2012 Anything to look out for?

[hybridwannabe]

Hi,

 

I'm considering a very low mileage 2010-2012 Fusion Hybrid. Here is one that I found that's loaded: http://www.sheehyfordwarrenton.com/exotic-used/Ford/2012-Ford-Fusion+Hybrid-4326556c0a0a00020969c96276f7e190.htm?searchDepth=1:1

 

I'm also considering a new 2015/2015 Fusion S. I'm considering new over used because I'll be driving back and forth from East Coast to the Mid West (1100 miles one way) many times over the next few months. I need something absolutely reliable, which the 2015/2016 would be. But I'd save quite a bit with a low mileage 2010-2012. Anything I should be worried about on the earlier models? Is it possible to get an extended warranty on a used out of warranty vehicle? One big ESP site didn't offer this.

 

Thoughts on these two options knowing I'll be driving back and forth so much and half the time in the middle of no where? Thanks for any advice. I may same in another forum as I know this one is slow.

[hybridbear]

Is it possible to find a 1st gen with features like Lane Keep Assist & Adaptive Cruise? I'm pretty sure they were only available on the 2013+ models. I'd maybe look for a used 2013 with Lane Keep Assist & Adaptive Cruise control. Those two options are great for long-distance driving.

[GrySql]

I shopped in my area and out to 500 miles and found a number of loaded Gen 1 FFH's, the low mileage 2012's were priced almost the same as used 2013 FFH's.

Some of the 2012's had the CPO Warranty and of course the 2012 hybrid powertrain has a long warranty all by itself.

 

BTW, that 2012 was built July 20, 2012 so it was one of the last group made, a good thing.

It even has a T145/80D16 spare tire and jack!

Edited May 24, 2015 by GrySql

[jeff_h]

Is it possible to find a 1st gen with features like Lane Keep Assist & Adaptive Cruise? I'm pretty sure they were only available on the 2013+ models. I'd maybe look for a used 2013 with Lane Keep Assist & Adaptive Cruise control. Those two options are great for long-distance driving.

 

Not on the 2010, as I ordered mine with everything possible and it didn't have those -- so I doubt the 2011-2012 did either.

 

To the OP - that Sheehy dealer is only 30 miles up the road from me, if you get serious about that one and want me to check something on it, let me know.

 

Added - looks like this is a past rental car from Massachusetts, see attached window sticker -- not saying that's a disqualifying attribute for all buyers, but it may not have been treated with TLC, who knows...

 

Edited May 24, 2015 by jeff_h

[hybridwannabe]

 

Not on the 2010, as I ordered mine with everything possible and it didn't have those -- so I doubt the 2011-2012 did either.

 

To the OP - that Sheehy dealer is only 30 miles up the road from me, if you get serious about that one and want me to check something on it, let me know.

 

Added - looks like this is a past rental car from Massachusetts, see attached window sticker -- not saying that's a disqualifying attribute for all buyers, but it may not have been treated with TLC, who knows...

 

Window_Sticker_441825.jpg

Thanks for the offer to check it out! I actually took the 90 minute trip from Alexandria, VA today where I'm staying to take a look. As you know it was an absolute perfect day here, so I didn't mind the longish drive nor the Route 66 traffic haha!

 

Stupid question, but how do you know it was a rental car? I don't have my glasses and when I blow up the window sticker, it becomes mush so I can't read it. Is that a sure thing? Does the dealer have to divulge that info if I ask?

 

As for the car, I was very impressed with the exterior condition. I didn't bother getting a sales person to get the keys as I knew I wasn't leaving with it. I probably should have since they were all standing around doing nothing. But I hate that song and dance with them knowing I'm not buying "today". The paint is perfect, and the surface is very smooth all over. Either it's been garaged, just waxed or both. But very impressive if it's a former rental. The interior looked mint, but that's just through the windows.

