Buying a car

Tim M

Tim M

PRESIDENT, Member # 015
GCC Member
Location
St. Charles
First Name
Tim
Last Name
Mauldin
Linda and I are buying a new car to replace her aging (2007) CX7 with 96,000 miles. Figure it's better to get rid of it now before things start to go wrong. It's been a very reliable car with little to no issues, other than alignment. So, we went in search this weekend and have narrowed it down to a Mazda 6 and a Kia Optima. Very similar cars, the Kia does get a higher rating, but the Mazda has been selected as a 2014 car to buy. However, we had pretty much settled on the Kia until I did a bit more research and found that the Ford Fusion ranks higher than both of these cars. I've never been a loyal to one brand car owner, however, with car companies needing bailouts using my tax dollars and such, I don't think I will consider an OMV (Obama Motor Vehicle - GM or Dodge). I want to buy an "american" car, but it's difficult at best considering what the foreign manufacturers offer for the dollar as well as fuel mileage.

So, what say you? Any opinions?
http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/ford_fusion_2014

http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/mazda_mazda6_2014

http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/kia_optima_2014
 
Couldn't agree more. That being said, I've ridden in a friend's new fusion titanium edition and I love it. Good power, room, trunk space and decent interior. Just my .02.
 
Mustang V6 is awesome.
Go for the Premium version.
Let her drive one - it's a lot of fun.

I shopped Mazda vs Ford for a friend.
It came down to Fusion vs Mazda6 or Mazda CX5

He bought the Mazda6

Better mileage and power - more features.
The CX5 is the same car in SUV form.
Their engine is excellent.

But, if it was me - go USA.

The Mustang the most American Made car that is made in America - just sayin.
 
We are an all Ford household, have been for a little over a year now and that's how I hope to keep it until the others clean up their act. I was never without a GM car for 25 years going back to my 89 Beretta GT. I don't know what your budget is but if you like the Fusion don't rule out the Taurus. It grew into the full size category in 2010 and offers plenty of space for full size adults.
 
Ford fusion won...assembled in Mexico (thanks George). Looking at and drove a titanium...very nice. At carmax now getting an appraisal done on old car, and found a 2013 that looks promising.
 
Bought a Fusion last night. Got an OK deal, left some money on the table (my fault), but ok with the deal. But, I still suck at car deals. Not patient enough. Take delivery Friday. Car has a 2.0 L Turbo and everything option wise except front park assist, parallel park assist, and lane change assist. One option we found on the Kia that isn't available on this car just yet is cooled front seats. I think we would have bought the Kia had the engine been turbo or had more power and if the passenger seat sat higher (yes, it was that low sitting that it was bothersome). An option that the Mazda had that isn't offered is the headlights turn up to 15 degrees with the steering wheel. That really did help turning corners at night. Fuel mileage, well, we settled for an overall average of 5mpg less than the Kia and Mazda. But, we got other features the others didn't have. Also, THIS turbo engine runs on regular unleaded, not premium. Although full horsepower potential is realized with premium. So, we'll run it on regular to see what type of mileage it get's then switch to premium to see if it really makes a difference.

844159caeb2dc75e4a20220131206060212000_zps769b4fc2.png
 
Nice looking car Tim, everyone I know really like their Ford Fusion.

Rick:)

P.S. We can always try to shoe horn a Big Block under the hood
 
Last edited:
Tim,

We have a Volkswagen CC with the 2.0 turbo. The car recommends premium, but is smart enough to retard the timing if you put regular in to prevent damage. We have taken it on several road trips and have not found a difference in the gas mileage or performance with different grades of fuel. That is a good looking car, ours is a 2010, and the Taurus was too large, and didn't handle well, the fusion was just coming out at that time, or we would have looked at it closer.

I'll look forward to hearing your reports on this car as you drive it more.
 
So far so good. We've taken it to Arkansas twice and get an average of 32mpg on the highway. However, with a strong headwind and the A/C on, we got 26mpg. City is around 22 - 24mpg. Linda loves it. I have no complaints with it either. Very roomy and a comfortable ride for long distance rides. If you are a button pusher, this car has 78 different buttons, I think 24 are on the steering wheel. Oh, and btw, if HD radio is a selling point.....eh, can't tell the difference.
 
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