Which car should we look at?

[WillParkinson]

The Ford Fusion Hybrid




or

A non-hybrid Fusion



There are features the hybrid has that are not available on the other Fusions, but it costs a bit more. I told Paul I thought we'd make it up with gas savings down the road as we mostly drive in the city.

[Rosie1223]

1. I Love My Fusion!

I bought the non-hybrid version because the rebates/special financing were not on the hybrid version. I use E85 to save money on gas.
:hi:

[HopeHoops]

2. I don't know anyone with the hybrid, but I'm yet to hear anything bad about the standard Fusion.

One of the neighbors has one and loves it. He had been a Japanese car guy since the late 70's but nothing they currently have on the market impressed him. The Fusion did. That freaked the hell out of me. His last car was a damn Lexus.

[doc03]

3. Does the gas you save with the hybrid justify

the premium you have to pay over the 4 cyl? Myself I would get the v6, I would rather have the performance.

[doc03]

4. I finally got to see the new Chevy Cruze and was not impressed

It's just bland like the rest of the Chevys. You put the Cruze, Malibu and the Impala together it is hard to see any difference other than the size. I really hope it goes over for the sake of the workers in Lordstown, but it sure doesn't look like the savior GM said it would be.

[TreasonousBastard]

5. Yeah, it costs 4 grand more than the SEL, and more than that...

for the lesser models.

So, lessay you get the SEL with the four giving you around 20MPG city. You drive 15,000 miles a year = 750 gallons. That's $2,250 at 3 bucks a gallon.

The hybrid is supposed to give you 40 city miles, so you use 375 gallons, or $1,125 a year.

In the five years you take to pay for it, you saved $5,625 in gas. So, it could be a wash as far as money goes, after figgering interest rates, down payment amortization, and all sorts of other little things. And how much driving you really do.

Of course, you save a lot more with the hybrid if you planned on getting the 6. And you lose with the hybrid if you get the significantly cheaper S or SE.

Have you looked at the Mercury versions? Mercurys have always cost a little more than Fords, but have nicer appointments and a few more goodies. And usually much more comfortable seats.

[doc03]

6. Another option would be the Lincoln MKZ, in 2011 Lincoln

is not charging any extra for the hybrid. The base price for the MKZ is around $35,000 only about $5,000 more than a Fusion hybrid and it includes a lot more extras, rides better, handles better and has a more upscale interior.

[jobycom]

7. Hybrid. If it's like the Prius, you'll save more money than just on gas.

Specifically, oil and brakes.

Assuming the Ford uses a similar hybrid system, the engine only runs about half the time. It shuts off to run on the electric motor when it can. This means there is less wear on the motor over time, and also that you have to change the oil much less often. I've brought mine in at 5000 miles and had my mechanic tell me I was throwing away money, to come back in another 5000 when the oil showed some signs of being dirty.

The brakes, on the Prius anyway, last unbelievably long, because the car has an engine braking system so that brake pads are only used a fraction of the time you press the brake pedal.

[Taverner]

8. And one thing I learned when my Prius runs out of gas

You get about 10 miles on pure electric to get you to the nearest gas station

[Rabrrrrrr]

9. Which one will best protect you/get you out of the way of a methed up trucker or texting teen?

That's what I'd consider.

[WillParkinson]

10. Or cherry picker?

:-)

[Rabrrrrrr]

11. Yes, that, too!

:rofl: