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We're considering buying a new car, and thinking about a Mazda 6, but also thinking about a Ford Fusion. Anyone out there a Mazda 6 or Ford Fusion owner?? I'm talking about the '09 models - fyi.
You may already know this but just in case you don't... they are basically the same car with different body panels and some differences in feature content here and there. The chassis tuning may be a little different too. I much prefer the styling of the Mazda myself... but in general, they're solid, well-built cars that offer good value for the price.
You may already know this but just in case you don't... they are basically the same car with different body panels and some differences in feature content here and there. The chassis tuning may be a little different too. I much prefer the styling of the Mazda myself... but in general, they're solid, well-built cars that offer good value for the price.
The OP is asking about '09's. The '09 Mazda6 is the revised platform, the '09 Fusion/Milan is the old platform. I think the '10 Fusion/Milan, which are based on the new platform, are available now though.
I agree with Drover. I do not think, however, that the Mazda 6 will come in hybrid, so with gas prices climbing back up and likely to continue oscillating between 4+$ and 2.75$ a gallon, I'd go with a hybrid.
I agree with Drover. I do not think, however, that the Mazda 6 will come in hybrid, so with gas prices climbing back up and likely to continue oscillating between 4+$ and 2.75$ a gallon, I'd go with a hybrid.
To get a hybrid, the OP would need to buy a 2010 model. The old 2009 Fusion, as indicated previously, doesn't come in a hybrid because it is the old model that is based upon the 2003-2008 Mazda6.
To get a hybrid, the OP would need to buy a 2010 model. The old 2009 Fusion, as indicated previously, doesn't come in a hybrid because it is the old model that is based upon the 2003-2008 Mazda6.
FYI - we've pretty much ruled out a hybrid because of cost (and because I hate the Earth). It's just too much up front for our current car-buying budget, and I really don't want to get a teeny tiny hybrid because I work in the fundraising industry (irony, anyone??) and sometimes have to drive VIP donors around.
So, I guess what I'm saying is that I need a decent sized sedan, relatively fuel efficient and inexpensive, with some style (so that it doesn't look like I'm driving an inexpensive car). Everything I've read points me to the Mazda, but I currently drive a Ford (which has been one of the best cars I've ever owned), so I don't want to rule that out.
I'm also looking for a barn-burner deal, which is why we're headed towards the '09 rather than spankin' new '10s. We figured the dealerships will be more motivated to move their '09 stock. I've also heard it's more savvy to go car buying at the end of the month when the dealers are desperate to up their quota numbers before the month closes out. My husband used to be in computer sales, so we know there is a certain amount of truth to that.
The Mazda is built in Michigan and the Ford is built in Mexico. Just FYI.
My 4cyl '03 Mazda6i, bought new, now with about 54K miles, hasn't had any real parts failures. Basic maintenance, the sun visor was replaced under warranty at 1500 miles, it got a new battery last winter just in case, and about a year ago the radio display started losing some pixelation (but it's just a bit so we can't count that as a real "failure" ) and that is it.
Granted that is the old model, but in my experience the model has been reliable. Personally if I was buying new I'd lean toward the Ford because it's still on the old platform. The new 6 got bigger, heavier, etc. I don't want bigger (though the Fusion was stretched and widened over the original 6 anyway)
FYI - we've pretty much ruled out a hybrid because of cost (and because I hate the Earth). It's just too much up front for our current car-buying budget, and I really don't want to get a teeny tiny hybrid because I work in the fundraising industry (irony, anyone??) and sometimes have to drive VIP donors around.
I may address more points of your post later, but know that a Fusion Hybrid is the exact same size as the regular Fusion. It's a standard, mid-sized family sedan just like an Accord or Camry. VIP donors would not be the least bit put out riding in a Fusion, hybrid or otherwise.
That said, there's no getting over the fact that the Fusion hybrid is an expensive ride. Plus as someone mentioned it's not available on the 2009 model.
VIP donors would not be the least bit put out riding in a Fusion, hybrid or otherwise.
I should have clarified - donors in TEXAS, where EVERYTHING is bigger.
The last donor I rode with was in a Ford F150 Extended Cab King Ranch... and the one before that was in a Cadillac Escalade...
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To get a hybrid, the OP would need to buy a 2010 model. The old 2009 Fusion, as indicated previously, doesn't come in a hybrid because it is the old model that is based upon the 2003-2008 Mazda6.
) and that is it. 