 

So while it looked great, that's a let down that it might be a former rental. They probably purchased at auction, and probably like $10k or less. I also noticed they lowered the price today after I got home to $15,995. If I can get over the rental issue, I wouldn't even know where to begin to try and get them down to price wise. I doubt they'll go much lower, but I surely don't want to pay their asking price. Any tips on buying a used car from a dealer?

 

I'm on a trip for the next 2 weeks and when I come back, I'm on the road for the rest of the summer. I can't fathom doing all that driving in my Fiesta, so I'm kind of getting desperate. I definitely like the 2013 models better as they had a few new ones, but not sure I like it $5k more! So we will see. I have 2 weeks to ponder and then it's game on for something else or drive the country shoe horned into my Fiesta!

 

Oh, the highway mpg for the 2012 is what 36mpg? Is that realistic or is it less? I'll be highway driving for the most part, so would want that as a minimum. Probably doing 70mph or less except in Texas and those other states! Thanks for any input!

[Hybrider]

You can pull up a high-resolution version of the window sticker using this link below, and even zoom in for better viewing with your PDF app.

 

http://fordlabels.webview.biz/webviewhybrid/WindowSticker.aspx?vin=3FADP0L38CR441825

I'm not sure how Jeff knows it might be a rental from the window sticker.

[jeff_h]

You can pull up a high-resolution version of the window sticker using this link below, and even zoom in for better viewing with your PDF app.

 

http://fordlabels.webview.biz/webviewhybrid/WindowSticker.aspx?vin=3FADP0L38CR441825

 

I'm not sure how Jeff knows it might be a rental from the window sticker.

 

If you look at the list of options, one listed below is the Daytime Running Lights, which I believe were only available on fleet purchases. Then look at the purchasing dealer info on the bottom left (not the very bottom that said it shipped to the dealer in Mass.) where it notes it was sold to ARI in Mt Laurel NJ. I looked at their web site http://www.arifleet.com/services/vehicle_management/ and it may not be a rental vehicle but I believe it was a fleet vehicle, which may have been used by company X and may have been only driven by a handful of company execs or may have been the car that many used for all sorts of purposes, who knows. The car may be fine, my point was just that it is not the traditional type car that was owned by 1 owner. The dealer doesn't have to disclose this, and you may be able to still buy an extended warranty on it for peace of mind as long as it hasn't been 3 years, not sure on the specifics so definitely double-check that if you are interested.

[GrySql]

If you look at the list of options, one listed below is the Daytime Running Lights, which I believe were only available on fleet purchases. Then look at the purchasing dealer info on the bottom left (not the very bottom that said it shipped to the dealer in Mass.) where it notes it was sold to ARI in Mt Laurel NJ. I looked at their web site http://www.arifleet.com/services/vehicle_management/ and it may not be a rental vehicle but I believe it was a fleet vehicle, which may have been used by company X and may have been only driven by a handful of company execs or may have been the car that many used for all sorts of purposes, who knows. The car may be fine, my point was just that it is not the traditional type car that was owned by 1 owner. The dealer doesn't have to disclose this, and you may be able to still buy an extended warranty on it for peace of mind as long as it hasn't been 3 years, not sure on the specifics so definitely double-check that if you are interested.

Jeff is rarely wrong ?

I looked it up too and it was a Fleet purchase. It's still a nice looking car and with the right price and a warranty it is tempting.

Edited May 24, 2015 by GrySql

[hybridwannabe]

Wow thanks for the Magnum PI type investigating! I wouldn't have thought to look that up! Yea they are a fleet service, so it wasn't a regular owner for sure. Maybe not a rental car, but something different than a standard 1 owner personal vehicle. Which stinks and is a red flag. If I wasn't going to drive it so much right off the bat, I probably wouldn't worry about it too much. I did look up extended warranty and surprisingly I can still get one. (Though it's possible the car is still under warranty as it's a 2012??) $1610 for 5yr/75k from Lombard Ford. I believe there is also a warranty on the batteries and drive train that's still good till 100k??

