and it is a better bang for the buck.. So all in all the Ford Fusion is hard to beat IMO
Been eyeing the 10-13 Lincoln version in the hybrid since they are awfull good deals and in my experience have averaged 32-37 mpg when I drive them.
"Unfortunately" for about 2k$ more **$18-19k** you can also get awful nice, low mileage MKS eco boost. With 350+hp awd and other luxury features not an easy choice even if almost half the fuel economy of the smaller hybrid.
Nice pick up eggman.
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