Topic: Ford of Canada annouinces 2007 Fusion AWD MSRP

[Cord]

There's not a lot of used Fusions out there yet.  So I could only work with what's available.  I doubt the "AWD" and "V6" features will account for that large of a difference though.  The depreciation gap is more likely due to a real or perceived quality difference between the Ford brand and Subaru.  Time will prove me right or wrong.

Doing a quick Canada-wide search of 2006 Fusions shows 54 results. Interesting how you choose to post the cheapest one on there which happens to be $2000 cheaper than the second cheapest one. There over 20 Fusions priced over $26000.

[ScoobyDriver]

It's also interesting how I posted the cheapest Legacy that had close to the same km's.  That was the whole point of my comparison! 

There's not a lot of used Fusions out there yet.  So I could only work with what's available.  I doubt the "AWD" and "V6" features will account for that large of a difference though.  The depreciation gap is more likely due to a real or perceived quality difference between the Ford brand and Subaru.  Time will prove me right or wrong.

Doing a quick Canada-wide search of 2006 Fusions shows 54 results. Interesting how you choose to post the cheapest one on there which happens to be $2000 cheaper than the second cheapest one. There over 20 Fusions priced over $26000.

[ScoobyDriver]

I forgot to mention this fact too.  I was looking at the SEL's since they're the top model.  So reduce your 54 result because it includes SE's.  I was viewing models that had a price listed - reduce your result for thsoe who don't include a price or list a lease price.  I was looking at models that had the KM's listed - reduce your result for all those that don't list the KM's. 

When you take a look at that number I'd say there's not a lot of Fusions to make a direct comparison (54 in all of Canada also seems like not a lot of Fusions to me to begin with).  As for it being the cheapest.  Yes - it is.  You can pay 2k more for the same car.  I'm going to go for the better deal.

It's also interesting how I posted the cheapest Legacy that had close to the same km's.  That was the whole point of my comparison! 

There's not a lot of used Fusions out there yet.  So I could only work with what's available.  I doubt the "AWD" and "V6" features will account for that large of a difference though.  The depreciation gap is more likely due to a real or perceived quality difference between the Ford brand and Subaru.  Time will prove me right or wrong.

Doing a quick Canada-wide search of 2006 Fusions shows 54 results. Interesting how you choose to post the cheapest one on there which happens to be $2000 cheaper than the second cheapest one. There over 20 Fusions priced over $26000.

[MKII]

The Fusions gene pool starts from a $23,000 price level, the Legacy from $28,000 price level. Size wise these vehicles are similar but segment  reality is quite different. The Legacy is playing in the TSX, S40,  level.

When you go on about the depreciation factor, well no sherlock, the consumers perception of Ford in general is at an all time low.

For all the negative I shed on Ford, you have to give them credit for even offering a AWD sedan in this segment. Who would've thought that 10 years ago Ford would be selling a midsize car with AWD in North America.

[Cord]

Top wholesale values as published in Canadian Black Book:

2006 Fusion SEL V6 $22300
2006 Legacy $22600

Looks a lot closer than the approx. $10,000 difference that is being claimed.

[MKII]

Cord what are the 24, 36 & 48 residuals on the Fusion?

[Cord]

For 25,000km/yr

SE: 58, 51, 43
SEL: 57, 51, 43

For 20,000km/yr add 2%

*these are for FWD. AWD residuals n/a yet.

[MKII]

Thanks Cord

[ScoobyDriver]

Interesting numbers.  The resudual on my 36 mo Impreza 20k/yr lease is 50.  Making the residual value 12500.  But if you try finding a used 2003 impreza with 60,000 k on it - good luck finding one for 12500. 

The market will determine what the value is going to be in 2, 3, 4 years - not some pencil pusher.  The Fusion came out in Oct 2005 as an 06 model I believe so we'll see what they're really worth in 24, 36, 48.  Having said this I think Ford's making great strides in improving customer perception of quality and probably in actual quality.  If I was going to buy an AWD Fusion I'd look at a 3 yr lease with that residual value protecting me from hefty depreciation (residual on the AWD might be better - but it's n/a yet according to Cord)) - as long as it was a good rate. The 3-4 yr resudual difference is big.  I got .8% with my Subaru.  I should be able to sell my Impreza privately for more than my resudual if I choose to at the time. 

I could try to buy a 4 year old Fusion if I wait a little...  Or maybe I'd look at an 07 Sebring    They might be giving those away in 4 years.

[Snowman]

For all the negative I shed on Ford, you have to give them credit for even offering a AWD sedan in this segment. Who would've thought that 10 years ago Ford would be selling a midsize car with AWD in North America.

I agree, not many makers in this segment at this pricing. This is one example in Ford’s shift to profitability and establishing a market perception and I applaud them. The true measure of the effort will be in four years so any comments are just speculation.

[Shemp]

I find the fusion to be one of the most attractive cars on the market and have considered purchasing one. My wifes 01 Focus and its amount of problems have left me a little gunshy.that said , after spending quite abit of time driving my in-laws Legacies and hearing about there problems , I would be quite hesitant to purchase one of those also.

[y2chuck]

I drove an 06 Fusion SEL a while back, it's a really nice family car.  My biggest complaint was the engine.  Seemed very sluggish compared to the Mazda6 GT even tho it's the same engine.  The manual shift auto makes a big difference. Otherwise it handled great, rode great, nice interior (albeit a cheaper upper dash plastic) and there is tons of room in it (big trunk, huge back seat with lotsa leg room).

Do they offer any extra content in the AWD model compared to the non-AWD models?

[MKII]

I drove an 06 Fusion SEL a while back, it's a really nice family car.  My biggest complaint was the engine.  Seemed very sluggish compared to the Mazda6 GT even tho it's the same engine.  The manual shift auto makes a big difference. Otherwise it handled great, rode great, nice interior (albeit a cheaper upper dash plastic) and there is tons of room in it (big trunk, huge back seat with lotsa leg room).

Do they offer any extra content in the AWD model compared to the non-AWD models?

No extra content in the AWD variants, only difference is the AWD fuel tank on the ADW is 63l, compared to 66l on the FWD.

[si]

Still no manual tranny?  I'd pass.