 

I can't remember the name, but there's a service out there that's better than Carfax. I remember it was on 60 Minutes that found damage that Carmax never listed. I may try to find that one and look it up. Gets expensive if you use it on every car though. This is very tempting, especially with the lower price, but also a risk with that red flag. Ugh.

 

Thanks for the info!

[GrySql]

I did look up extended warranty and surprisingly I can still get one. (Though it's possible the car is still under warranty as it's a 2012??) $1610 for 5yr/75k from Lombard Ford. I believe there is also a warranty on the batteries and drive train that's still good till 100k??

Check the ESP price at Flood Ford too.

http://www.floodfordesp.com/index.php

[hybridwannabe]

Check the ESP price at Flood Ford too.

http://www.floodfordesp.com/index.php

Thanks! For Flood Ford, your car has to still be under factory warranty. I tried them first as their reputation and pricing is very popular from what I understand. But a no go. :( Does the factory warranty start when you purchase the vehicle? I guess I can check with the dealer to see if it's still valid.

 

EDIT: Just received the email below.

 

 

I would like to thank you for your interest in a 2012 Fusion Hybrid in our inventory.

 

In answer to your questions the remaining warranties are as follows:

 

Bumper to Bumper: 3months/14,370miles

 

Hybrid: 63months/78,370miles

 

Drivetrain: 27months/38,370miles

 

Emissions: 63months/58,370miles

 

Corrosion: 27months/Unlimited mileage

 

These warranites are based on a starting mileage of 21,630 miles.

 

As far as previous ownership goes, the vehicle has had two previous owners who have been listed as Commercial/Lease. It is not showing use as a Rental vehicle.

 

If you have any other questions please feel free to contact me.

 

So it still have 3 months left with the warranty. That's pretty important. Will probably be sold by the time I get back from my trip!!

Edited May 24, 2015 by hybridwannabe

[hybridbear]

 

Thanks! For Flood Ford, your car has to still be under factory warranty. I tried them first as their reputation and pricing is very popular from what I understand. But a no go. :( Does the factory warranty start when you purchase the vehicle? I guess I can check with the dealer to see if it's still valid.

The 3/36 warranty is from the date the vehicle was sold originally.

Edited May 24, 2015 by hybridbear

[jeff_h]

In addition to Carfax, you can also check the VIN on autocheck,com

[machoman1337]

Copying my reply to another thread:

 

I had a 2008 non-hybrid (purchased in 2012) with these problems:

 

- The flimsy little joystick controller for the side mirrors didn't work on Day 1. Drove back to the used car dealer. They ended up ripping out the control module and replacing it with one from a nearly identical Fusion in the same lot. I wonder if they sold the broken one on that Fusion to another customer... Anyway the 2010-2012 still uses that stupid easy-to-break joystick so better watch out!

- The driver's side heated seat was shorted out. Press the button, the two LEDs (indicating heat level) would flash, then go out. Didn't bother fixing this as it was too expensive. Decided to just suck it up during the winter. If your car comes with heated seats and you actually want to use that feature, watch out for this.

- My car had a moonroof that rattled like crazy. Again, didn't bother fixing. Just played the music a little louder :)

- The stereo was garbage, and I think there was actually a technical fault with the speakers, because it was worse than the stereo in a 2002 Corolla that my driving instructor let me use when I was first learning to drive 7 years ago. Tried adjusting the sound settings on the touch screen (it had nav), didn't help.

- A month after purchase the transmission fluid started leaking because of corrosion from salt. Cost me $220 for a replacement :(. I know you live in Texas, but the car might have been registered in a snowy state in the past, so just inquire about that.

 

For a 2013+ Fusion, you can still have peace of mind with a former demonstrator car (preferably a 2014 over a 2013, but I bought a 2013 and it's fine). Those are likely to have all major issues sorted out, because they're the cars that the dealer wants to let people test drive. It's a world of difference going to the 2013+ model. I was quite agitated when I wasn't able to drive off with the car on the same day I wrote the check (also the same day I did the test drive) because of some procedures they needed to complete. My '08 felt like utter crap for the next 2 days I drove it before I finally dropped it off.