Shadetree

I have seen a significant increase in mpg when switching to ethanol-free gasoline (E0); over 5-6 fillups it looks like 3-4 mpg. It's hard to find and more expensive, but pays for itself in additional mileage. It is a shame is that we all had access to this wonderful fuel until 2007 when the US Congress got in bed with the corn farmers to make this crappy E10 fuel. They actually are paid a subsidy to make it and then force the retailers to sell it. And it takes more energy to produce a gallon of E10 than is contained in the product. Not to mention it absorbs water and will separate out in 60 days if not used. And now they want to force E15 down our throats, resistance be damned.

Ha ha! that is ironic, but I was referring to the "lines"; it's really just a taste thing. There is still something about the look of Hondas, Toyotas, etc that jumps out at me as "Japanese" (even though the Accord is just about as American as you can get and its bulit in Ohio). What did they say about "the eye of the beholder"....

Question: How long does it take from the time of FFH manufacture until it arrives on a dealer lot? (Not asking about the ordering time; I'm talking from the time of the date sticker in the doorframe until it actually hits the lot). For example, if you buy a car that has a November manufacture date sticker and buy in March, when did it hit the lot?

Google "2013 Ford Fusion" and you can see a ton of info. After looking at those pics we decided we wanted the 2012. Reasons: 1. The console is raised similar to the Taurus. I hate it when my knee bumps the console near the shifter. The console protrusions on the 2013 console aren't even functional; they will just get in the way. 2. The window line looks higher and probably has poorer visibility 3. Engine size reduced from 2.5 liter to 2.0 liter 4. HP reduced from 191 to 185 hp 5. I think it looks like a Hyandai Sonata (not my taste); the current Fusions look more like an American car in my opinion (your opinion may vary) 6. The emergency brake handle is moved to the floor and becomes a pedal. Footroom is reduced. 7. High voltage battery is Lithium-ion instead of nickel metal hydride. The NiMH is a mature proven technology. The Li-Ion has higher energy density. Li-ion is becoming common for pure electric, but you don't really need it for a gas-hybrid, the NiMH is sufficient.

We bought a new 2012 FFH with 501A pkg here in Georgia recently on the X-plan. Cost netted out to be $150 over invoice plus tax, tag, & title. I've bought many cars over the years and that seemes to be a reasonable price considering the FFH does not typically carry any discounts (it is considered a "niche" vehicle, only about 5% of Fusions are hybrid gas-electric). The discounts are based on regions, apparently TX may have something going right now that GA doesn't, but that's OK. The car is fantastic. I am pleased at the torque this car has with only a 2.5 liter engine, and the car is super-quiet. We keep our cars/trucks on average 20 years (I'm not kidding) so I'll report back in 2032. Originally we were thinking the 3.0L V-6, but the smoothness of the Aisin Powersplit tranny won us over (and the suprising torque feels equal to the V-6). By the way, on your X-plan list, why do some of them have a double star next to them? I have not seen this comprehensive list.

Wal-mart sells an aftermarket cargo net for $9.98. It works well in the FFH, is very durable, and doesn't extend above the lower trunk lip if you install it right. I attached the mounting knobs eleven (11) inches off the floor on each side of the trunk just inside the trunk opening on the hard plastic wall. I used the included screws for attachment (instead of adhesive) but I ground the screws off short and dull so they don't puncture anything behind the plastic. Test fit it before you do any work to your car. Works great. No offense, but the Ford version looks ridiculous in that photo! Cheers...